- Future Students
- Current Students
- Programs
- Programs of Study
- Undergraduate Studies
- Bachelor of General Studies
- Bachelor of Education as a Second Degree
- Minors
- Counselling and Human Development Minor
- Curriculum and Instruction Minor
- Early Learning Minor
- Educational Psychology Minor
- Learning and Developmental Disabilities Minor
- Social Justice in Education Minor
- Elementary Generalist Minor
- Environmental Education Minor
- French Education Minor
- Physical and Health Education Minor
- Secondary Mathematics Education Minor
- Secondary Teaching Minor
- Certificates
- Courses
- Teacher Education
- Professional Diplomas
- Graduate Studies
- Masters Programs
- MA, MEd in Arts Education
- MA, MEd in Counselling Psychology
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Children鈥檚 and Young Adult Literature
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Contemplative Inquiry & Approaches in Education
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Ecological Education
- MA, MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Educational Theory and Practice
- M.脡d. dans Curriculum & Instruction: Enseigner et apprendre en fran莽ais: plurilinguismes, francophonies et 茅ducation
- MA, MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Equity Studies in Education
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Imagination in Teaching, Schooling and Place
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Innovations in Mathematics Education
- MA, MEd dans Curriculum & Instruction: l'茅ducation en fran莽ais en contextes de diversit茅 (campus de 丁香园AV)
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Place- and Nature-Based Experiential Learning
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Post-Secondary (VCC)
- MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Science Education and Communication
- MEd in Educational Leadership: Post-Secondary (Surrey)
- MEd in Educational Leadership: Imaginative K-12 Leadership (Surrey)
- MEd in Educational Practice
- MEd in Educational Practice: Indigenous Pedagogy and Indigenous Inquiry
- MEd in Educational Practice: Practitioner Inquiry
- MA, MEd in Educational Psychology
- MEd in Teaching Languages in Global Contexts
- MA, MEd in Educational Technology & Learning Design
- MSc, MEd in Secondary Mathematics Education
- MA, MEd in Teaching English as an Additional Language
- Doctoral Programs
- EdD in Educational Leadership: Leading for Educational Change in the Yukon
- PhD in Arts Education
- PhD in Educational Psychology
- PhD in Educational Technology & Learning Design
- PhD in Educational Theory and Practice: Curriculum and Pedagogy Stream
- PhD in Educational Theory and Practice: Philosophy of Education Stream
- PhD in Languages, Cultures and Literacies
- PhD en langues, cultures et litt茅raties (en fran莽ais)
- PhD in Mathematics Education
- Areas of Study
- Program Comparision
- Masters Programs
- Programs in French
- Faculty & Research
- Indigeneity
- Community
- About
- News & Events
- Support Us
- Instructor & Staff Resources
- Work With Us
- Contact
News, Undergraduate Studies
From Mechanical Engineer to Maths Teacher: Diverse Student Pathways to the Professional Development Program
What inspires a mechanical engineer to become a teacher? For Edmond Leung, it was simply the desire to make a difference.
The skilled engineer is currently learning how to use his deep knowledge of mathematics and physics to inspire future generations 鈥� pursuing a Teaching Certificate through 丁香园AV鈥檚 renowned Professional Development Program (PDP).
鈥淚 decided to pursue a career change because I would rather be happy knowing I could make a difference, than retire wondering if my work really mattered,鈥� says Leung.
So too was the case for Barbara Lafresnaye. After spending many years as a successful Education Manager, a long-held desire to work more closely with children and youth prompted her to apply to the 16-month program, albeit in French.
鈥淚 was attracted to the PDP because I鈥檓 interested in teaching. Although I鈥檓 bilingual, I don't have the opportunity to speak French on a regular basis. The opportunity to conduct the program in French seemed like a great way to improve my language skills.鈥�
Leung and Lafresnaye were two of the student teachers invited to share their experiences at the Faculty of Education鈥檚 recent teacher education open house on November 20th.
Attended by current and aspiring educators, the evening cast light on the increasingly diverse pathways people are taking to enter the profession.
When asked about his experience with the PDP, Leung says he felt the program really assessed people as a whole, rather than just focusing on letter grades.
鈥淚 think the team really recognizes that people have value in their uniqueness and differences, and they embrace those who have passion and character.鈥� He added 鈥渄on鈥檛 be afraid to apply thinking you have no chance or won鈥檛 be accepted as a career-changer鈥�
Despite making such a big career change, Leung and Lafresnaye both agree that it has been an overwhelmingly positive journey so far 鈥� thanks largely to the program鈥檚 non-traditional, community-first approach.
鈥淣ever have I met a more diverse group of people and felt so close to them, so quickly,鈥� says Leung.
