TORONTO, June 18, 2014 — Liane Lanni is doubly excited about donning a graduation gown in the coming days. Lanni will be receiving her Bachelor of Education in Technological Education degree at York University’s spring convocation on June 19, and a few days later, a Bachelor of Technology in Informatics and Security from Seneca College.
Lanni is also among the five concurrent degree students who will make history as the first cohort of BEd in Tech Ed graduates from the Faculty of Education.
“Six years ago, we had a bold vision to create the first ever BEd program in technological studies and that became a reality last spring, when we launched the degree program, which is the first of its kind in Ontario,” says Faculty of Education Dean Ronald Owston. “Our goal is to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to be the best educators in technological education in the province.”
The program aims to fulfil the need for qualified teachers in the technology area in secondary schools throughout the province. The Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) estimated that 50 per cent of those teaching technological education were eligible to retire in 2010.
“The graduates of this unique and innovative program will bring both academic and hands-on experience to the teaching profession,” says Course Director Robert Wager, noting that the program is open to those enrolled in a degree program in a related applied field at an Ontario Community College or University.
The graduating class includes students from degree programs at Ryerson University, Humber College, Seneca College, Centennial College and Guelph@Humber.
“The best thing I liked about the program was that it was concurrent, enabling me to complete my college degree and undergraduate degree simultaneously,” says Lanni, who provides technical support at a neighbourhood family resource centre, alongside teaching preschool students, on part-time basis. “I have already applied to the OCT for certification. Once I am accepted, I’ll start applying to school boards for a position as a high school teacher,” says an excited Lanni.
York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York’s 11 faculties and 27 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.
Media Contact:
Gloria Suhasini, York University Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22094, suhasini@yorku.ca
