Celebrating 50 years of the Faculty of Education

Faculty of Education Memories

What was it like leading your first class? Who was your favourite instructor? Do you remember the first time you were attacked by a Western goose? We hope you’ll be able to reflect on these memories and more as your browse our webpage of nostalgia! No matter how big or small, we want to hear about some of your favourite moments from your time with our faculty.

Take a look at the memories below or add to the collection yourself by filling out our submission form: https://www.jotform.com/240295507327255

John B. Lee, MAT '85

I am one of the few recipients of an M.A.T. in English, a degree I received in 1985 studying under Philip Linden along with Winn Shell who was in the Dr. of Education program. Since graduating, I received Western's Professional Achievement Award in 2010.

I left full time teaching in 1999, and since then have been writer in residence in several capacities and in many locations, and I have given workshops in elementary and high schools all over the province, and I have been a visiting professor in many universities including Western, U of Windsor and traveling as far afield as Witwatersrand in South Africa where I was a guest of the English Department there. As recently as this past fall I was a visitor at a high school in Windsor.

I continue to be someone who celebrates life long learning. After graduating I carried on a lifelong correspondence with professor emeritus Don Gutteridge with whom I published several books. Although I did not follow the expected path, after receiving an M.A.T. from Western, I certainly cherish the learning I did that year studying under Professor Linden at Althouse. He referred to his year with Winn Shell and me as something of an apotheosis for him, capping a stellar career as a consummate educator.

As for me, I sing the praises of Western and am eternally grateful for my time there both as an undergraduate in Honours English, as a student at Althouse where I studied English and Dramatic Arts, and in my single year in Graduate School with that combined degree in Masters of Education and Masters level English courses with James Reaney. I recently had a brief reunion with my grade 12 English teacher, Walter Cooper, a fellow graduate of Western who went on to a law degree and is a practicing lawyer in London.

Thank you Western.

John B. Lee
Poet Laureate of Brantford, Norfolk County and Canada Cuba Literary Alliance.

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Dave Mitchell, BEd'74

In the spring of 1974, we put on a performance of The Threepenny Opera (Mack the Knife) in the auditorium at Althouse. I played Macheath and Catherine Hertel played Polly Peachum. This was an ambitious undertaking involving a large cast and crew, and many hours of rehearsal time. Attendees paid three cents to see the musical. Sadly, I can't remember the names of the other performers....

Arlene O., BEd '01

I absolutely loved my time at Althouse College! Upon graduating, I worked for the Thames Valley District School Board as a junior grade teacher before leaving Ontario as a result of numerous corporate transfers. I now have certification with the Illinois State Department of Education and the Florida Board of Education.  

My teacher training at Althouse has provided me with an exceptional world renowned education and expertise that allows me to make a full investment into the next generation! I will always be proud of Western's Faculty of Education!

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John S., BEd '94

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Faculty of Education (Althouse College), the broader Western community, and the neighbourhoods along the Thames River and throughout the city of London, Ontario.

From the introduction of the Common Curriculum to the recent revisions of the Ontario Curriculum, I thank the St. George's and Princess Elizabeth Public School communities for welcoming me as a young teacher candidate.  These experiences have translated into a productive career as a Peel District School Board educator for more than 25 years.”

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EdD Class of 2024

All smiles as our Doctor of Education graduates pose for a photo shortly after Autumn 2024 Convocation....

Autumn 2024 Convocation

A day full of celebrations as we witnessed the Convocation of hundreds of students from our graduate programs....