Articles by author: Michael Owen

  • Acts of hate have no place in our community

    Friday, June 17, 2022 | By

    Hate, in all its expressions, is unacceptable. The Faculty of Education stands in solidarity with those who experience such hatred and is committed to eradicating anti-Black racism and anti-2SLGBTQIA+ discrimination and oppression.

    The anti-Black racism and anti- 2SLGBTQIA+ acts at Harriet Tubman Public School earlier this week highlight that we must continue to work to confront hate in all its forms. The Harriet Tubman Public School, named for an anti-slavery leader and educator, is an exemplar of diversity, equity and decolonization. The Faculty is proud that many of our Teacher Candidates experience such an inclusive educational community in their program. As educators, we see the power of education to cultivate diverse, equitable, anti-racist, anti-homophobic communities.

    Please the statement below for Brock’s response to these events and resources for students and staff:

  • Dean’s Update to Teacher Candidates

    Tuesday, April 21, 2020 | By

    First, I trust that all are doing well and are taking care socially, emotionally and physically. For Brock University this is an unusual circumstance. Second, there are many questions about grades, spring 2020 convocation, how individuals will complete their practicum, how we enable teacher candidates to meet their minimum Ontario College of Teachers requirements for practicum experiences, access to Additional Qualifications
    (AQ) courses for graduating teacher candidates, and how the requirement for successful completion of the Math Proficiency Test (MPT) will have an impact on licensure requirements. Let me address these and related issues, briefly.Read more

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  • From the Dean’s Desk: Hamilton Campus update

    Tuesday, February 11, 2020 | By

    As you are aware, the Board of Trustees has decided to sell the current Hamilton Campus. There are many reasons for this decision, including the desire to expand our undergraduate and graduate programming in the Hamilton-Burlington-Oakville (HBO) corridor.

    The University is exploring a variety of options for our continued presence in the HBO corridor.

    The senior administration has committed to remain at the current Hamilton Campus until the spring of 2021. The Faculty of Education (FOE) will continue to offer its professional Teacher Education programs at the current Hamilton Campus in the 2020-21 academic year and in the HBO corridor for many years to come.

    As part of our commitment to engaging students, faculty and staff in the process, I invite you to share any questions or concerns with us through the contact form available on the Hamilton Campus page of the FOE website.

    As I receive information about the next steps in the planning process, I will post this information on the FOE website and social media accounts. Updates will also be sent to your Brock email address.

    We remain committed to providing you Ontario’s very best professional education and preparation to be a successful teacher in Ontario and contribute to Ontario’s exceptional school-based learning environments.

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  • Best wishes for 2019

    Thursday, January 10, 2019 | By

    Students in front of Brock University's Welch Hall

    Beginning a new year gives us an opportunity to look ahead to the future.

    For the Faculty of Education, this will be a year of transitions in several key areas.

    Renewing and developing programs

    The Department of Educational Studies is developing a new Bachelor of Educational Studies program for students interested in learning and teaching in non-school environments such as non-for-profit, for-profit, government and post-secondary organizations.

    The Department is also exploring the development of a professional education doctorate (EdD) to respond to domestic and international demands for high quality, professionally-focused programs for educational leaders.

    Our existing Bachelor of Education (BEd) programs are undergoing their periodic review by the Ontario College of Teachers. During this process, we have reflected on the ways the Initial Teacher Education Program, mandated by the province and implemented in 2015, continues our tradition of exceptional teacher education and responds to the diverse learning needs of children in our K-12 systems.

    Building capacity with new tenure track faculty positions

    We will be hiring three new tenure track faculty positions. These will support Faculty renewal and help set the direction of our programs over the next ten to twenty years. The new positions are an opportunity to re-affirm our commitment to faculty equity and diversity while ensuring our programs and research reflect the needs of educators today and tomorrow.

    Refocusing internationalization efforts

    This process includes multiple connected elements. Some of these elements are already in place and others will be rolled out in the upcoming academic year. These initiatives include:

    • Ensuring that the experiences of the Faculty’s international students continue to be positive and result in MPCE and MEd ISP graduates becoming enthusiastic ambassadors for our Faculty in future years
    • Encouraging increased engagement between local and international students to the benefit of both and expanding programs that lead to international students engaging in the local community.
    • Developing professional development modules for international teachers and educational leaders that can be offered on-campus or abroad.
    • Creating options for short-term (one week to a month) and longer-term (a semester or more) study and research abroad opportunities for our students.
    • Infusing international content into our course offerings as appropriate.

    All the best for the New Year.

    Categories: News

  • Fall Convocation 2018

    Friday, October 12, 2018 | By

    Congratulations to our newest graduates and alumni!

    Today the Faculty of Education has 152 new alumni, from our two most recent PhDs to our certificate programs in Adult Education.

    We are very proud of each graduate. They, their family and friends have invested significantly in their success. They have worked diligently in their studies, their practicums and their research. Some, such as Spirit of Brock medal winner Nigel Crosscombe, were recognized with awards. Many have overcome significant hurdles – caring for family members, working full and part-time, or being away from family and friends in their home country and community.

    Graduating from our programs does not mean our relationship ends. It is only one step in a life-long partnership. We look forward to learning about our graduates successes – as teachers and administrators, as scholars and as community leaders. We look forward to welcoming some back into our masters and doctorate programs. And, we look forward to celebrating your achievements.

    To our newest alumni, we wish you all the best as you take your next steps.

    Meet some of our new alumni

     

     

     

     

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  • From the Dean’s desk: Black History Month

    Tuesday, February 27, 2018 | By

    The Faculty of Education joins our colleagues and community partners in remembering and celebrating the history of African Canadians. We recognize and honour the contributions all African Canadians make to our social, cultural and education environments, whether they were born in Canada or have chosen it as their home.Read more

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  • From the Dean’s desk: Chinese New Year

    Tuesday, February 27, 2018 | By

    Chunlei Lu singing at the Brock Maker Challenge in February 2018

    The Faculty of Education wishes our students and colleagues of Chinese heritage a happy new year. We are grateful for the outstanding contributions they make to our Faculty community, whether as international students or members of our faculty and staff.Read more

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