Breakfast with the Dean brings education partners together
A variety of stakeholders from the field of education came together recently to share ideas and learn about the future direction of the Faculty of Education during the 2nd annual Breakfast with the Dean.
Dr. David Mandzuk, Dean of the Faculty, said this sort of gathering of various education stakeholders is unique within the province and is a “reflection of the kind of positive, respectful collaboration” that exists within the group.
Attendees discuss issues in the field of education at this year’s Breakfast with the Dean.
Attendees discuss issues in the field of education at this year’s Breakfast with the Dean.
The event began with Mandzuk highlighting the Faculty’s programs and current enrolments, providing updates on new initiatives and providing an overview of what’s on the horizon.
Following that was an open discussion of various timely topics in the field of education, from the results of Manitoba students in the recent Pan-Canadian Assessment Program (PCAPS)—which resulted in the creation of a math and science task force in the Faculty, to the imminent creation of an Indigenous Teacher Education program, to enrolment targets.
“In [The Faculty of] Education, we have historically taken the lead on these discussions and played a vital role in new initiatives in education,” says Mandzuk.
Among those in attendance for the event were representatives from Manitoba Education & Advanced Learning, the Manitoba Teachers Society, the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents, the Council of School Leaders, the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre, the Manitoba Association of Parent Councils and the Manitoba Federation of Independent Schools.
In all, 12 external partners attended along with eight faculty members and several other staff members.
The group agreed to meet more regularly in the future—rather than just once per year. Plans are underway for more talks to be held this coming April or May, but rather than having a set agenda, Mandzuk wants the stakeholders to submit their ideas for the next discussion so that everyone’s topics of interest are represented.
“All of the stakeholders have a vested interest in the preparation of teachers. We talk to each other and discuss concerns and challenges,” says Mandzuk.