Preciousness of Life the Legacy of Dr

KEEPING ALUMNI CURRENT

FALL EDITION 2008 VOLUME 10 NUMBER 1

On the preciousness of life the legacy of Dr. Fawzy Morcos

Centenary and Homecoming Celebrations Past, Present and Future of Education KEEPING ALUMNI CURRENT

Centenary Message from the Dean

With the University of Alberta celebrating its 100th year and our I was deeply touched by the turnout of alumni who came out Faculty celebrating its 65th, I thought it appropriate that the in record numbers to attend our Faculty’s Homecoming events theme of this issue of the Orange be the past, the present and the this past September. I was honored to be your host, and I am future. delighted that so many of you came home to celebrate with us. It was somewhat surreal to hear a story from a teacher who taught Our past 65 years as a Faculty are rich in discovery, innovation in a one-room school house on the prairie and then turn around and boldness. Becoming the first Faculty of Education in Canada to have a conversation with a teacher who is effectively using in 1942 set the stage for us to become leaders in many areas, and sophisticated technology to enhance the learning experience in we are proud of many other “firsts” over the years. her classroom. I will truly treasure the moments of sharing and The article “From Humble Beginnings to International Impact” visiting with all of you. takes us on a journey of the teaching profession in Alberta from Thank you all for your support, and I encourage you to stay in the turn of the century to today and beyond. The story begins touch and to come back and see us when you can. with the under-resourced one-room schoolhouse teacher and ends with a very exciting and realistic view of teachers and educa- Fern Snart, PhD 1979 Dean tion in years to come. THE ORANGE I FALL 2008 3 PAGE

KEEPING ALUMNI CURRENT

FALL EDITION 2008 VOLUME 10 NUMBER 1

ON THE COVER: On the Preciousness of Life: the Legacy of Dr. Fawzy Morcos Dr. Fawzy Morcos, ’85 MEd, talks about his life’s work in obstetrics and gynecology and the changes he inspired in pre-natal education and the pregnancy and birthing process.

FEATURES 5 Past, Present 7 Holding Tests and Future Accountable

From Humble Beginnings Dr. David Slomp, BEd 1998, MEd to International Impact: the 1999, PhD 2007, analyzes the University of Alberta’s Faculty of lessons taught by standardized Education. exams in contrast to the lessons envisioned by the curriculum.

12 Centenary and 20 Making of a Mural

Homecoming Lance Burns speaks about what it Celebrations takes to create a mural that recognizes the Faculty of Education’s The Faculty of Education honors its rich history and inspires future alumni and proud history as part generations. of the University of Alberta.

DEPARTMENTS 19 Education Generations Project 22 Campus Happenings 18 ATA News 23 Alumni Recognition 21 Roger S. Smith Undergraduate 24 Class Notes Research Award The Orange is the Faculty of Education’s alumni magazine. Published twice a year by the Faculty’s Office of External External Relations Director Relations, the Orange is distributed to alumni, friends, faculty, students and staff.

Dean of Education Welcome Fern Snart Executive-Editor/ Note Director of External Relations Neil Hayes This past summer and fall, I have

Editor/ had the opportunity to meet Director of Communications with many staff, students Dawn Ford and alumni. The common bonds and sense of External Relations Team community help increase Production Assistant - Carl Busch the profile of the Faculty. Coordinator External Relations - Desiree Kendrick Development Officer - Sean Mowat It is a privilege to serve the Alumni Relations / Special Projects Officer - Faculty of Education. Ramona McVicker Our staff helps to Graphic Design reconnect alumni Creative Services through our events. We offer ways to give back through donations for special projects such as our Contributing writers and photographers Alberta Teachers’ Association, Lance Burns, CBC Education Clinic that offers much needed counseling and support to hundreds Sports, Dawn Ford, Michael Holly, Gayle Semeniuk, of families each year. To attract our brightest students to come to the U of A Richard Siemens, David H. Slomp, Ryan Smith to become future leaders, we help donors establish scholarships. Often donors Send your comments to: opt to set up bursaries to help students with financial needs. Office of External Relations Faculty of Education To date, we have helped many people celebrate lives well lived through University of Alberta establishing endowments to remember loved ones or celebrate weddings and 4-107 Education North anniversaries. We also celebrate lives reborn through students who receive Edmonton, AB T6G 2G5 funding and we are inspired when we see the students receiving your gifts Tel: 780-492-7755 with such enthusiasm and gratitude. Fax: 780-492-0155 Email: [email protected] We honour the past while building for the future. We feel connected to you www.education.ualberta.ca and welcome you as our extended family. The photos in this issue of The Orange show many hugs, hand clasps and smiles, testimony to the deep kin- ship shared by educators around the world.

Because of your support and encouragement we can continue to build for the future.

Yours truly,

Neil Hayes, BSc. CFRE Director of Development THE ORANGE I FALL 2008 5 PAGE Past, Present and Future

From humble beginnings to international impact: the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Education

By Dean Fern Snart The job description included janitorial tasks The school became a college in 1939; Milton and sometimes even the care of the horses Ezra Lazerte was named as the first director, used as transportation by some of the stu- and pre-service teachers were allowed to As Alberta took its place within dents. They were ill-prepared for the range register directly in an education program. Confederation in 1905, public education of students’ educational needs; students The notion was that the college would edu- reflected society and the economics of the represented a wide range of ability levels, cate those who would become high-school time; the province was predominantly a rural ages, and even spoken languages in the case teachers while preparation for elementary population and agriculture was key. of immigrant children. school teachers would still occur primarily in the Normal Schools. Immigrants to Canada were arriving steadily By 1906, things had begun to change as federal efforts were underway to “settle as the provincial legislature of the new The Faculty opened its doors in 1942 as the the west.” province began to sit in McKay Avenue first Faculty of Education in Canada, and School—Edmonton’s oldest brick school named Lazerte as dean. By the mid-‘40s, Schooling often took place in the famed one- house—and teacher preparation was an early the Normal Schools closed and the U of A room schoolhouses across the prairies; at one agenda item. was given the responsibility of providing time there were over 3,000 in Alberta. teacher education for the entire province. From 1906 through 1945, teacher education The foundation was thus provided for the School attendance was a challenge, as young in Alberta was provided by the Provincial requirement that was initiated in the 1970s, people provided necessary labour on family Department of Education at three Normal that those entering the teaching profession farms. Similarly, since attainment of the “three Schools, located in Calgary from 1906–1945, must have a university degree. Rs” was felt to be an adequate education, Camrose from 1912–1938, and Edmonton, high-school completion was relatively rare. first housed in Corbett Hall, from 1920–1945 The Faculty of Education today is one of (with some interruptions). By 1928, a School the largest and most vital in Canada. With The life of teachers in this era was not to of Education existed at the U of A within the 3,400 undergraduate students, 800 graduate be envied. Those teachers, typically young Faculties of Arts and Science, which allowed students and world class-researchers and women, often found themselves in run-down students to obtain a degree in education teachers as professors, graduates are making schoolhouses and were required to live in if they had previously completed another a difference in educational and profes- similarly neglected teacherages or granaries, degree. sional spheres across the globe. The Faculty’s or even in the school itself. collegial relationship with the profession The Faculty of Education today is one of the largest and most vital in Canada. With 3,400 undergraduate students, 800 graduate students and world class- researchers and teachers as professors, graduates are making a difference in educational and professional spheres across the globe. through the Alberta Teachers’ Association is strong, placing roughly 2,300 student teachers annually with excellent mentor teachers in Alberta classrooms.

The innovative work of education professors and exchange opportunities. In fact, 10 of Educational Policy Studies, and her team, has taken the Faculty to new and exciting international memoranda of understanding provide an historic opportunity for Aboriginal arenas, such that its contribution to the have been signed with institutions across the scholars in Western Canada by creating the public good—locally and globally—can be globe over the past two years to promote opportunity to examine the writings of the increasingly noted. research collaboration and faculty and stu- early Oblate missionaries. The Oblates are dent mobility. partners in this research, and the process is For instance, off-campus collaborative framed as one that will contribute to healing programs provide opportunities for students Further, the Faculty of Education is the only within the context of understanding lan- to obtain U of A Bachelor of Education North American member of a consortium guage and history. degrees by completing two years of study formed by the United Nations Educational, at a home college, with the Faculty of Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Finally, over the past two years the Faculty Education bringing years three and four to (UNESCO) Teacher Training Network for Iraq, has begun collaborative initiatives with the the community. Students are studying in created to assist in rebuilding the educa- health sciences faculties including the joint unique cohorts through Red Deer College, tion system in that country. Fifteen teacher proposal for a master’s degree in health sci- Grande Prairie Regional College, Keyano educators from Iraq visited the Faculty for ences education, offered through the Faculty College, Medicine Hat College and within 17 days of professional development in of Education to practicing professionals who the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program mathematics, science and technology in wish to improve their skills in pedagogy and through Northern Lakes College, Blue Quills November 2007. educational research. First Nations College and Maskwachees Cultural College. Another unique initiative for the Faculty has The University of Alberta’s Dare to Discover been the delivery of a Global Citizenship vision exemplifies the achievements of Through the Faculty’s Education Clinic, over Field Experience course for two groups of 18 Alberta’s early educational pioneers: to 100 graduate students are supervised while undergraduate students in Ghana during the inspire the human spirit through outstanding providing counselling, assessment, reading summers of 2007 and 2008. The co-instruc- achievements in learning, discovery, and and language services to clientele who may tor for the course is Kwasi Ansu-Kyeremeh, a citizenship in a creative community while be unable to access or afford such services professor from the University of Ghana and building one of the world’s great universi- elsewhere. an Ashanti chief who previously received his ties for the public good. The commitment master’s of education degree at the U of A. and personal inspiration of Alberta’s early Student programs have also been enriched teachers, their contextual need for creativity by 50 visiting scholars over the last 18 A little closer to home, the Faculty is and discovery in reaching and teaching the months, including researchers from Australia, leading a Global Citizenship Curriculum students and their families and their ultimate Ireland, South Africa, South Korea, China, Development initiative, which involves all 18 contribution to the public good, suggest Ukraine, South America and the United faculties across campus. that these were pioneering professionals of States. The Faculty’s international exposure whom the first President of the University of reached China in October of 2007 when a As one example of many national research Alberta, Henry Marshall Tory, and the current Faculty delegation visited universities and programs, a Community University Research President, Indira Samarasekera, would be national research organizations in the Far Alliance (CURA) award has helped Cora equally proud. East to embark on research collaborations Weber-Pillwax, a professor in the Department THE ORANGE I FALL 2008 7 PAGE Holding tests accountable

By David H. Slomp

What pedagogical choices do teachers make when they find themselves trapped between a curriculum that expresses one set of learning objectives and a high-stakes standardized exam that values a conflicting set of outcomes? This was the question that floated in the background as I explored, with three* English 30-1 teachers and their eighty students, what impact the English 30-1 diploma exam was exerting on their teaching and learning of writing.

Alberta’s Senior High English Language Arts Program of Studies reflects a contemporary, process-oriented approach to teaching writing, one that requires students to engage with their own texts in various stages of development with a view to evaluating and improving those texts. Alberta’s English 30-1 diploma exam, on the other hand, is of each students’ final grade). Anne explains lessons envisioned by the curriculum. designed to assess polished first-draft writ- the conflict related to her pedagogical ing: Polished, because essays are graded on Why does it matter? Alberta’s English cur- choices: matters of organization, correctness, and riculum envisions students who are able to mechanics; first draft, because the exam It is a complete paradox. You can’t do that deconstruct rhetorical situations with a view requires students to complete two essays in right. You can’t say the exam is not a fair to selecting strategies and approaches that three hours—a timeframe that only allows for assessment but I am going to use it any- will help them effectively write for that situ- first draft writing. way. But that is what we do . . . You say, “ ation. It projects a vision of a student writer well, the expectations of the administration, who is flexible in his or her thinking, able to Anne, a teacher participant in this study, and of the parents, and of the students adapt, ready to reconsider first ideas. The describes the disconnect between the exam themselves, is that you prepare me for skill-set defined by the diploma exam, on the and the curriculum: the exam. Okay fine, I can do that, but, other hand, focuses students on mastering a I don’t necessarily feel that [the English personally, I don’t feel that this exam is a single, artificial, rhetorical situation, and on 30-1 diploma exam] is a fair assessment. I fair assessment.” mastering a set of skills that research in com- think the writing component of the diploma position suggests will more likely hinder than In the cases I observed, it was the pressure itself is probably the least indicative of what enhance students’ ongoing development as from administration, parents, students and a student can do: it is pressure writing, it writers. the public that drove teachers to focus their is writing out of context, I mean for all the teaching on the exam. The time is long overdue for Albertans to be- things we teach writing to be, it is not, it is gin a productive discussion about the effects the opposite of everything we want it to be. Because standardized exams define most of standardized assessment (in all subject concretely the knowledge or skills that are Her observation reflects what the past thirty areas) on students and teachers. The public most valued within an educational system, years of research on composition has been discourse suggests that standardized assess- students readily learn the lessons taught telling us: The cognitive disposition and skill- ments promote improvements in teaching by these exams. In addition to the 80 set needed to complete polished first-draft and learning. My research suggests the students who participated in the case study writing in a timed, high pressure environ- opposite might be the case. What is certain, component of my research, 132 students ment is quite different from that required however, is that this little explored issue has from seven schools completed a survey that to complete a paper the way most writers profound implications for the health of our focused on their experiences with writing in write—through a recursive process in which education system. English 30-1. Only 26% of these students initial ideas are refined and polished. reported using a multiple-draft process when Dr. David Slomp is a recipient of this year’s Phi In spite of her critique, Anne, like the completing writing assignments while 58% Delta Kappa and Faculty of Education doc- other two teacher participants in this study, of these students report ‘often’ or ‘always’ toral dissertation award for his thesis entitled taught toward the exam because they felt completing assignments as polished first Trapped Between Paradigms: Composition responsible for ensuring that their students drafts. Clearly, these students are learning performed well on it (the exam is worth 50% the lessons taught by the exam not the Continued on page 10 On the preciousness of life THE ORANGE I FALL 2008 9 PAGE

“Life is life. When you believe in something, you push for it.” the legacy of Dr. Fawzy Morcos

By Dawn Ford

In 1960s London, England while on rounds at psychosomatic medicine.” of his stand, he was steadfast and driven in his a major maternity hospital, Dr Fawzy Morcos mission. It was also in England when he was introduced (’85 MEd) experienced a tragic case wherein to Childbirth Education, prenatal classes and His passion for psychosomatic medicine was an unwed mother gave birth to a still-born the role of the father. further heighted when in 1976 he attended a baby. The head physician who was missing in conference in Minneapolis where the concept action during the trauma later told the woman “It was, as it has developed in the years that of maternal infant bonding was presented. that, “He hoped she’d learned her lesson.” followed, a mix of psycho-social teaching, breathing and relaxation exercises that of “I came home high from Minneapolis and The physician was referring to the fact that course remained a part of my experience was so excited by what I had learned. When I the mother was single, something not openly which I later applied to my practice in became Chief of the Department of Obstetrics accepted in 1964 in London, England. Morcos Canada.” and Gynecology at Edmonton’s Misericordia cites the moment as a major milestone in his Community Hospital in 1977, and with life’s work. Born in Egypt where he graduated from support from nursing staff, my colleagues medical school at Cairo University in 1957, “It was a very cruel statement to make under in ObGyn and administration, we decided Dr. Morcos completed his graduate studies at such circumstances and a defining moment to close the nursery so that healthy babies Edinburgh, Trinity College Dublin and London, for me in determining how I can deal with my would remain with their mothers to enhance England. From 1960-1969 he carried out post- patients.” bonding.” graduate training in surgery and obstetrics and He credits the experience for reinforcing in his gynecology. “This was a coup d’etat which made us all mind the importance of physicians being avail- proud as it was against the perceived wisdom He immigrated to Canada with his wife able when on call and for kindling his interest ‘or lack of it’ that separating the mother from Cornelia in 1969 after accepting an appoint- in psychosomatic medicine in obstetrics and her baby in the early days of life was the prac- ment at the University of Alberta’s Department gynecology. tice at the time.” of Obstetrics and Gynecology as a teaching “Among the duties for Senior House officer fellow and also to conduct clinical trials on This was as revolutionary change as it was was to make rounds of the big 40 bed wards hormone therapy. Here he experienced what the first time in the country that mothers and each morning with the ward sister. It was a he calls a clinical culture shock. their babies were not separated in the early very formal round, like a greeting tour, and days of life. “Obstetricians, regardless of their ranks, were I realized that there was something missing delivering healthy babies to healthy mothers Morcos was also a strong believer in the in the communications with patients,” says at all hours, day or night. ‘Where are the mid- advantages of midwifery and initiated a trial at Morcos who admits to being fascinated in the wives and general practitioners,’ I thought?’ the Misericordia where nurse midwives worked relationship between the psyche and the body And furthermore, why were husbands forbid- alongside obstetricians and cared for about ever since his years of studying and working for den to attend the birth event in the delivery 100 women. his degrees while in the United Kingdom. room?” “I was convinced then and now that midwives “I was young and single and living in the hos- Morcos made it his mission to advocate for have a legitimate role to play and that physi- pital, and I had a lot of spare time, so I began pre-natal classes and to allow husbands to cians and midwives need to work collabora- to return to the wards in the evenings to make participate in the pregnancy and birthing pro- tively. Several provinces requested a report of my own informal rounds. In this way, I began cess. Although some colleagues were critical the study.” to understand the importance and value of “I was convinced then and now that midwives have a legitimate role to play and that physicians and midwives need to work collaboratively.”

He continued to remain actively involved in the time was unsupportive and his initiative relocated with the construction of the south organizing and chairing yearly conferences, is no longer available. wing, it would fulfill his philosophy of care. mainly in Perinatal Care for the Faculty of A recipient of numerous awards including “Life is life. When you believe in something, Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and an Outstanding Physician Award (2000, you push for it.” Gynecology at the University of Alberta. Capital Region) which is bestowed to a fam- Some were focused on psycho-social Other awards received by Dr. Morcos ily physician or specialist with a minimum of problems in obstetrics and gynecology. include: Medical Care Recognition Award, ten years of practice in the Capital Region Another major conference in 1997 included Department of Hospitals, 1985; American as recognition for his outstanding work and “Menopause in a changing world”, co-spon- Medical Association Physician Recognition humility, and Teacher of the year awards sored by the University of Alberta’s Faculty Award, 1987-89 and 1990-93; and Physician (1989-1997 and 1999), Dr Morcos has been of Education. His conferences, a total of 35, Manager Institute Certificate of Achievement, referred to as a critical thinker with an open- were popular and highly attended. October 1992; Achievement Award. minded approach that is all too rare. In 1982, Morcos decided that more informa- After public pressure, the Alberta govern- Above all, he is a strong advocate of family- tion and knowledge were required to under- ment announced that beginning April centered care where medical issues take a stand more deeply the role of psychosomatic 1, 2009, midwifery will be added to the back seat to family wellbeing in an otherwise medicine. He registered with the Faculty of maternity costs covered by the public health healthy pregnancy. He is a powerful believer Education to obtain a masters degree in edu- system in Alberta. in the preciousness of life itself. cational psychology and in 1985 completed Dr. Fawzy Morcos is now retired and living in his thesis which focuses on maternal anxiety Along with other members of his health Edmonton with his family and wife Cornelia, and the newborn. care team, Morcos is credited for his influ- who is a mid-wife. He continues to advocate for ence in ensuring that when the Labour and In 1993, he started the first Menopause his life’s work. Delivery area at the Misericordia Hospital was Clinic in Alberta. However, administration at

Holding tests Faculty of Education accountable Lobby Improvement Continued from page 7 Pedagogy in the Context of a Twelfth Grade Standardized Writing Assessment. This award is granted annually to an outstanding graduate who has completed a PhD or EdD in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. Selection for this award is based on scholarly excellence and preference is given to dissertations of direct relevance to education practice and degrees policy in Canada.

The lobby of the Education Building has To continue showcasing our Faculty’s Dr. Slomp is currently a Post-doctoral Fellow a new feature. For many years, students, proud history, over the next several jointly appointed to the Departments of staff, alumni and guests who entered our months we are evaluating the final design Secondary Education and English and Film main building south did not get a strong of the Education Generations project Studies and Co-Chair of the University of sense of where they were. This has all which will be housed in the main lobby. Alberta’s Writing Taskforce. His appointment changed with the recent addition of as an Assistant Professor in Language and elegant Faculty of Education signage that Literacy Education at the University of Ottawa now acts as an identifier. begins in January. * English 30-1 is Alberta’s academic grade 12 English course. It is a required course for most university/college applications in Alberta. THE ORANGE I FALL 2008 11 PAGE Looking Back~ Looking Forward: Research in Education

On a beautiful sunny afternoon on Friday, June 20, 2008, the Faculty of Education held a special celebration in honor of the University of Alberta’s centenary year. Themed “Looking Back ~ Looking Forward,” the event paid tribute to the Faculty’s 65 years of research in education. Highlights included an interactive smart board display of the history of educational technology and international initiatives and a special presentation by the Dean of Education. Research posters designed by faculty and graduate students and a running power point presentation helped inform our 170 guests of the breadth and depth of the Faculty’s contributions to education locally, nationally and internationally. The afternoon was aglow with laughter and excitement, and we received many congratulatory comments from our guests who included alumni, professors emeriti, faculty, staff and students. One of the University of Alberta’s Vice Presidents later wrote a special note which included the following comments:

“I was very impressed as to the camradery that exists in the Faculty. To have so many retired professors continuing their connection to the Faculty is a true testament to the cohesive group that you have been able to create.”

Jody Nelson, an Education graduate student, created a web-based history tracing the significant developments, projects, initiatives, and activities of the Faculty in the areas of international education and development and the application of technology to education and learning. The website can be viewed via the Faculty’s homepage at www.education.ualberta.ca Homecoming 2008 Golden Alumni Luncheon Thank you for hosting the Golden On September 19th, the Faculty of Education hosted a luncheon for our Golden Alumni, (those who Alumni luncheon on Friday graduated in 1958 or prior. ) There were over 160 in attendance at the Royal Mayfair Golf Club. and providing the opportunity to visit with former classmates and Pembinites, some of whom I had not seen in 55 years! It was wonderful!

I always enjoy listening to Dean Snart. Her enthusiasm and energy when she speaks of Education initiatives are inspiring and I appreciate information updates

Laura McNaughton, BEd 1956

I enjoyed the setting for the event and the history on education in Alberta. Being retired from teaching for twenty years and not too involved in teacher’s organizations, I was only able to recognize two people in the crowd. Strange how “OLD” everybody has become. I started in education in 46/47. Nick Wengreniuk, BEd 1955 THE ORANGE I FALL 2008 13 PAGE

…There was so much history in that room. I was especially intrigued at how many had taught in one-room schools. I do hope advantage will be taken of those

experiences, and that Firstly I want to thank the University for inviting us to the special luncheon that my husband and I they will be recorded attended on September 19th. It was a great event allowing us to re-visit many former classmates and associates from teaching days. while that is still In particular, I reconnected with a special friend, Jean Campbell, who after university became a possible. bridesmaid at our wedding in 1954.

(Dr.) Lois Etherington, Our daughter, Ginger is also a teacher, living and working in Morinville. BEd 1956 Apart from the “meet and greet” and the beautiful environment of the Mayfair, I appreciated the comments and update of Dean Snart. The U of A Faculty of Education continues to be in good hands. Thanks for inviting us! Lucille Longson, Dipl (Ed) 1953

…It was a very nice event and I met my first school principal (in 1950!) and had a chance to recall old times. Thank you again. Corinne Marshall, BEd 1951 Dipl (Ed)

What a lovely gift that was from the Dean to us Golden Grads! All of us enjoyed the delicious lunch and the informative talk by Dean Fern Snart. Alberta Boytzun, I thought Dean Snart’s brief history of the Faculty was most interesting and was able to tell her that there BEd 1951 Dipl (Ed) 1950 were in attendance that day several classmates of mine from the Temporary License class of 1951 -1952. … Many thanks to the Faculty of Ed for this wonderful recognition. Florence Pidruchney, BEd 1957 Dipl (Ed) 1956 Homecoming 2008 Dean’s Brunch On September 20th, the Faculty of Education hosted a brunch and had a record attendance of over 270 Alumni

It was wonderful to be at the brunch and to see many people I have not met for years. To listen to Dean Snart was an absolutely delight.

Myer Horowitz MEd 1959, PhD 1965

… I want to express my thanks to Dean Snart for sharing the direction of the Faculty. It was interesting to hear how fellow educators from other countries (ie Saudi Arabia, Iraq) are received in Edmonton. I trust their experiences are valuable to them and open windows for our teachers too. Marlene Sorensen, BEd 1962, MEd 1970

… it was inspiring to learn about the many strides the Faculty has made to reach out to universities and people around the world, particularly in Africa and Asia, as outlined by Dean Snart in her welcoming remarks. It was also exciting to find out that other university departments, such as the Medical Faculty, are eager to collaborate with the Education Faculty on the delivery of new programs. Kudos to the Education Faculty! …Thank you for hosting such an outstanding event on the occasion of the University’s 100th birthday celebration! Eugene Ewanyshyn, BEd 1970, MEd 1978

We have attended several of these Dean’s brunches in the past, but this one was the best. … Dean Snart … I am very impressed with always gives an excellent presentation on the work the direction the Faculty of of her Faculty. It was also a pleasure to hear John Education has taken under the Paterson. We were classmates getting our BEd degrees leadership of Dean Snart. The and he still has his witty sayings and jokes as before. inroads it has made in Aboriginal (Different jokes,of course). Kudos to all the people that Education and working with worked on this event. It was much appreciated other faculties is inspiring. Vlad Brecka, BEd 1957, BSc 1965 Terry Kotyshyn, BEd 1976, MA 1986 THE ORANGE I FALL 2008 15 PAGE

… “The Faculty Homecoming 2008 of Education continues to be forward thinking in its collaboration with northern communities in Alberta, other Canadian provinces, and around the world. By the way, please may I be the University Facilitator for the student teachers going to China?”

Gwen Germain, BEd 1982, MEd 1995

I went to various campus faculty events… and I felt most invited by the Faculty of Education, where I did my Masters. The dedication of teachers to their profession was evident and the collegial nature of their embraces as one alumni would search out and finally find someone they had hoped to meet at the Dean’s Brunch. As Fern stated, the green of the valley and the beautiful yellow sunshine match the colors of our alma mater. I am so proud to be an educator and to be supported by incredible mentors whose guidance will be felt for the generations to come. I really enjoyed meeting colleagues at the brunch but the highlight was meeting my Louanne Keenan, MEd 1995, PhD 2002 PhD Educator / Research Director former high school principal, Dr. Michael Skuba. I had not seen him since high school, circa 1957, so I was delighted he was there. Shirley Machura (nee Wolansky) , BEd 1973, MEd 1981 PhD 1991 … It was a wonderful turnout and a lovely event …I was interested in the information that Dean Snart shared with the alumni, great news on the future of the Faculty of Education. My husband commented that he enjoyed the brunch and had a wonderful conversation with the people at our table. Thank you again for inviting us to the lovely brunch.

Heather Falkenstein, BEd 1994

…The meal was fabulous and it was very interesting to hear the Dean of Education share the latest developments within the faculty and the province of Alberta. We really enjoyed meeting interesting people and in particular, grads from the early ‘40’s. I was very happy to reconnect with a former teacher of mine, as well as a former classmate. Lydia Fedor, BEd 1975 The event was very well organized and the Dean was a gracious host. … what was so exciting about the Faculty is the new addition to its program and its expansion internationally, as was clearly presented by the Dean, Dr. Fern Snart. Dr. Fawzy Morcos, MEd 1985

This was a wonderful opportunity for our MEd cohort of 1983 to get together! We decided earlier we would jointly contribute to the Teachers of Tomorrow Fund and hope other reunion groups will do the same! Ken Shields BEd 1969, MEd 1984 THE ORANGE I FALL 2008 17 PAGE

It was an elegant brunch event hosted in a very superb environment... Ed. faculty’s research output, particularly grant dollars, professional service, and teaching excellence strike a proud note in me.

Bikkar S. (Randy) Randhawa, PhD BEd 1963

… It makes one proud to be a part of this faculty knowing the great things that have been done lately and the endeavors that are to be undertaken in the future. … Thank you for a great time.

Bill Milnthorp BEd 1964, MEd 1979 Homecoming 2008 Alberta Teachers’ Association - One-room Schools The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) graciously contributed many images of one-room school houses to the Faculty of Education over Homecoming Weekend. These images were displayed at several events, and instigated many conversations and memories of days gone by for many alumni that have either gone to, or taught at one- room schoolhouses. We sincerely thank the ATA for sharing these cherished images with our alumni.

Where are the Old Schools?

Readers of the The Orange are asked to help with the establishment of a visual archive of the province’s early schools. Many of these historic buildings are abandoned and deteriorating. Before time, neglect and the elements claim them completely, it is hoped that a photographic record can be compiled.

You can help…

Let the ATA know the whereabouts of these buildings by photograph- ing them and sending either a print or electronic image to the magazine. Along with the photograph, provide a simple description of the location, such as nearby village, highway or range road and township coordinates. Include the name, current use and original location (if the building has been moved), and a brief history if known.

Send information to Tim Johnston, Editor, ATA Magazine, by post or email ([email protected]) www.teachers.ab.ca

The Alberta Teachers’ Association Centenary Generations Award

The ATA Centenary Generations Award To qualify, recipients must have at least one is rural. All undergraduates in the Faculty was created by the ATA in celebration of parent or grandparent who has also gradu- of Education’s collaborative programs are the University of Alberta’s 100th year an- ated from the Faculty of Education with a eligible for this award. Students are to send niversary. In the spirit of the occasion, the degree or diploma of any kind. In addition, their essay along with their contact informa- ATA wishes to honour the legacy of teaching applicants must submit a maximum 500- tion to: by awarding education students who have word essay describing the relationship be- The Office of External Relations either parents or grandparents who also tween teaching and global citizenship. The Faculty of Education graduated from the Faculty of Education at 5 recipients for this award will be selected 4-107 Education North the U of A. based on their demonstration, in the essay, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G5 of exceptional understanding of the poten- The award will be given to 5 undergraduate tial connections between the profession of (Deadline for accepting applications is students who are in good academic stand- teaching and global citizenship. January 9, 2009) ing and enrolled in the Faculty of Education in the 2008/2009 academic year and. Each A minimum of two recipients will be educa- recipient will receive $1000. tion students whose permanent residence THE ORANGE I FALL 2008 19 PAGE Education’s Generations

In the midst of the University’s centenary year celebrations, it’s impossible not to feel proud of the pioneering spirit of those who have graced the Faculty of Education’s halls over the years. We thank all our alumni and staff for being a part of our success. We look forward to carrying on that legacy with programs and development that will make our future generations proud.

To highlight the many families that have multiple generations of education graduates, we are working on creating a fitting recognition through the development of the Education Generations Project. With over 700 participants and close to 200 families now registered, an informal Education Generations dedication ceremony was held during Homecoming.

The official launch will take place in the New Year. Deadline for inclusion is December 14th, 2008, We invite you to be a part of this unique project. Please contact [email protected] for additional information. Making of a Mural decided to “wash out” the colour in order to By Ryan Smith “balance” the 4 x 12 foot canvas. However, he filtered in a blue tone across the top to Lance Burns knows you can’t “teach” collection pristine as he explored it. represent the U of A Faculty of Education, passion—but he believes it can be inspired, and he infused green across the bottom to and inspiration can come from anywhere. “The ATA has the most beautiful and well- signify the U of A’s emblem. Even a trash can. organized archives collection you’ll find anywhere, and no one knows it’s there,” Burns “I was hoping to create something that, even Late in the fall of 2006, Burns was a self- said. “I went in and asked to see it, and they if the viewer didn’t enjoy the mural for the proclaimed “detective,” scouring anywhere weren’t sure what to do—they couldn’t re- story, at least they might be able to enjoy its and everywhere he felt might yield images member anyone ever making the request.” aesthetic value,” Burns said. for a mural he was creating to fill the barren But Burns didn’t bother with gloves when feature wall in the Undergraduate Student By most accounts, Burns hit his mark. Services (USS) Office, located on the main he saw some “beautiful” photos of the floor of the University of Alberta’s Education Education North students’ lounge sitting in “People come in and see the mural, and they North building. a garbage can on campus, proving that one just stop in their tracks. It’s incredible. There’s man’s trash is another’s treasure. something about it that grabs people’s at- Burns wanted his project to look good, of tention—we get people who’ll come into the “I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I asked course, but it wouldn’t simply be a plastering office just to look at it,” said Alicia Payne, an around, and I guess someone just thought of pretty pictures. He planned to call it “The admissions assistant with the U of A Faculty [the photos] weren’t useful anymore,” said Spirit of Education,” and his goal was to tell of Education who works at a desk that sits a Burns, who eventually gave one of them a the story of the past, present and future of few feet away from the mural. education in Alberta and at the U of A—a prominent spot in the mural. story in which he is both personally and “I think Lance’s mural is so important “I think it’s very important to keep visual heavily invested. because we’re all committed to service records of the past. It tells us a lot about in education, and to have an historical where we’ve been, and that helps us figure A graduate of the U of A education program representation of that in the Undergraduate out where we’re going,” he added. in the early ‘90s, Burns has been a teacher Student Services Office gives all the under- with the Edmonton Public School Board for All told, Burn’s examined more than 700 pho- grads who aspire to join the rich tradition of more than a decade. His work on the mural tos and works of art before settling on the 39 education in Alberta a sense of belonging,” would exercise the skills he had developed images that made it into the mural, including said Dr. Rosemary Foster, an educational working as a part-time professional pho- a few photos from Burns’ own collection. policy studies professor and Burns’ graduate tographer since the mid-’90s, and it would studies supervisor. count as an independent studies project The top left corner of the mural features a toward a master’s degree. photo from 1881 of Mr. James Harris, the For his part, Burns hopes the mural displays first public school teacher in Edmonton. The the pride and enthusiasm he feels from being Burns’ probing for pictures took him to the images then move down and to the right, a part of the history of teaching in Alberta. homes of former and current U of A Faculty depicting the history of education in Alberta He also hopes it will inspire the same feeling of Education deans and professors, among in a chronological flow. in future teachers. others, where he listened to stories and viewed personal photo collections, some of Near the centre of the piece are photos of all “To me, the core of education is built on which he scanned and added to the mural. 10 deans in the history of the U of A Faculty the foundation of good teaching, and good of Education. Burns placed the portraits in teachers are passionate teachers,” Burns said. He also spent countless hours combing the shape of an hourglass to represent the “I’m hoping that maybe in some small part through the archive collections of the U of passage of time. this mural will inspire passion in the next A, the City of Edmonton and the Alberta generation of teachers in Alberta, because Teachers’ Association (ATA). At the ATA, he As the older photos were all in black and they need that when they are in classrooms was given white gloves to wear to keep the white and the newer ones in colour, Burns inspiring their students.” THE ORANGE I FALL 2008 21 PAGE

Change for Roger S. Smith Awards Children Education’s undergraduates Association Global Education celebrate research Graduate Award accomplishments

In late September, recipients of the Roger S. of what I have learned in university, from Smith Undergraduate Research Award gath- ethic and data gathering to writing articles ered together with their advisors to celebrate and doing statistics.” their accomplishments as undergraduate The Roger S. Smith Undergraduate Research researchers. Award is given to students with the inten- This year’s award recipients worked on tion of cultivating and supporting research research projects covering a wide-range of partnerships between undergraduate topics, including an investigation of ePEARL students and faculty members at the Faculty in creating portfolios under Cathy Adams of Education. In 2008, over 40 applications (Secondary Education); development of were received for the award, and each year, reading in bilingual deaf children, under ten awards, with a value of $5,000 each, Fiona Cavanagh, BA 1998, MEd 2006, is Lenn McQuarrie and Larilyn Abbott (Ed are given to undergraduate students who the Program Manager of Education for the Psych); and partnerships related to High participate in research-based activities during Change for Children Association (CFCA), School Apprenticeships, under Alison Taylor the summer months. an Edmonton based non-profit organiza- (Educational Policy Studies). For the 2008-2009 academic year, the dead- tion with thirty two years experience “Here, I have the opportunity to person- line for applications for the Roger S. Smith working with international partners in Latin ally go through all the steps of conducting Undergraduate Research Award is March America and Africa and running a vibrant a study with supervision and guidance,” 1st. Third and fourth-year undergraduate Global Education Program in Canada. Rebecca Lehman says after immersing herself students, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all CFCA is committed to building capacity in in the development of reading skills in bilin- courses taken while registered at the Faculty the communities it serves by promoting gual deaf children over 15 weeks this past of Education, are invited to apply. gender equality, creating environmental summer. “I get to put into practice so much sustainability, and valuing and supporting indigenous perspectives and development. In an address to supporters at the 2008 CFCA annual dinner, Cavanagh acknowl- edged the importance of education by sharing a quote from Dean Fern Snart who said, “ I firmly believe that, education is the most powerful force towards personal betterment for those at all strata of society, as an instrument of social justice, and as perhaps the only avenue to peaceful solu- tions to local and world issue.” Cavanagh was instrumental in creating the “Change for Children Global Education Graduate Award” which awards $1000 to a Faculty of Education graduate student who demonstrates commitment in both their academic research and community involve- ment to further global justice and human rights. This award furthers critical education for human rights and global citizenship continues. For more information on this important program visit their website at www.changeforchildren.org. UofA Open House The Faculty of Education’s Undergraduate Student Services Office participated in the 2008 University of Alberta Open House on September 20th. Our theme this year had the slogan ‘ The Faculty of Education helps you see the world from a range of perspectives’. We had a number of visual illusions and visual stereograms to demonstrate that you can indeed see differently depending on your perspective. Those successful in viewing the images were rewarded with a Faculty of Education digital flash-drive in the University of Alberta green and gold colors loaded with information about the Faculty. We were visited by almost a thousand prospective students, many of whom were accompanied by family and friends. At the end of a very long and busy day the energy of our guests and staff continued to ascend with the ever enduring pride and enthusiasm of our Faculty. Go team! ESA Welcome LISAA’s Annual Celebration Lunch BBQ School of Library and Information Studies hosted their Annual Brunch Celebration on Sept 20th in the Carrel Room at Rutherford Hall. The Education Students Association and the Faculty’s Office of External Relations hosted its Welcome BBQ again this year. Several hundred people were welcomed by staff, faculty and the ESA team. THE ORANGE I FALL 2008 23 PAGE Alumni Recognition Awards Accomplished graduates of the University the U of A and great strength to our society.” Thomas Peacocke (Diploma in of Alberta were honored at the largest-ever Education 1953, BEd 1955, BA Alumni were recognized in four categories: alumni awards ceremony at the Francis 1959) who received the 2008 Distinguished The Alumni Horizon, for outstanding Winspear Centre for Music on September Alumni Award, Dr. Michael Skuba (BEd achievements of alumni early in their careers; 19th, 2008. A total of 41 alumni were 1945, MEd 1955, PhD 1965 in Education) the Alumni Honour Award, for contributions celebrated before an audience of more than who received the 2008 Alumni Award of made over a number of years by alumni in 1,200 for contributions to their professions, Excellence, and LeRoy Johnson (BEd 1968), their local communities and beyond, the the University, and the world at large. The Josephine Enero Pallard (BEd 1973, Diploma Award of Excellence for specific, recent Faculty of Education had the distinction of in Education 1983), Doreen Ryan (BEd accomplishments of graduates, and the bestowing awards on the largest number of 1973, Diploma in Education 1983), and Dr. Distinguished Alumni Award, the university’s graduates from the same faculty, for a total William Selezinka (BEd 1949, MD 1957) who most prestigious honour, which recognizes of eight awards. received the 2008 Honour Alumni Award. graduates whose truly outstanding achieve- “A university’s alumni are the strongest ments have earned them national or interna- The Faculty of Education would like to testimony of what a university stands for tional prominence. congratulate and thank each award recipient and is all about,” said Canada’s Chief Justice for the honour that they continue to bring The Faculty of Education’s award recipients Beverley McLachlin, who attended the to the Faculty for their outstanding achieve- included Dr. Shirley A. Hopkins (BEd 1981, ceremony. “The work of our alumni over the ments in their communities and around the MEd 1982, PhD in Education 1986) and past 100 years has brought great honour to globe. HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA ANTHEM COMPOSER A ROCK STAR WITH HIS STUDENTS Faculty of Education Alumnus Colin Oberst (BEd 1992) photo courtesy of CBC Sports Morning announcements have been kicked up a notch at Edmonton’s Holy Family Elementary School ever since Colin Oberst, a music teacher and University of Alberta Education grad, won CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada theme song challenge.

Canadian Gold was one of five songs submit- ted by Oberst who says he tried to work at channeling the spirit of the Oilers’ Stanley Cup glory years.

A long-time hockey fan, he wrote the winning entry, Canadian Gold in less than three hours.

“It just came to me,” reports Oberst who has been teaching for ten years.

Known as “Mr. O” to his grade 5/6 class, Oberst recently performed the song for an assembly of 400 staff and students.

Already an accomplished singer and in rock bands and performing at so many classroom. song-writer who plays in “The Surgents”, Frat parties and faculty parties and functions. a local group whose videos have aired on “As a teacher, obviously, I credit the Education I still remember opening up for Blue Rodeo MuchMusic, Oberst also has a small record- Faculty at the U for initially providing me with at Bear Country one year in front of 3500 ing studio in his home. necessary tools and experiences to start up a people and thinking that music was definitely teaching career,” says Oberst who is clearly a He admits being inspired as a musician and in my future.” hero in the eyes of his students. teacher ever since his days at the University After receiving his Bachelor of Education in of Alberta. To view video clips of the anthem, visit CBC 1992, Oberst spent four years pursuing his Sports at http://anthemchallenge.cbc.ca/ “The U of A were my ‘glory years’ for playing music passion before walking into his first covideo/289271 Class Notes

In The News Author Author

The Faculty of Education’s staff and alumni Alberta is hoping a new tool it has brought in Many of our alumni are accomplished and are often called upon by media and journalists will help keep varsity athletes who have suffered published authors. Please keep us informed for their expertise in current events and news a concussion from rushing their return to the of any new publications that you may have items. Below are some of the articles where field. contributed to. your colleagues have appeared in the news. Dean Fern Snart – Dorothy Shaw Larson, Arts 1937 Beyond Frank Peters – Educational Policy Dean of Education, U of A the end of Studies Professor, U of A the steel TWO MINUTES WITH DR, FERN SNART, chronicles the TEENS FACE COURT IN HAZING CASE DEAN OF EDUCATION adventure of Globe and Mail The Edmonton Journal my family who Frank Peters, an education professor at the Anyone who has attended school in the past 25 left a comfort- University of Alberta, gives expert comment in a years has probably been taught by a University able home in story about how several teens are facing assault of Alberta Faculty of Education graduate. More Minneapolis charges in connection to a hazing ritual. than 60 per cent of the elementary and second- to homestead ary school teachers in Alberta are U of A educa- in the Peace CANADA WELL-SERVED BY tion graduates. River country INTELLIGENT, DEDICATED TEACHERS of northern LETTER - U OF A ATTRACTS BRIGHTEST The Edmonton Journal Alberta. AND THE BEST Letter from University of Alberta education During the Letter from the University of Alberta Faculty of professor notes that the grade point average of winter of 1912 Education’s dean takes issue with a supposition students entering the education faculty at the U they traveled with oxen over the 500 mile icy that the average IQ of teachers is dropping as of A is as high as those entering arts, science or trail from Edmonton to settle near what is now bright university students seek other careers. engineering. Sexsmith. Fern Snart says just the opposite is true of U of Institute for Sexual Minority Studies A education students. I was born in a log cabin and used to play in the wooden caboose in which my family {all U of A FOUNDS NEW INSTITUTE FOR Christina Rinaldi - Educational six of them} ate, slept and lived during the trip. SEXUAL MINORITIES Psychology Professor, U of A The fourth generation of Andersons lives and The Gateway farms on the original homestead of 160 acres Students have access to a new institute on BUSY CHILDREN ENJOY HEALTH for which my grandfather paid $10 in February campus as the University of Alberta founds the BENEFITS: STUDY - Kids with fewer 1912. Institute for Sexual Minority Studies, the first of activities more stressed Calgary Herarld its kind in Alberta and one of the few in Canada. Ovid K. Wong, BSc 1970, Dip Ed 1971 Kids want to feel they fit in somewhere, and At 6,000 words, the ancient Bing Fa (The Art of Camp fYrefly: A LEADERSHIP CAMP IN sports or community organizations can foster War) seems an unlikely candidate as a compre- EDMONTON those feelings of belonging. Studies show kids hensive manual of cunning and strategy. Yet, as CanadianLiving.com who develop competencies are less likely to be Wong (education, Benedictine U.) points out, Learn about Canada’s only outdoor leadership depressed. it has become an essential tool in business and retreat for gay and lesbian youth PLUS find self-improvement and contains within it the helpful web resources and books for gay youth. The above is just a sample of the media exposure from our faculty and alumni. We encour- wise axiom that the first order of war is not to Martin Mrazik - Educational age you to forward updates for us to include in do war. Equally wise, Wong applies this ancient Psychology Professor, U of A future Orange publications. If you would like text to the modern school system, finding, for to be included in our expert’s database, please example that the system contains the elements COMPUTER send us a 50 word bio, along with details on of the battlefield, with moral values, command- PROGRAM your expertise. ers, method, discipline, the presence of heaven MEASURES and earth, and the potential for balance of CONCUSSIONS all the elements. He describes what makes an U of A teams effective leader under Bing Fa and how that use high tech to leader conducts self-assessment, how leaders ensure athletes wage war against inadequate or harmful educa- fully recover tion practices, how they build and maintain CTV Edmonton communication, and how they turn wisdom The University of into action. This is a pioneering work. THE ORANGE I FALL 2008 25 PAGE

Brian Caldwell, (MEd 1975, PhD 1977): signment is CTS(Video) at Holy spirit CS in Dudley (BEd 1971, MEd 1975) and I returned to Australia in 1981 and served at Sherwood Park. Besides teaching and coach- Beverly (BEd 1971) Kelso: After successful the University of Tasmania before taking up an ing, John completed his LLB degree from the careers in Australia across primary, secondary appointment at the University of Melbourne University of London (UK) this past summer. and tertiary sectors, they have been engaged in 1990 where I was Dean of Education from as consultants in the establishment of a new 1998-2004. I continue as Professorial Fellow Jack Calkins, BEd, Dip(Ed) 1969, received International Ladies Boarding College in Kuala at Melbourne after establishing the research a 2007 Historical Recognition Award from the Lumpur, Malaysia. They have both come out and development company “Educational Edmonton Historical Board. Jack was recognized of retirement to be involved in this exciting Transformations”. We undertake commissioned for his lifelong commitment to the preservation project. research for governments in different countries and development of history as a volunteer at and maintain a heavy schedule of consultancies Edmonton’s Victoria Composite High School Lana Kindrachuks, (BEd 2002) BPE, is to schools, school systems and professional Museum and Archives. currently in Kiev, Ukraine, teaching bilingual associations. One of the most satisfying parts students at an international school. “Learning Katherine Campbell,( BEd 1976) of of my work is the partnerships I have formed about the different culture, customs and tradi- Somerville, Australia, has been teaching Down with policymakers and practitioners, especially tions they have is really interesting,” she says, Under since 1976. She writes, “Since 2000, after my publications. My 4th book with former “and the people on a whole are very friendly.” I have been concentrating on my children’s principal Jim Spinks was launched in late 2007 As a Canadian with “half Ukrainian roots,” Lana books and my ‘farm dream.’ I would love U of under the title Raising the Stakes: From improve- says she has found it interesting to learn about A visitors.” ment to Transformation in the Reform of Schools. the history and culture while being immersed in it. “This year will prove to be not only an ever- Our professional partnership now spans 25 Robert Franz, MEd, BEd 1968, of Brooks, lasting memory and very cool experience but years of national and international work. AB, retired after 40 years in education, the last an education in itself that no textbook could 24 as chief deputy superintendent of schools Lillian (MacIntosh) Ross (BEd 1977): teach or show you.” with the Grasslands regional division. At the After teaching for 35 years mostly in Drayton Southeast Alberta Teacher’s Convention in Valley Elementary, Lillian retired and pursued an James F. Lavers, MEd, BEd 1958, of Medicine Hat, he received the Convention old passion of writing historical novels. Having Edmonton, has designed two educational Zone’s Honoured Teacher of 2007 Award. Since written 5 Alberta based historical novels includ- seminars that have received approval from the retiring, he is enjoying reading, fiction writing, ing a trilogy based on the memoirs of her family Research and Development Division of Revenue camping and occasionally undertaking speaking labeled “Creative Non-Fiction”, Ross keeps the Canada (indicating a scientific breakthrough). engagements. names and places unchanged. These seminars discuss people’s different learning modes and are innovative in that they tap Allen Fuller, (BEd 1993), is now the senior Most recently published “Mewassin: The Good into how people’s learning styles influence the pastor at Mountain Park Community Church Land” tells of the families of two men who left order in which they internalize information. in Phoenix, Arizona. He followed up his U of Scotland aboard the tall sailing ships during James delivers the programs to organizations A studies with classes at a seminary in Indiana the Highland Clearance and another man who that want to improve the way information is and worked at various churches. His plans for at the age of 16 stowed away aboard a ship in delivered and absorbed. Also, three of James’s Mountain Park, where he conducts two Sunday France and followed the missionaries west to programs have been approved by the Alberta services in the large auditorium and oversees the St. Albert area. Continuing Education Accreditation Committee several outreach events, include providing a so they are available to various groups working resource for community members to strengthen Carmen Berg, (BEd 1991), is a contrib- through certification processes. uting author for the new Pearson physics their families. Even though he describes himself textbook used in Alberta high schools since as a “hardcore Edmonton Oilers fan,” as a Mike McLean, (BEd 1976), has been September 2007. resident of Phoenix, he now supports Wayne named the head coach of the Lions football Gretzky’s Coyotes. team at York U in Ontario. A native of Camrose, Tonya Callaghan, (MEd 2006), of Calgary, AB, Mike was defensive coordinator for the Dan Hodges (BEd 1979): Dan went recently got her U of A master’s thesis published Saint Mary’s Huskies the past two seasons and on to Medical School in Calgary, did family as a book by a German press (VDM Verlag Dr. helped the Halifax-based CIS team advance practice residing in Edmonton, then a residency Muller). The book is entitled That’s So Gay! to the Vanier Cup in 2007. Prior to his time in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Dalhousie Homophobia in Canadian Catholic Schools. at Saint Mary’s, McLean led the Edmonton University (Halifax). He currently practices at Huskies to two Canadian Junior Football League the Royal Alexandra Hospital and is married championships. Mike was captain of the U of A Class Notes: with 4 daughters. Golden Bears football team for four years. We get the most feedback on people from the Ronald Hopp, LLB, (BEd 1962) U of A pro- Geraldine Nakonechny, (MEd 1983) class notes section. Please keep us updated fessor emeritus of law, recently received a distin- Dip(Nu) 1959, BSc(Nu) 1960, of Edmonton was of your recent accomplishments, promotions, guished service award from the Law Society of recently appointed as a Member of the Order retirements and more! education.alumni@ Alberta. Ronald, who taught in the U of A law of Canada in recognition of her outstanding ualberta.ca school for decades, received his award for pro contributions to the nursing profession. bono legal service. Since 1976, he has provided John A. Chan (BEd 2000): After 4 years numerous hours of pro bono legal service to teaching in Saskatchewan, he is now in the Dorothy Ryan, PhD, (MEd, 1985) entered Student Legal Services of Edmonton, routinely midst of his longest term yet at the Elk Island a convent after high school in Ontario and working 30 hours a month of unpaid time. Catholic School Board. John’s current as- became known as Sister St. Matthew. She had been running a private practice as a psycholo- PhD), was honoured by the Lions Clubs and Carole says she will keep Bob “from getting gist in Lloydminster, AB, for 15 years, but in the International at a district convention in too lost by acting as chief navigator during their summer of 2007 returned to Ontario when she Lethbridge in May 2007 by being named to wanderings.” Besides travelling, Bob says he was elected Mother General of the Sisters of St. the District 37 Hall of Fame. Michael was rec- also plans to “reduce the length of the ‘Honey, Joseph in Peterborough. Through her years in ognized for his nearly 60 years in Lionism and Do’ job list.” the church and as a teacher, an academic, and for establishing a hearing aid recycling program a psychologist, Sister St. Matthew also excelled in Alberta. Hearing aids were collected, tested, Linda Thorsen, (MEd 1982) of Taichung, at basketball, starting in the late 1950s with her and forwarded to countries including Chile, Taiwan, recently finished 10 years of teaching Ontario high school team. When she worked as the Philippines, Belarus, and China. Michael Grade 4 at Morrison Academy in Taiwan. She is a nun/lab technologist at St. Joseph’s Hospital was one of five Lions so honoured in District currently taking a one-year leave of absence. in the ’70s, 37, which consists of Alberta, Montana, part of Bob Tory, (BEd 1981), of Richland, northern B.C., and the Northwest Territories. She returned to basketball, and at the age Washington, is general manager and partner of of 31 was named rookie of the year in the Dalton Smarsh, (BEd 1976): Dalton the Tri-City Americans hockey club. He writes, Peterborough Ladies Basketball League. After recently retired from teaching and was named “Many of our former players are now on the U receiving her PhD from the U of A, Sister St. coach of the Edmonton Huskies of the Prairie of A Golden Bears hockey team (Dylan Stanley, Matthew did post-graduate work at Ohio Junior Football League. At the U of A, Dalton Ben Kilgour, Ian McDonald, Richard Kelly, etc.).” State U, taught on the Onion Lake Reserve in played on the Golden Bears football team for Dixon (BEd 1970) and Margaret (MEd Saskatchewan and taught university psychology five seasons and was captain for four of those. A 1982) Ward: Dixon and Margaret have classes. long-time promoter of sports in school, Dalton recently moved to Kelowna, BC from Leduc, coached basketball, football, track and field, vol- AB. After long careers with Black Gold Regional Darren Schemmer, (BEd 1982) was leyball and soccer in Edmonton schools. He also Schools, they sought a warmer climate close appointed in July as high commissioner to the coached the Edmonton Wildcats for five years to their son and his children. Following retire- Republic of Ghana and now lives in Accra. and, in 1983, led them to a national champion- ment Dixon served for several years as a school Darren joined the Canadian International ship. He was named to the U of A Sports Wall of trustee with Black Gold Regional as a marriage Development Agency in 1989 and received Fame in 2001. an MBA from Royal Roads University in 2002. commissioner and as a Practicum Associate with Before his appointment to Ghana, he was with Bob Tannas,(BEd 1969), BA 1975, and the U of A. In Kelowna, Margaret has devoted CIDA as director general for the areas of Haiti, his wife, Carole Tannas, MEd. 1983, herself to volunteer work with the Kelowna Art Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. Dip(Ed) 1972, of Athabasca, AB, both recent- Gallery and the Kelowna Museum helping with ly retired from their teaching positions with the school groups, while Dixon works and plays all Michael Skuba, (BEd 1955 MEd 1965 Athabasca School Board. They plan to travel, summer at the Harvest Golf and Country Club. High school students discovering how to be global citizens during U of A Conference

By Dawn Ford

Hannah Plouffe and Faun Rice, both grade educator and critical pedagogue Dr. Nita twelve IB students at Victoria School of Freire whose work is grounded in the philos- Performing and Visual Arts, had the rare ophies of her late husband Dr. Paulo Freire, opportunity of participating in discussions credited as one of the twentieth century’s about the concept of global citizenship most heralded educators. during the University of Alberta’s Global Citizenship Education Conference at Lister “I liked the idea when Dr. Freire suggested Dr. Ali Abdi of Educational Policy Studies also Hall on October 23-24. that global citizenship needs to be based more on values than economics,” said Rice. took place along with a host of diverse topics Drawing people from across the globe, the related to global citizenship. conference was intended to help participants Although complex, global citizenship in part Implications of the conference include in- explore what it means to be global citizens is about sharing in a collective humanity, forming post-secondary curriculum develop- and how to foster a sense of global responsi- understanding diversity as essential for life ment in order to revolutionize our thinking bility among youth. and accepting the responsibility to take action for the common good. about how and what to teach in today’s “I feel so stuck sometimes when learning world. about things such as the history of North The U of A is at the forefront of global The conference was sponsored by the Faculty America. It’s important but does not really citizenship education as it embarks on a of Education’s Global Education Network contribute to today’s world,” said Plouffe. four-year university-wide global citizenship curriculum development project. A panel and International Office and the University of The keynote address was given by Brazilian discussion of this initiative, moderated by Alberta’s International Office. THE ORANGE I FALL 2008 27 PAGE Publications Mail Agreement No. 40063579 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Dept. Office of External Relations Faculty of Education University of Alberta 4-107 Education North Edmonton, AB T6G 2G5 Please stay in touch

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