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2023 Faculty of Education Year in Review

December 15, 2023

As we celebrate the start of the new year and a new semester, here is a recap of some of the top highlights for 2023.  

Milestones & Celebrations

Celebrating Growth & New Beginnings

On November 2, 2023, the SFU Surrey Counselling Centre celebrated a significant milestone in its 13-year history with the grand opening of its new location and a rebranding to SFU Surrey Community Counselling

Welcoming New Education Dean

On September 1, 2023, Professor Dan Laitsch began his term as the new dean in the Faculty of Education. Dan’s work and scholarship have been based in the social foundations of education and the role professional educators play in advancing a just and equitable society.

Investing in Education: The Faculty of Education Legacy Initiative

In June 2023, the Faculty of Education unveiled the Legacy Gift initiative designating Edmonds Community School as the chosen recipient, as selected by the Class of 2023.

Faculty Stories

Championing French Immersion with Dr. Isabelle Côté

Isabelle Côté, a trailblazer in B.C.’s immersion education and recipient of the National Award for Excellence in French Immersion, shares personal reflections and insights, delving into her work with school districts and her ground-breaking research.

From Acadian Roots to International Recognition

On November 1st, Gino LeBlanc, Director of the Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA) was awarded the insignia of Knight of the l’Ordre des Palmes académiques by the French Republic for his exceptional commitment to the Francophone and Acadian communities in Canada. 

House of Ni’isjoohl Memorial Pole Comes Home after 94 Years

On September 29th, The House of Ni'isjoohl memorial pole returned to its homeland in the Nass Valley in Northwest British Columbia. This initiative was the culmination of a year-long dialogue and close collaboration between the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government (NLG) and National Museums Scotland (NMS).

Amy Parent Honoured with BCHF Award of Merit

On July 22nd, Sigidimnak Noxs Ts'aawit Amy Parent, and the Nisg̱a’a Ni'isjoohl Memorial Pole Rematriation team received the Award of Merit courtesy of the The British Columbia Historical Federation (BCHF) . 

Faculty of Education: 2023 Media Roundup

Media and publications featuring the Faculty of Education faculty, staff, and students in 2023. 

Student & Alumni Stories

From Classroom to the Global Stage: A Journey of Impact by an Education Alumnus

In a significant achievement for educators, Annie Ohana, an SFU Education alumnus, social justice teacher and head of the Indigenous studies department at L.A. Matheson Secondary School, was recognized as a finalist of the Global Teacher Prize at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France on November 8th.

Empowering Change through Language Education: A Journey of Challenges, Resilience, and Inspiration

Embark on a transformative journey alongside Mohammad Alhannash, as he overcomes personal and academic challenges, embraces diverse perspectives, and emerges as an exceptional language educator, leaving an enduring legacy of inspiration and change.

Representation in STEM Matters: A Doctoral Student's Journey

Leaping over one field to another is not an uncommon practice, but for doctoral student Poh Tan, integrating science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), in particular stem cell research, with education and obtaining a second PhD has been a uniquely challenging and rewarding journey.  

Amplifying Student Voices: Land-Based Education Reflections by PDP Students in Francophone Education

Dr. Isabelle Côté's presentation at the ACFAS International Conference in May 2023 offered three Professional Development Program (PDP) students from the Education 400 course a unique opportunity to share their valuable learning experiences in the field of land-based education.

Reflections on the Dr. Marela Dichupa Memorial Graduate Award

Embarking on a profound exploration of art, identity, and the pursuit of social justice, Sandeep Kaur Glover, the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Marela Dichupa Memorial Graduate Award, pays tribute to the indelible legacy of an accomplished artist, educator, and activist.

Virtual Spaces

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Discover the impactful contributions of our faculty towards the collective goal of supporting persons with disabilities, including Inna Stepaniuk and Elina Birmingham, encompassing personalized peer mentorship, advocacy, research, and policy initiatives.

Convocation Virtual Space

Celebrating the achievements of our graduates, the class of 2023, we introduced the Faculty of Education Legacy Gift and the Message Tree. The Virtual Space also features inspiring stories, ceremony photos and videos, and celebratory messages.

Indigenous Education Week

In advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 29, students, faculty, and staff engaged in Truth and Reconciliation initiatives, participating in Sacred Fire Talks and creating Orange Shirt pins. 

World Poetry Day

In honour of World Poetry Day observed on March 21, Education faculty and students shared their poems. 

International Day of Education

Kris Magnusson, Suzanne Smythe, and Gino LeBlanc reflect on and share their commitments to investing in people and prioritizing education for the fifth International Day of Education, celebrated on January 24.

Share Your Story in 2024!

Whether you've achieved academic excellence, made a difference in your community, or embarked on a journey of self-discovery, we want to hear about it. Share your excitement, flaunt your achievements, and unleash your inner educator!

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