This month marks the beginning, or rather the return, of the Technological Teacher Education program.

The Faculty of Education program relaunched in January after a temporary hiatus, during which the curriculum was updated and a targeted group of students was identified.

The goal was not only to build a “successful and sustainable program,” but to also help form Tech Ed teachers who can positively impact student learning and meet demand seen across the province, said Program Co-ordinator Steven Khan.

In addition to alterations made to ensure the program is consistent and current, emphasis has been placed on limiting the number of in-person classes to increase accessibility.

Students will benefit from more online courses and sessions delivered through Brock’s Sakai-based Learning Management System, which will allow them to continue their day-to-day careers during the program’s four-month study period.

That flexibility has proven to be of critical importance to those working in the trades.

“We are hopeful that participants will appreciate the thought and effort that has gone into bringing a stellar team of instructors and advisors together with many years and varied experience in technological education to guide them through this process of becoming a teacher in today’s classroom,” said Khan.

He believes students will find the program “extremely challenging” as well as both a “rewarding and enriching growth experience.”

There has been increased integration of Technological Teacher Education with other Teacher Education programs.

This will benefit not only the future of Tech Ed, as candidates bring a great amount of knowledge and experience in fields such as science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, but also prospective middle-school teachers who will have a chance to learn from those experiences as well.

Khan offered his thanks to those who worked on the program before its hiatus, particularly the previous Program Co-ordinator Bob Moulton and Dr. Tony DiPetta.

Both were responsible for the work that went into researching, designing and promoting the new program, and providing leadership prior to the relaunch and during the program’s transition, Khan said.

For more information, visit the Technological Teacher Education program webpage.