It is with great sadness that we convey the sudden passing of Vicki Minhinnick (Olischefski) who was a member of our support staff for many years (1998 to 2008) in the Education Grad Studies Office. Vicki passed away on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at her cottage at Island View.
Vicki began her career at the University of Regina in 1977 as a Clerk in the College of Fine Arts, moving on to positions in Social Work, and then Education where she found her passion. Vicki provided a level of support and compassion not only to students but also her colleagues. She was incredibly valued in her role as Graduate Program Advisor, before retiring in 2008.
Retirement did not suit Vicki, and she quickly returned to her passion of helping others in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in 2008 where she became a mentor and assisted all those around her. Vicki remained a part of the FGSR family and could be found stepping into any role and was always more than happy to help where she was needed.
Vicki’s smile was contagious and her positivity, humor, and compassion for others will reside with all those who knew and loved her forever.
A memorial service for Vicki will be held at the 4 Seasons Sports Palace at 909 Arcola Ave. East from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2018. Rider/Maple Lead wear is encouraged.
Dr. Christine Massing is a successful applicant for McDowell Foundation funding for her study that explores the pre- and post-migration educational experiences of refugee children. The study received $10,000. Co-investigators are Daniel Kikulwe from the Faculty of Social Work and Katerina Nakutnyy—University of Regina Alumna and English as an Additional Language teacher at O’Neill High School, Regina Catholic Schools.
The McDowell Foundation, in funding the project, recognizes the importance of Dr. Massing’s work and the expressed desire to support this research and the contribution it will make to teaching and learning in the province.
The Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Tom Molloy presented the Prairieaction Foundation Youth Leadership Award to the fYrefly in Schools program for the second year in a row! Congratulations to Dr James McNinch, Suzy Yim & Kyla Christiansen for your work in promoting inclusion and acceptance.
Paula Stoker, BEAD prize recipient, Spring 2018 Convocation
Congratulations to Paula Stoker on receiving the Bachelor of Education After Degree (BEAD) Convocation Prize, which was established to encourage and recognize the most distinguished BEAD graduate, with an overall internship rating of “Outstanding” and the highest grade point average in the program.
Paula graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Elementary) with Great Distinction. During her studies in the Yukon Native Teacher Education Program (YNTEP), which is offered in cooperation with Yukon College in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Paula was the recipient of the Academic Silver Scholarship in 2017 and was on the Dean’s List in 2016 Fall, 2017 Winter, and 2018 Winter.
Born and raised in Whitehorse, Paula earned her first degree: Physical Education and Sports Studies from the University of Alberta in 1991. After following her passion for health, sports, and fitness, Paula came to the realization that she is a teacher at heart and that a classroom is where she is meant to be.
When the University of Regina decided to offer a Bachelor of Education After Degree program in cooperation with Yukon College, Paula jumped at the chance to finally become a certified teacher, “I am so very grateful for the opportunity to be able to get my Education Degree without having to leave my family and my Yukon home. Going back to school was a challenge at this stage of my life, but the many hands-on learning experiences in the YNTEP were so valuable and the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from my amazing classmates and teachers made the experience so enjoyable and worthwhile.”
Now that she has her Bachelor of Education, Paula will apply for a Yukon Teaching Certificate and looks forward to the opportunity to use her experience and education as a teacher in Whitehorse.
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Victoria Howe, STF Prize recipient, Spring 2018 Convocation
Congratulations to Victoria Howe (@MissVHowe) on receiving the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) Convocation Prize at the Spring 2018 Convocation. The STF prize recognizes the most distinguished Faculty of Education student, graduating with their first degree, who has an overall internship rating of “Outstanding” and the highest grade point average in the program.
Victoria graduated with a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education with Great Distinction. During her studies, Victoria was the recipient of the Academic Silver Prize in 2016 and 2017. She was on the Dean’s List in 2015 Fall, 2016 Winter, 2016 Fall, 2017 Winter, and 2018 Winter.
Born and raised in Moose Jaw, Victoria attended Lindale and Caronport Elementary schools and graduated from Caronport High School.
Next, Victoria attended the University of Alberta and studied science. However, Victoria soon decided that a career working with children would be energizing and fulfilling. So she returned to Saskatchewan to attend the University of Regina’s Elementary Education program.
Victoria immensely enjoyed her three years in the Elementary program. During these years she engaged in many meaningful learning experiences, created very strong friendships, and grew greatly as an educator.
Her most memorable semester was her internship where she learned just how much teachers do for their students and just how rewarding the teaching profession can be.
While excelling in academics, Victoria’s love for dance and performing led her to join the Roughriders Cheer team. She volunteered on this team throughout her degree and continues to do so proudly. Victoria plans to substitute teach as she works on her Inclusive Education Certificate this upcoming fall. Upon completion of that certificate, Victoria hopes to pursue her Masters in Educational Psychology and then find work near her hometown of Moose Jaw.
The happy faces of some our graduates after years of hard work. Many of the graduates photographed already have teaching jobs! (Move your cursor over the photo below and click on the arrow to see the next photo.)
You will note that some of our students are holding two degrees! We offer select 5-year combined degrees programs in partnership with other Faculties (though it appears at least one of our students did this in 4 years–see tweets below).
We admit high school graduates to our undergraduate Education programs, and we offer After Degree (BEAD) programs for those who already have an accredited degree.
If you have credits from another accredited post-secondary degree program, we will see if they fit into your program as transfer credits.
If you have been internationally teacher educated, and need to become certified to teach in Canada, let us help you find your way back into the teaching profession.
You can now apply all year round, entering your Education program in all new terms.
Four years of 6 (and sometimes 8??) class semesters, summer classes, and waaay too many essays later…I’m finally done both degrees! Yay!! 🎓🎉 pic.twitter.com/6SVWxFBBKO
I’m still beaming after yesterday! Thank you @URFacofEd for an incredible 4 years! I am proud and honoured to have been a part of yesterday! Thank you to my family for coming to celebrate with me! #uredupic.twitter.com/lSk8gmdTpr
Thank you to all my colleagues, mentors, students, professors and family. All of you have been positive influences in my journey as an educator! What a beautiful journey it is. ❤ #AchievingGoals#BEd@URFacofEdpic.twitter.com/zRsXaNMXCa
Congratulations to Christopher on his Convocation from the University of Regina this afternoon. I am so proud of him!He will join me working at Regina Public Schools this Fall. #proudmommapic.twitter.com/xz5MEpaBSn
The cherry on top of an amazing degree was celebrating my convocation with family and friends! Finally starting my dream career! Watch out world, my students and I are out to change you in the best way! pic.twitter.com/XSChwb0NmU
Dr. Alec Couros says, “I’ve been extremely fortunate to have worked alongside passionate students who transform our courses into vibrant communities of learning.” Photo credit: U of R Photography
In this wild connected world, it’s helpful to have a guide.
Dr. Alec Couros is guide, mentor, and technological guru for his students in the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina, as well as youth, corporations, and government ministries, as they navigate the labyrinth of digital literacies, technology integration, and digital citizenship.
“I’m honoured to have received this award,” says Couros, professor of educational technology and media in the Faculty of Education. “This means a lot to me because it recognizes the peer-driven pedagogical approach that I use in my classes. This approach demands a high degree of student participation, and I’ve been extremely fortunate to have worked alongside passionate students who transform our courses into vibrant communities of learning.”
The award, to be presented on June 20 to a total of five educators across Canada during the annual STLHE conference in Sherbrooke, Québéc, recognizes those at the forefront of innovation both within their academic institutions and higher education more broadly.
“These educators are demonstrating significant innovation and inspiring the future of learning. Their achievements are making learning experiences better and enabling students to excel,” said John Baker, President and CEO of D2L, an organization that promotes online learning.
Couros is being recognized specifically for his innovative educational technology-facilitated student engagement assignments, including the #ETMOOC lipdub assignment where creative relationship-building occurs among 12,000 students from different countries. Couros’ students create effective personal learning networks that transcend the boundaries of the course and gain competence using a wide spectrum of educational technology tools, while establishing their online identity.
“Preparing the next generation of teachers is important work, and there are few people in Canada who do it in with the same level of innovation and enthusiasm as Dr. Couros. This award, which recognizes his commitment to using different technological resources and approaches to empower his students, could not be more timely or well-deserved,” says University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vianne Timmons.
This is the latest honour for Couros. He was awarded the University of Regina Teaching Award for Excellence for Innovation in Teaching in 2015.
CONGRESS CONNECTION:
Members of the public are welcome to attend a free presentation by Dr. Couros: Understanding scholarship in a digital world at Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences on Sunday, May 27 from 10:30 a.m. to noon, room 228, Education Building at the U of R. Couros will outline the potential power of engaging in networked forms of scholarship and will provide participants with strategies and tools to assist academics in participating meaningfully in digital spaces.
The spring issue of Education News is now available. Click image to download your copy.
Or download low resolution by clicking here: EdNewsSpring2018finalweb
Hot off the press, Dissident Knowledge in Higher Education, edited by Drs. Marc Spooner and James McNinch, pulls together the papers and discussions presented at the Public Engagement and the Politics of Evidence pre-symposium (2014-2015) and symposium (July, 2015) hosted by the University of Regina. Along with the preface and introduction by Marc Spooner and James McNinch, Dissident Knowledge includes a foreward by Leonardo Zeus, and chapters by Noam Chomsky, Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Yvonna Lincoln, Norman Denzin, Michelle Fine, Budd Hall, Patti Lather, Marie Battiste, Eve Tuck, Sandy Grande, Rosalind Gill, Joel Westheimer, Christopher Meyers and Peter McLaren, which “delve into the effects of colonialism, neoliberalism, and audit culture on higher education” and offer “promising avenues of resistance” (University of Regina Press).
Dr. Marc Spooner and Dr. James McNinch will be hosting a book launch
Sunday, May 27th 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Place: Booth #22, Congress Book Expo, Centre for Kinesiology, University of Regina
All our welcome
Advance Reviews:
“Fueling the current onslaught on higher education is the perfect storm of neoliberalism at its apex, totalitarianism on the rise, and enduring legacies of colonialism, white supremacy, heteropatriarchy, and imperialism. Education has never been guarded from such forces, but nor has it ever been free of contestation, and higher education in particular has long perpetuated injustice even as it seeded revolutions. Such is the searing analysis and nurturing of hope offered by an all-star collection of scholars.” – Kevin Kumashiro, author of Bad Teacher!: How Blaming Teachers Distorts the Bigger Picture
“[A] rich examination of the impact of corporatization of our universities, as well as how they can be reclaimed.” – James Turk, editor of Academic Freedom in Conflict
“This book maps the path toward a university based on ethics and justice rather than corporate needs. It reaches anyone who wants to understand the social, political, and economic trends that define our times.” – William Ayers, author of Teaching with Conscience in an Imperfect World
“The space for dissent and democratic debate is quickly shrinking both in public life and academic institutions. This volume helps readers ask critical and conscious questions about what it means to contend for truth.” – Gloria Ladson-Billings, author of The Dreamkeepers
In the late summer and fall, 4th-year education students participate in Internship Seminars where they will meet the teachers with whom they will be working for the fall term. The interns then go out into schools for the fall term. The number of field experiences in our education programs is a distinctive aspect of our Faculty, and a reason many choose the University of Regina for their teacher-education program.
The following are the Fall 2018 Internship Seminar Dates:
August 22 – 23 (U. of R.)
September 6 – 7 (Travelodge; Regina)
September 13 -14 (Travelodge; Regina)
September 20 – 21 (Travelodge; Regina)
September 27 – 28 (Travelodge; Regina)
(Lunch will be provided both days for all seminars)
It is with great sadness that we convey the sudden passing of Vicki Minhinnick (Olischefski) who was a member of our support staff for many years (1998 to 2008) in the Education Grad Studies Office. Vicki passed away on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at her cottage at Island View.
