Shaping Future Schoolteachers

Classrooms are spaces buzzing with curiosity. Thanks to educators, these are learning environments that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

Through Work Integrated Learning, graduates of our Bachelor of Education - Elementary and Secondary programs pair up with mentor teachers in local classrooms to bridge theory and practice. These mentors equip future educators with the skills and confidence to shape their teaching styles as they prepare to stand at the head of the class.

Bridging Theory & Practice

Mentor teachers in Grande Prairie and the surrounding area work very hard as partners, preparing preservice teachers for their future work in the profession. Their expertise helps create a stronger group of locally trained teachers who are more likely to stay and teach locally.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all the mentor teachers and school communities who supported our preservice teachers.

Not listed below, but still extremely important to the success of our program, are the teachers and schools that hosted our 1st and 2nd-year education students during their observations at our schools.

The teachers listed below mentored our recent Teacher Education North (TEN) graduates during the Winter and Fall Sessions. The TEN program has been a successful, elementary-focused collaborative degree with the University of Alberta for the past 30 years, and as NWP begins the transition to its own degree, strong mentorship experiences for preservice teachers continue to be essential.

“I value the opportunity to be a mentor teacher and share the knowledge and experience I have gained over 26 years in education. The most meaningful learning about the teaching profession comes from hands-on experience in the classroom, where every class and every group of students is unique. It is incredibly rewarding to support practicum students as they grow in confidence, develop professional skills, and learn how to create positive and engaging learning environments.” 

~ Julie Howatson

“I am proud to share my experiences and passion for teaching with future educators, just as my mentor teacher once did for me. Watching a student teacher grow in confidence and take ownership of student learning is one of the most rewarding aspects of mentoring.”

~ Laureen Beson

“I mentor to give back to a profession I love. I mentor to ensure new teachers have the tools to succeed! We are blessed to have these young people in our classrooms. They are a gift and the future.”

~ Kim Henry

“Mentoring lets me highlight Montessori’s magic while soaking up the fresh ideas and energy student teachers bring to our classroom.”

~ Desiree White

Become a Mentor

If you are interested in becoming a mentor teacher, please contact CDextrase@NWPolytech.ca.