Focus on The Field

Episode Six - Communication and Feedback in the Teacher Practicum

We've heard throughout this series about the importance of communication. Jeff Turner is a Sessional Instructor at the Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary. He also acts as a university advisor for student teachers and mentors in the teacher education program. In this conversation, we explore the importance of strong, honest and open communication throughout the practicum experience. Some great insights and strategies!

Episode Five - Coaching and Mentoring in the Teacher Practicum

In this episode, we look at what makes that unique relationship between a mentor and a teacher candidate tick. Dr. Dawn Burleigh is Assistant Professor of Education at the University of Lethbridge. Like her colleagues at the University of Lethbridge, Dawn takes on the role of university consultant to teacher candidates in the program. Among her research interests is the important role of university supervision in the teacher practicum. Connor Kopp is a recent graduate of the teacher education program at the University of Lethbridge. This is a unique conversation in that Connor and Dawn worked together in the teacher practicum!

Episode Four - The Teaching Quality Standard

In this episode, we take a look at Alberta's Teaching Quality Standard (TQS) from the perspective of someone who has worked on its development, a brand new teacher, and the current president of the Alberta Teachers Association (ATA). We talk about how the TQS is a guide to what it means to be a teacher in the province, how the TQS has served to generate new conversations about teaching and learning, and the professional supports that are available to teachers at all stages of their career. You'll hear the voices of: Francine Zhou Yuheng — A new teacher and graduate of the teacher education program from University of Alberta Jason Schilling — President, Alberta Teachers Association Paul McLeod — Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources; St. Albert Public Schools

Episode Three - Students Who Struggle

We know that true learning always involves some sort of struggle. Learning to teach is no exception. In this episode, we look at some of the common ways in which teacher candidates struggle during their practicum experiences, what is at the heart of those struggles and how mentor teachers and university advisors can help candidates make sense of those struggles. You'll hear the voices of: Dominique Tardecilla - Preservice Teacher: St. Mary’s University, Alberta Gail Maitland - Practicum Advisor: St. Mary’s University, Alberta Jay Wilkins - Preservice Teacher: St. Mary’s University, Alberta David Halase - Practicum Advisor: St. Mary’s University, Alberta Laura Morel - Cooperating Teacher, Grade 6, Calgary Catholic District School Board Kathryn Crawford: Assistant Professor in Education, Ambrose University Dr. Patricia Danyluk - Senior Instructor, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary

Episode Two - Wellness in the Teacher Practicum

In this episode, we look at the importance of wellness in the teacher practicum, some of the causes of stress that could impact a teacher candidates sense of well-being, and the conditions for a practicum experience where both candidates and mentors are able to flourish.