Legacy Project 2020

Kyra Sinclair, BEd - Elementary Years (2020)

What was your favourite memory of your experience at the UNBC School of Education?

Choosing just one is hard! My favourite memory would have to be when I presented at WestCast. This was such an incredible experience for myself personally as it proved to me that even as a student, I had valuable ideas and information to share with all educators. It really showed me the power of collaboration and connections.

What did you enjoy most about the UNBC School of Education?

I enjoyed the amount of time we got to spend in classrooms. I really appreciated having classroom observation days before beginning our practicums.

What was unique about the program you took at the UNBC School of Education?

We spent a lot of time learning outside. Our teachers set a great example of flexibility. They might have planned a lesson, but when the right opportunities came up they never hesitated to take it and steer the learning in a new direction. Such a valuable lesson to learn.

If you were to recommend this program at the UNBC School of Education, what would you say?

If you want to learn the value of self, culture, and community to your teaching and learning- then this is the program for you.

What are you doing now since you have finished the program at UNBC School of Education? 

I currently teach grade 2/3 in SD91. I love my job, my school, and the community. I cannot think of a better way to have started my teaching career.

Spencer Kellington, BEd - Secondary Years (2020)

What was your favourite memory of your experience at the UNBC School of Education?

Honestly too hard to choose just one memory. There was some really powerful learning during the two day orientation of my second year. I feel like it authentically set the tone of what the program was going to be (experiential, place-based, transformative). 

What did you enjoy most about the UNBC School of Education?

The community. The smaller cohorts really allowed for us to become a little family. 

What was unique about the program you took at the UNBC School of Education?

Having worked with a number of Teacher Candidates from UBCO, I can safely say that the experience offered by UNBC is truly something unique. From deep, rich discussion with the small cohorts, experiential hands on learning, powerful guest presenters, a wealth of resources, and 17 weeks of practicum experience, UNBC really does stand apart from other schools of education.

If you were to recommend this program at the UNBC School of Education, what would you say?

No hyperbole here: It will change your life.

What are you doing now since you have finished the program at UNBC School of Education? 

Teaching in School District No. 23.

What other comments would you like to make about your experience at the School of Education?

Having worked with a number of teacher candidates from UBCO, I can accurately say that UNBC offers something truly unique.

Jordan Hall, BEd - Elementary Years (2020)

What was your favourite memory of your experience at the UNBC School of Education?

My favourite memory was becoming apart of a community of learners who I could learn from each day. These relationships shaped my ideas and pedagogy as an educator entering the world of teaching in my first year. 

What did you enjoy most about the UNBC School of Education?

What I enjoyed the most about the UNBC School of Education was the relationships I made. I worked with so many individuals who brought different ideas and passions towards the profession of teaching. I learned a tremendous amount from all of them and I am honoured to have these educators as a part of my personal learning network out in the real world of teaching.

What was unique about the program you took at the UNBC School of Education?

This program was unique because of its holistic approach to learning, based in place. We were able to experience real authentic learning all around us and were not constrained to just our classroom at UNBC. This approach to not only teaching about place based learning but actually showing us and allowing us to experience place based learning shows the authenticity and value that the UNBC school of Education holds toward the principles of learning based in place.

If you were to recommend this program at the UNBC School of Education, what would you say?

This program is for any future educator that wants to experience teaching through experiential placed based learning all while fostering their understanding and commitment to inclusive teaching for all. You will be embarking on a wonderful journey with the UNBC school of Education full of like minded educators and students who are 100 percent behind you and your push for success. 

What are you doing now since you have finished the program at UNBC School of Education? 

I am currently a grade 3/4 teacher in School District 57.

Olivia Bruce, BEd - Elementary Years (2020)

What was your favourite memory of your experience at the UNBC School of Education?

UNBC Campus instruction: Interactive hands on learning in Bonnie Fuller's class as well as backwards assessment instruction in Gretchen Vogelsang's class. My final practicum in grade 6/7 was my most enriching experience during the entire program. That is where the real, raw, deep learning happened thanks to my final class and coaching teacher Heather Tandy.

What did you enjoy most about the UNBC School of Education?

My final practicum which was off campus at Hart Highlands Elementary School. I learned so much and developed a lot of deep relationships with my students.

What was unique about the program you took at the UNBC School of Education?

My cohort was extremely culturally rich and the program did a really good job of embracing this. I came out of the program with a much deeper understanding of the first peoples principles than my now colleagues. My understanding of the first peoples principles of learning is what gives me the ability to present on my district's next non-instructional day and share my knowledge.

If you were to recommend this program at the UNBC School of Education, what would you say?

You have the option to be placed in many different practicum experiences that include the catholic school district, a first peoples influenced school (Nusdeh Yoh Elementary), and many different public schools within School District 57. The program may also accommodate your request for an out of town placement depending on your circumstances.

What are you doing now since you have finished the program at UNBC School of Education? 

I am currently a grade 7 teacher at Barlow Creek Elementary in School District 28.

What other comments would you like to make about your experience at the School of Education?

If I could say one thing to future applicants/participants in the BEd program at UNBC it would be this: Take every opportunity you are given and learn as much as you can in the time you are at UNBC. The experience is short and you will only get out of the program what you also put into it. The more you engage in learning opportunities and experiences, the more you will learn.

Jessica Erickson, BEd - Elementary Years (2020)

What was your favourite memory of your experience at the UNBC School of Education?

Place-based learning experiences such as learning at our local park and exploring downtown Prince George. 

What did you enjoy most about the UNBC School of Education?

Connecting with like-minded educators and coming together as a community to support each other. 

What was unique about the program you took at the UNBC School of Education?

The opportunity for authentic learning experiences outside of a traditional classroom setting.

If you were to recommend this program at the UNBC School of Education, what would you say?

The UNBC Education program will set you up for success by providing you with authentic place-based learning and lifelong connections. 

What are you doing now since you have finished the program at UNBC School of Education? 

I am teaching grade 4/5 in School District 57.