- Current Students
- Programs
- Programs of Study
- Undergraduate Studies
- Bachelor of General Studies
- Bachelor of Education as a Second Degree
- Minors
- Counselling and Human Development Minor
- Curriculum and Instruction Minor
- Early Learning Minor
- Educational Psychology Minor
- Learning and Developmental Disabilities Minor
- Social Justice in Education Minor
- Elementary Generalist Minor
- Environmental Education Minor
- French Education Minor
- Physical and Health Education Minor
- Secondary Mathematics Education Minor
- Secondary Teaching Minor
- Certificates
- Courses
- Teacher Education
- Professional Diplomas
- Graduate Studies
- Masters Programs
- MA, MEd in Arts Education
- MA, MEd in Counselling Psychology
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Children’s and Young Adult Literature
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Contemplative Inquiry & Approaches in Education
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Ecological Education
- MA, MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Educational Theory and Practice
- M.Éd. dans Curriculum & Instruction: Enseigner et apprendre en français: plurilinguismes, francophonies et éducation
- MA, MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Equity Studies in Education
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Imagination in Teaching, Schooling and Place
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Innovations in Mathematics Education
- MA, MEd dans Curriculum & Instruction: l'éducation en français en contextes de diversité (campus de SFU)
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Place- and Nature-Based Experiential Learning
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Post-Secondary (VCC)
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Science Education and Communication
- MEd in Educational Leadership: Indigenous Resurgence
- MEd in Educational Leadership: Post-Secondary (Surrey)
- MEd in Educational Leadership: Imaginative K-12 Leadership (Surrey)
- MEd in Educational Practice
- MEd in Educational Practice: Indigenous Pedagogy and Indigenous Inquiry
- MEd in Educational Practice: Practitioner Inquiry
- MA, MEd in Educational Psychology
- MEd in Teaching Languages in Global Contexts
- MA, MEd in Educational Technology & Learning Design
- MSc, MEd in Secondary Mathematics Education
- MA, MEd in Teaching English as an Additional Language
- Doctoral Programs
- EdD in Educational Leadership: Leading for Educational Change in the Yukon
- PhD in Arts Education
- PhD in Educational Psychology
- PhD in Educational Technology & Learning Design
- PhD in Educational Theory and Practice: Curriculum and Pedagogy Stream
- PhD in Educational Theory and Practice: Philosophy of Education Stream
- PhD in Languages, Cultures and Literacies
- PhD en langues, cultures et littératies (en français)
- PhD in Mathematics Education
- Areas of Study
- Program Comparision
- Masters Programs
- Programs in French
- Faculty & Research
- Indigeneity
- Community
- About
- News & Events
- Support Us
- Instructor & Staff Resources
- Work With Us
- Contact
Oana Sfat
Year Graduated: 2021
Program/Degree: Professional Development Program
"Take the risk and do not get discouraged. The faculty associates will give you linguistic support for language acquisition and even for lesson planning. There is such a great, supportive community that will help you grow as a student and as a professional.”
From a very early age, Oana Sfat knew exactly what she wanted out of life.
“For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher. It has always been non-negotiable for me,” says Oana.
The teachers she met in high school and during her formative years only encouraged her further.
“They were my role models,” Oana explains. “They challenged and inspired me to be curious and to believe in myself. They still hold a special place in my heart.”
After finishing her bachelor’s degree, Oana applied to SFU’s Professional Development Program (PDP) hoping to finally realize her dream of becoming a teacher.
“Preparing to become a teacher starts long before you enter a program,” she says. “Before applying, I did a lot of research and I think the PDP is one of the best ways for future educators to enter the profession.”
Not one to shy away from a challenge, Oana also decided to complete her teacher education in French, joining the PDP’s increasingly popular module français.
“I chose to do the French module because I wanted to improve my French and practice it at an academic level,” says Oana.
While she admits doing the program in French was initially more demanding and challenging, the decision has paid off.
“French teachers are in high demand with the popularity of French immersion programs. Being able to teach in French is an enormous asset. It’s also given me more professional opportunities like teaching core French, French language in immersion programs, as well as my specialty subjects in French.”
For anyone thinking of doing the PDP in French, Oana says not to hesitate.
“Take the risk and do not get discouraged. The faculty associates will give you linguistic support for language acquisition and even for lesson planning. There is such a great, supportive community that will help you grow as a student and as a professional.”
As for her career, Oana is excited for what the future holds.
“Once I settle into teaching, I want to get my master’s in French education and further my career.”