School of Education puts Indigenous Knowledge at Forefront of Teacher Education
Five-year concurrent Indigenous B.Ed. program receives Ministry approval; students being accepted for fall 2016
A new concurrent education program that puts Indigenous knowledge and perspectives at the forefront of teacher training and provides self-identified First Nations, Metis, Inuit and Indigenous students from around the world, with the opportunity to become Indigenous teachers, is slated to accept its first cohort of students at Trent University this fall.
The Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Indigenous Education has recently received official approval from the Ministry of Training College and Universities and the Ontario College of Teachers and has started issuing its inaugural offers of acceptance.
"The program puts Indigenous Knowledge and teachings at the forefront of teacher education, and will offer a fully accredited educational experience," said Dr. Cathy Bruce, dean of the School of Education and Professional Learning at Trent, and the director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning, who notes the opportunities for students to attend traditional gatherings, and connect with elders and their surrounding communities – urban and rural.
The new teacher education program, which offers entry from high school or through transfer agreements with local community colleges or First Nations Education Institutes, gives eligible students credit for their past educational experiences.
"We are very excited about the launch of this program — it's resourceful, respectful and relevant, with placement opportunities in every year, Mohawk or Ojibwe language instruction in first year, and learning opportunities on the land and water," Professor Bruce added.
Reflecting Trent's groundbreaking leadership in Indigenous Studies, the new programming for the Indigenous Bachelor of Education will be integrated in its nature and encompass three years of general studies and two years of professional studies. Offered in partnership by Trent's School of Education and Professional Learning and the department of Indigenous Studies, the program is the first of its kind in North America.
"A critical factor in improving Indigenous students' academic success is the presence of teachers who understand how Indigenous students learn and the challenges that they face," says Professor David Newhouse, chair of Indigenous Studies at Trent. "This new program provides an opportunity for those who are interested in teaching in Indigenous environments, both off and on-reserve, to develop the skills and knowledge to be effective teachers of Indigenous students."
Prof. Newhouse adds that graduates of the new program will also be uniquely positioned to teach non-Indigenous students and to further their understanding of Indigenous issues.
Applications for the Indigenous B.Ed. program are still being accepted. Learn more at trentu.ca/education
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
Kate Weersink, media relations & strategic communications officer, Trent University, 705 748-1011 x6180 or kateweersink@trentu.ca