Acting Dean ’ s Message
students on their learning journey in more authentic and meaningful ways . Teachers are increasingly being asked to do more for the students they teach with fewer resources at their disposal . However , these are not insurmountable challenges . Rather , if faced with determination , passion , and a commitment to beliefs about teaching and learning , teachers are well positioned to do amazing things in their teaching lives .
Dr . Jennifer Tupper , Acting Dean
The fall is an exciting time at the University and the Faculty of Education , as we continue the important work of undergraduate and graduate teacher education . Our first year students are at the beginning of actively considering the complexities of teaching and learning in their education classes and in their first field placements . Second year students will be participating in-service learning opportunities in their Education Core Studies ( ECS ) 200 classes . These opportunities include a myriad of local organizations that support a variety of clientele , including new Canadians , disadvantaged youth , and women entering the work force . Our third year students are working hard to prepare for their pre-internship experience in the winter , and our fourth year students are well into their internship placements . Graduate students are taking classes , writing proposals , conducting research , and engaging in scholarly teaching .
I recall vividly my first fall semester at the U of R a decade ago and the amazing students , staff , and colleagues I worked alongside . Many of the students I taught in that first semester are now accomplished teachers working in a variety of contexts all over the world . It has been wonderful to stay in touch and witness the tremendous contributions these individuals are making to the education of young people . I often ask teacher candidates and graduate students I teach to carefully consider the kind of teacher they are or want to become ; whether they want to be the kind of teacher who transforms the system or the kind that is satisfied with reproducing it . Overwhelmingly ( and to my great relief ), they are on the side of transformation ! Yet this is not always an easy side to be on . We live in a time when the language of accountability places enormous pressures on teachers for such things as “ closing the achievement gap ” or increasing students ’ scores on standardized tests at the expense of educating the whole child and being alongside
The work of teachers is among the most important and challenging work in any society and I deeply appreciate the commitments of the Faculty of Education to providing leadership and support in this respect . This is one of the reasons why I agreed to take on the role of Acting Dean for a year as we launch a national search for a permanent dean and one of the reasons why , 10 years later , I remain in this Faculty , at this University , in this province . I can think of no other place I would rather be in light of the talents , commitments , and contributions of all who walk through our doors . As a Faculty , we continue to support the actualization of treaty education in classrooms throughout the province , work with students to enhance digital literacy , encourage teaching for sustainability , consider how we might foster ethically engaged citizenship , take seriously the challenges of early childhood education , support and grow an aesthetic approach to education , value additional language learning , and the list goes on . Of particular note is this Faculty ’ s commitment to indigenization initiatives in light of the ongoing processes of colonialism that continue to shape teaching and learning in Saskatchewan and throughout the country . In her award winning Master ’ s thesis ( 2014 ), “‘ Just a Pepper in a Bunch of Salt ’: Aboriginal Students ’ Stories of School ,” Heather Findlay , a teacher with Regina Public Schools , calls us to account for the lived experiences of Aboriginal students in unfriendly and uninviting spaces . She argues that moving forward in a good way requires the difficult work of decolonization and indigenization . Nelson Mandela once said “ Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world .” Teachers have this power ; they are educated people who are educators of young people . During my tenure as Acting Dean , I look forward to continued work with faculty , students , staff , and partners in the field as we live our motto of “ Inspiring and Transforming Education .” It is my privilege to serve the Faculty , University and education community in this role .
By Jennifer Tupper
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