Welcome, Teacher Candidates of the Class of 2012!
For 725 new Bachelor of Education students, Thursday, September 1 was the first day of the journey to become a professional teacher.
Chosen from over 4,000 applicants, the teacher candidates were warmly welcomed by Associate Dean Margaret McNay and Dean Vicki Schwean. Dean Schwean welcomed them to the most “noble profession”, advising them that they “have the power to make a difference” in a 21st century classroom, where poverty and domestic violence are the reality in the homes of many children. Dr. McNay further reflected on the challenges and expectations for those in the “sacred role” of a teacher.
Margie Marotta, Principal of Blessed Kateri School, addressed the Primary Junior and Junior Intermediate teacher candidates while Larry Schneider, retired Principal from South Collegiate Institute, spoke to future educators of the Intermediate/Senior grades and those in the Technological Education programs. The afternoon saw Joe Compeau, from the Richard Ivey School of Business, discuss the importance of personal branding as a professional teacher in today’s world of social networking.
Bachelor of Education students begin five weeks of classes on September 6 before taking on their first classroom practicum placement. Congratulations and good luck to all our new teacher candidates!
