For Lauren Caldwell, the BEd Specialist program offered by Brock was another opportunity to perfect the craft of teaching that she loves so dearly.

The program flashed onto Caldwell’s radar when it launched in 2011 and the Toronto teacher immediately knew it was a perfect fit.

Working at her own pace, and often choosing the flexibility of online courses, Caldwell completed the program and became Brock’s first-ever BEd Specialist graduate at Convocation on Tuesday, June 6.

Her time with the University began in 2006 when she studied Junior and Intermediate Concurrent Teacher Education.

Upon completing her initial degree in 2011, Caldwell moved to Hong Kong to work as a Grade 4 teacher.

During her time overseas, she embarked on her first online additional qualification (AQ) course in special education — part of the BEd Specialist program — in order to help understand specific learning needs in her classroom.

“After my first AQ course, I was hooked,” she said with enthusiasm. “I had set a goal early on in my career that I wanted to learn about each age group of students including primary and senior grades, as well as specialize in ESL (English as a Second Language), special education, and guidance and career studies.”

Caldwell continued her education, completing additional qualification courses in each target area as her career grew and changed.

When she returned to teach in Toronto, she had a new focus on special education.

“It was important for my professional development to continue with my specialist in order to be fully equipped and prepared for the responsibilities of my role as a special education teacher,” she said.

Caldwell has since gone on to work as an ESL teacher and a guidance counsellor.

The BEd Specialist program helped her to gain the confidence needed to take on new roles in education, she said.

“Each AQ course allowed me to learn about specific skills connected with the age of students and supports to implement into the classroom to enhance their learning experience.”

Caldwell was surprised when she learned she was Brock’s first-ever BEd Specialist grad — an honour she plans to wear proudly.

Professor Chunlei Lu, Director of Brock’s Centre for Continuing Teacher Education, said the BEd Specialist program has been a great success since launching in 2011.

“It allows us to provide more options for teachers,” he said of the unique second degree program that is available only to certified teachers.

Brock currently has about 500 students enrolled in the program.

A Specialist designation often opens the door for pay increases and professional promotions, making it a desirable addition to most teachers’ resumés, Lu said.

“Specialists are widely recognized as leaders in the field.”

There are plans to expand the program in the coming years, potentially introducing new additional qualification courses covering various topics of interest in the teaching world.