Student Services Newsletter - October 2019

Find out what is happening in the Faculty of Education and York U. by visiting:

Study Abroad Opportunity ~ Germany
Go on an international exchange to Germany summer 2019!   Students enrolled in year one of the BEd degree and students in the BA Educational Studies program are eligible. Information sessions are being offered on Monday, October 7, 2019 at 5:30 pm in  050A McLaughlin College   and Friday, October 11, 2019 at 11:30 am in Rm 117  Winters College.   You MUST attend one of the information sessions in order to obtain an application. Deadline to apply will be November 1, 2019.  Some information is available by video: http://bit.ly/2x2cInZ

York International – Go Global  York International organizes the Go Global to increase awareness of global learning opportunities among York University students.   Interested in studying or work abroad??  visit the YI Events Calendar to learn more.  As well there will be a Go Global Fair on Thursday, October 3, 2019 and Wednesday, November 20, 2019 in Varil Hall and the Link.   http://yorkinternational.yorku.ca/

International Practicum Placement (IPP) Information Session
Each year, students in the Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Bachelor of Education (Technological Education) program can apply for the opportunity to participate in a  teaching placement in an international location, in addition to their required teaching in Ontario schools. This opportunity is in addition to the experience required in Ontario schools for the degree. Complete a four-week placement in the spring in Kenya or Nicaragua. Some funding is available to students to help offset the cost.

We are hosting  two information sessions online via Zoom (webinar)  to listen in.   You need to have a speaker on your computer or your mobile device, so you can hear the information.

Email to BEd students from Dean Lyndon Martin - sent October 4, 2019
Dear Teacher Candidates, I am writing to provide you with a brief update on the mathematics test that will be required for registration as a teacher with OCT. Under legislation EQAO have responsibility for developing the test and for providing information to us about how it will be administered. This is what they have currently shared with us:

  • The test will be designed by EQAO as a computer-based assessment. Faculties of education will administer the MPT in accordance with instructions provided by EQAO.
  • EQAO will leverage an online testing platform that supports current assessment technologies using various types of multiple-choice questions (e.g., drag and drop, ordering lists, number lines, check boxes).
  • EQAO will develop online preparation and support materials, including practice questions, that will be made available to help individuals before taking the test.
  • EQAO will post a framework of the assessment on our website so that teacher candidates may familiarize themselves with the expectations of the test.

There are also some FAQs at http://www.eqao.com/en/assessments/math-proficiency-test/Pages/questions-answers-math-proficiency-test.aspx

As we all appreciate there are still many unanswered questions and the Faculty does understand that you are concerned about the test. We will continue to provide updates as we learn more. We are developing some support programs that, alongside those provided by EQAO, will help you prepare for and be successful in the test. We will be working with FESA to provide resources for activities that they wish to offer.

We are keen to ensure teacher candidates are successful in the test and, as always, I would like to thank you for your professionalism and commitment to becoming a teacher.  With best wishes, Lyndon

BA EDST Program requirement regulation changes
Over this past year there were course requirement regulation changes for the BA Educational Studies program.  Please ensure you visit the Academic Calendars at https://calendars.students.yorku.ca/

Graduate Program in Education Open House
Are you interested in pursuing a MEd or PhD?  Come learn more about the Graduate Program in Language, Culture & Teaching on November 12, 2019  3:30-5:30  Room 113. More information email gradprogram@edu.yorku.ca

2 Day Workshop with Paul Gorski
November 9 and 10, 2019  ~   Understanding and Eradicating Socioeconomic  Inequities in Education: The Equity Literacy Approach  What would equity and justice efforts look like in schools if they were informed by deep and clear and under-standings of why poverty and educational outcome disparities exist? In this workshop, led by Dr. Paul Gorski, we will apply a critical lens to many popular explanations of class differences, often driven by deficit ideologies, presumptions of grit and resilience shortages in families experiencing poverty, and saviour mentalities that mask the actual causes of class disparities. Then, using the equity literacy framework, we will develop and practice applying an approach based on understandings of the nature of economic injustice and all the ways it infiltrates educational policies and practices. The approach will be intersectional, considering how class disparities are informed by racism, sexism, heterosexism, and other forms of oppression.

Workshop fee: $200 plus HST *If a reduced rate is needed for students or individuals on a fixed income please contact Yvonne Kelly at socialplanningcouncilyr@gmail.com Register at https://pd.edu.yorku.ca/#/reg/course/12890

Mental Health and Wellness at York U .  Students needing assistance or support  beyond their course work are encouraged to visit the resources available to them at YU.  http://mhw.info.yorku.ca/resources/resources-at-york/students/.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS)  Students with a diagnosed disability are encouraged to connect with York's Accessibility Services (SAS).  Their office  provides academic accommodation and support to students with disabilities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Policy on accessible education for students with disabilities and York University Senate Policy on Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities.

As well, students needing non Academic Counselling can contact Student Counselling and Development (SCD)     This unit helps York students to realize, develop and fulfill their personal potential in order to maximally benefit from their university experience and manage the challenges of university life. Students come to SCD because of a wide range of concerns including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, abuse, stress, self-esteem, relationship issues, eating and body image as well as issues related to sexuality, short-term individual, couple, and group counselling, crisis intervention and consultations regarding students in distress/crisis and issues related to overall mental health.

SCD is calling all artists!  SCD is looking to enhance their reception area with a mural that reflects  their values of mental wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion. It’s there hope that the mural will help create a friendly, welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all individuals who pass through  their doors. Submissions are now open and will be accepted until November 1st, 2019 upon which the department will be reviewing and selecting a design. Please click on the following link for submission information and share with student artists who may be interested. https://counselling.students.yorku.ca/mural-painting

Religious Education: Teaching in Catholic Schools - Who Should Attend
Any undergrad BEd student  in the final year of BEd and interested in preparing to teach in Catholic schools.  NOTE: This course is open only to York University Faculty of Education undergraduate students. This course is not equivalent to the Religious Education, Part 1 additional qualification.

Course Format
Fully Online
Offered in the Fall and Winter sessions
A Certificate of Completion is provided upon successful completion

To Apply & Fees
For actual dates, locations and session offerings, search from the list of available courses.

How to Prepare for Grad Studies at York
This event is for York University students who think they might be interested in doing a graduate degree at some point in their future. The event is geared towards 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year undergraduate students, but any York student who is thinking about graduate school in their future (Fall 2021 or beyond) is more than welcome to attend. I’m running four in the fall (Oct 3, Oct 28, and Dec 11 – although more can be scheduled if the demand is high), and all the details are listed here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/how-to-prepare-for-grad-studies-at-york-tickets-53645051794?aff=advising

Grad Studies at York Info Sessions
Are you considering graduate studies at York University? This presentation will cover: 1. What Is Grad School? 2. Grad Studies at York: The programs that we have, and the funding we offer. 3. How to apply to Grad Studies at York The presentation will allow lots of time for group and individual question and answer periods. Multiple events are being held this fall, with details listed at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/grad-studies-at-york-info-session-tickets-37098307035?aff=advising

MICO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (TORONTO CHAPTER)
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS 2019  The Mico Alumni Association (Toronto Chapter) will be offering scholarships in October 2019 to university students pursuing teacher education in the Faculties of Education in universities in Ontario. Students at the following universities will be invited to apply:

Scholarships are valued at $1,000.00 (Canadian).  The Scholarship Awards Program was established in 2003, to support student teachers in Ontario who have an interest in teaching in urban schools that either have a high concentration of students who are of Jamaican ancestry, or have a high concentration of black students. Since the Program began, over fifty five scholarships have been awarded to student teachers that are enrolled in the Faculties of Education at York University and the University of Toronto. This year’s scholarships will be presented to successful applicants on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Mico Alumni Association Annual Banquet and Scholarship Awards

GUIDELINE FOR APPLICATIONS:

  • Students should submit a self prepared letter clearly responding to the following:
  • Clarification of Jamaican background, or reasonable connection to Jamaica.
  • Provide evidence and reference that they are current teacher education candidates in a faculty of education program in one of the universities listed above.
  • State their histories of community service particularly in urban, multicultural communities and how that experience has influenced them to enter the teacher training program.
  • State their views on diversity and equity in education.
  • State how the scholarship will assist them to meet their financial needs.
  • There will also be a personal or telephone interview

Submitting applications: Send application letters to the following  e-mail addresses below by the 31st  of October 2019: winston.mcintosh43@gmail.com;  lfreemantle@gmail.com; reg.clarke@rogers.com

Apply for Continuing Education Student Awards
Deadline October 15 – Student Financial Profile
Awards and bursaries are available to Faculty of Education Teacher Candidates to assist with the cost of university tuition. All Teacher Candidates who feel they meet the criteria of academic excellence and financial need are encouraged to apply. The deadline is October 15th and requires students to complete Student Financial Profile.

Please note along with the October 15th Student Financial Profile deadline the following awards require an additional Personal/Written Statement and a Recommendation Letter to be submitted directly to the Office of Student Services.   The submission forms are  available at http://edu.yorku.ca/current-students/undergraduate/ and select Financial Support.

Jamison Family Award This award was established by the Jamison family to provide $500 to a deserving York University student with a preference given to a Faculty of Education student. All Faculty of Education students enrolled in practicum courses are eligible to apply. The Award is based on academic promise and financial need. One recommendation letter from a member of York University’s Faculty of Education who is familiar with applicant’s work is required. The letter must address academic promise.

The Learning Station.Com Canada Technology Award This award was established by the LearningStation.com, an Internet-based Canadian company. Concurrent Ed II and Ed III students enrolled in a practicum course and all Consecutive students are eligible to apply. Awards will be granted to a student who has demonstrated innovative ways to uses technology in a learning environment with lesser weight being given to financial need. One letter of recommendation from a Course Director who is familiar with the applicant's work is required. The letter must address the applicant's contribution towards innovative use of technology. Recipients must be Canadian Citizens or permanent residents, be Ontario residents and demonstrate financial need.

Mary Sue McCarthy Bursary This $500 award has been established by the Faculty of Education Alumni Association to honour Professor Mary Sue McCarthy, an outstanding educator and a founding member of the Faculty. All Faculty of Education students are eligible to apply. Awards will be decided based on academic promise and financial need. One recommendation letter from a member of York University’s Faculty of Education who is familiar with the applicant’s work is required. The letter must address teaching promise.

Patrick Solomon Memorial Award in Urban Diversity The Patrick Solomon Memorial Award in Urban Diversity will be available for two candidates in the Faculty of Education. One award will be available for students in each of the graduate and undergraduate programs. Recipients will demonstrate a dedication to the principles of social justice, equity and community service, as demonstrated through course assignments, projects and initiatives. Applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons and residents of Ontario who demonstrate financial need.

Peter E. Board Bursary This small award was established by the Faculty of Education in memory of Professor Peter E. Board. All Faculty of Education students are eligible to apply. Applicants must show both financial need and academic promise. One recommendation letter from a member of York University’s Faculty of Education who is familiar with applicant’s work is required. The letter must address teaching promise.

Cornerstone Leadership Award in Action Graduating Student Award Established by Stephanie and Winston Ling, the Cornerstone Leadership in Action Awards will be presented annually to a student enrolled in their second year of the Faculty of Education's concurrent teacher education program and a student enrolled in the Faculty of Education's graduate program who has completed either the concurrent or consecutive teacher education program at York. One award will be available for students from each of these programs.

The awards recognize students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership potential or ability and who embrace attributes such as honesty, integrity, passion, enthusiasm, innovation, creativity, humility and trustworthiness. Nominations will be accepted for students who embody the following:

  • Has an exemplary reputation among peers, supervisors, faculty members and within relevant communities
  • Employs innovative teaching practices
  • Promotes a positive school culture
  • Has the capacity to foster leadership qualities in others
  • Works effectively with families and community members
  • Supports the concept of mentorship, in relation to peers and students
  • Believes in continuing professional education
  • Has demonstrated standards of excellence in his/her professional activities

Award recipients will be chosen from nominees who best embody the above qualities. Nominations will be accepted from faculty members or students.  In addition to the nominator’s letter (250-500 words); the nomination file should include a sample of the nominee’s work (with the nominee’s permission) which illustrates his/her qualification for the award.

Awards for Year 2 Education students

Continuing Student Award – Access Candidates
Access identified candidates who demonstrate leadership in course work and practicum.

Application Requirements:   Nomination by faculty and self-nomination

  • Written Statement: Teacher Candidate is required to submit a written statement that shows how they have mobilized their experiences as an access candidate to demonstrated leadership in their practicum and course work?
  • Recommendation: Require one recommendation letter from a member of York University’s Faculty of Education who is familiar with the teacher candidate’s work.
  • To apply for the bursary students must complete Student Financial Profile<http://sfs.yorku.ca/aid/sfp>

The Written Statement and Recommendation will be submitted directly to BEd Student Services, 128 Winters College, 4700 Keele Street.

Deadline:
Student Financial Profile - October 15
Recommendation Letter and Written Statement - November 1
Amount:  $2500 x 3 awards

Continuing Student Award – Community Work
Candidate who demonstrates financial need and commitment to community work – self-nomination.

Application Requirements:   Nomination by faculty and self-nomination

  • Written Statement: Teacher Candidate is required to submit a written statement that demonstrates how the community work has influences members of the community and their understanding of being an educator.
  • To apply for the bursary students must complete Student Financial Profile<http://sfs.yorku.ca/aid/sfp>

The Written Statement will be submitted directly to BEd Student Services, 128 Winters College, 4700 Keele Street.

Deadline: 
Student Financial Profile - October 15
Recommendation Letter and Written Statement - November 1
Amount:  $1250.00 x 2 awards

Continuing Student Award – Leadership
Candidates who demonstrate financial need and leadership in course work and practicum

Application Requirements:   Nomination by faculty and self-nomination

  • Written Statement:Teacher Candidate is required to submit a written statement that demonstrates leadership in their practicum and course work in the BEd program.
  • Recommendation:Require one recommendation letter from a member of York University’s Faculty of Education who is familiar with the teacher candidate’s work and practicum.

To apply for the bursary students must complete Student Financial Profile <http://sfs.yorku.ca/aid/sfp>. The Written Statement and recommendation letter will be submitted directly to BEd Student Services, 128 Winters College, 4700 Keele Street.

Deadline: 
Student Financial Profile - October 15
Recommendation Letter and Written Statement - November 1
Amount:  $1000.00 x 3 awards

Please note that the awards may require the following:

  • Specific to a teacher candidates York degree, teaching subjects and/or teaching level and year in the BEd program.
  • a nomination letter from a Faculty of Education instructor and a Personal Statement submitted by the TC addressing teaching promise.

More information on Student Awards visit: http://sfs.yorku.ca/scholarships/award_search/index.htm

Updating your contact information
Please remember if you change your residential address or phone number(s) you should update this information through the Registrar's Office website. Under My Student Records select Change My Profile. You are also encouraged to add a contact person in case of emergency.

Reminder: Good Housekeeping
Please note that classroom space is shared, and we want to remind all students/faculty if eating in the classrooms to please remove garbage and put it in the appropriate receptacles in the hallways.
By doing our part, we will help to keep our classrooms clean and in a professional state.

Office of Student Services, Faculty of Education  hours
Monday                        10:00a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday to Friday       9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Telephone:                   416-736-5001
Email:                           osp@edu.yorku.ca
Book an appointment with at Advisor.