University of Saskatchewan Fall Convocation News!

I would like to celebrate and honour my four graduate students who convocated with their Master of Education degrees on Tuesday, November 10th.

Jacee Coben

In her master’s program, Jacee’s coursework included a focus on Re/Presenting Families in Schools and Engaging Parents in Teaching and Learning. What she articulated as key learnings from these courses is the power of building and valuing relationships. Jacee did wonderful work in the courses that enabled her to rethink current practices and remake curricular undertakings in ways that emphasized welcoming and hospitality, honoured the diversity of families, and brought teachers, parents, and families closer together. Jacee, thanks for embracing relationships as foundational work!

Kristy Deans-Jarvis

In her master’s program, Kristy designed a rich family activity called, If You’re Not From My Family. Using David Bouchard’s beautiful book, If You’re Not From the Prairie, as a structure, Kristy led families through a process of writing a book about what makes their family unique and special. Each family story shares the home culture of that family, enabling the teacher to come to know the family in deep, meaningful, and relational ways – and in the ways they want to be known. Kristy’s beautiful work has been featured in undergraduate teacher education courses and in PD for inservice teachers. Kristy is currently working with a cohort of former graduate students to write a new book on systematic parent engagement.

Amanda Scott

As a master’s student, Amanda made a significant contribution, co-teaching in an undergraduate teacher education social studies course, and demonstrating how to use play-based inquiry to meet curricular outcomes. It is amazing how Amanda’s Grade 1 students can articulate the curricular outcomes they are working toward in their own words and demonstrate their mastery of them. Amanda has influenced a whole new generation of teachers!

Linda Young 

A residential school survivor and traditional knowledge keeper, Linda produced a powerful video as her master’s project, looking forward to what can be done in education to heal the losses and trauma caused by residential schooling. Watch for news of her video release soon! A lifelong learner, Linda is now a PhD student in the Department of Curriculum Studies. Linda is also serving as an Indigenous mentor and guide to the cohort of former graduate students who are engaged in the development of their book manuscript.