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Collaborating to Deliver Instructor Workshop for Nunavut Teacher Education Program
By Vi Maeers , Ainsley Hunt , and Gloria Uluqsi
Co-Chairs of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program ( NTEP ) Professional Development Committee , Mary Flaherty ( EPS instructor , Nunatta Campus ) and Julie Machnaik ( NTEP Liaison , Faculty of Education ), along with three committee members , Gloria Uluqsi ( NTEP Program Manager , Kivalliq / Kitikmeot ), Vi Maeers ( Faculty of Education ), and Ainsley Hunt ( NTEP instructor ), planned a 4-day ( June 6 , 7 , 10 , 11 ) Professional Development Workshop for NTEP instructors that took place at Nunatta Campus , Nunavut Arctic College in Iqaluit .
Elder Annie Tiglik lighting the quilliq
The workshop commenced on June 6 th with a ceremonial lighting of the qulliq by Elder Annie Tiglik , followed by an examination of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit ( IQ ) principles and how to incorporate Inuit beliefs and principles into teaching and learning experiences .
On June 7 th , instructors participated in a 1-day Internship Seminar , designed to build a relationship between interns and cooperating teachers so that open communication would occur throughout the internship . This seminar was presented by Dr . Vi Maeers and Gerry Cozine ( Faculty of Education internship seminar leader ) and prepared instructors
to be internship seminar leaders in their own community . This fall , Year 4 NTEP internship students will be placed in 6 communities : Cape Dorset , Pangnirtung , Qikiqtarjuaq , Pond Inlet , Baker Lake , and Iqaluit .
Gerry Cozine and Dr . Vi Maeers leading an Internship Seminar
Educational Professional Studies ( EPS ) was the focus on June 10 th . Instructors shared teaching practices , examined the new Nunavut K-6 Teacher Planning Guide , discussed changes to EPS courses , and worked in pairs to create “ active learning ” K-6 resources . The group also explored NTEP Online as a virtual space to communicate , collaborate , and build resources to support student learning .
NTEP Instructors discuss changes to Education Professional Studies course
NTEP Instructors creating active learning resources
On June 11 th , the PD focused on community and examined ways for instructors to become a part of the community , ways that NTEP can be promoted in the community , and ways in which the NTEP students can take on leadership roles with children in the community . In the afternoon , University of Regina President and Vice Chancellor , Dr . Vianne Timmons , shared her passion for the importance of community and helped to deepen an understanding of the many ways to be involved . She stressed the difference between being “ of the community ” and being “ for the community ” and facilitated a discussion focused on overcoming the challenges faced by remoteness . Of her experience , Dr . Vianne Timmons says , “ The workshop with our partners at Nunavut Arctic College was very informative , especially learning about the unique challenges that need to be considered when planning educational opportunities in the North . I met many dedicated and amazing educators who are making a difference in the lives of others , and learning from these colleagues was a wonderful experience .”
President Vianne Timmons leading a workshop