New agreements with education faculties at New Brunswick universities aim to strengthen teacher education programs and improve student learning.
The University of New Brunswick (UNB), St. Thomas University (STU) and Crandall University have signed agreements with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to continue to ensure that graduates of bachelor of education programs have the knowledge, skills and abilities to teach effectively in New Brunswick's education system. One of the requirements is that these programs include at least six literacy-focused credit hours for the elementary education stream, with three credit hours specifically focused on foundations of early reading and literacy, commonly referred to as the science of reading. This equates to 45 more coursework hours for early reading instruction.
"We're helping equip the next generation of teachers to ensure that students in New Brunswick schools are supported and ready to learn for years to come," said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson. "We're focused on improving literacy outcomes for our students. A stronger foundation in early literacy for future teachers is part of that work, better preparing them to help our kids develop those strong foundational skills. With these agreements, we expect future teachers will be even better prepared to use evidence-based approaches, assessment data and inclusive instructional practices to help students learn effectively."
The requirement aligns with the new 12-year education plans, which are being implemented this year and prioritize strong foundations in literacy and numeracy.
The new agreements replace those signed in 2010. They include updated standards of practice for teachers in the anglophone sector that reflect current research, government priorities and realities of today's classrooms. They also describe the knowledge, skills, values and professional commitments expected of bachelor of education graduates. The standards include:
· A specific expectation for a comprehensive understanding of universal design for learning and to use a range of instructional strategies to align activities with learning outcomes and foster equitable access to success.
· Increased focus on using assessment and evaluation data to guide instruction and intervention and support learning.
· The inclusion of a practice section for each standard, so teachers not only know the expectations, but how this looks in practice.
"It's crucial future teachers graduate with the skills to meet the needs of today's students," said Post-Secondary Education and Training Minister Jean-Claude D'Amours. "There is no better way to achieve that goal than post-secondary education institutions working with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development."
The faculties of education at the three universities worked with the department to update the agreements, and were part of a collaborative process - also involving the school districts and the New Brunswick Teachers' Association - to develop and finalize the updated teaching standards.
"Preparing excellent teachers requires a strong connection between what we do in teacher education and the evolving needs of New Brunswick students and schools," said Grant Williams, director of the school of education at St. Thomas University. "This renewed agreement reflects our shared commitment to ensuring STU graduates enter the profession with the knowledge, skills and evidence-informed practices they need to support the learning and success of every student."
"Literacy is foundational to learning and student success," said Petra Hauf, UNB's provost and vice-president academic. "Through the strength of our education programs and the dedication of our students, UNB is helping prepare future educators with the knowledge and skills needed to support strong literacy outcomes in classrooms across New Brunswick. We value the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and colleagues across the education sector to advance this shared commitment to literacy education."
"We at Crandall University are very pleased to be part of this work and grateful for the opportunity to contribute alongside our provincial partners and our colleagues across the university community, working to recognize and respond to educational priorities and then incorporate those priorities into our programming," said Nancy Matthews, dean of Crandall University's school of education. "This kind of collaboration allows all of us to ensure that teachers trained at each of our respective institutions receive the preparation needed, not only to be excellent teachers, but also to see and respond to the needs of their students and see them thrive."
"Teachers need the right preparation and time - including time to collaborate with colleagues - to develop the expertise needed to support students from day one," said Heidi Ryder, president of the New Brunswick Teachers' Association. "Strong standards for teacher education programs help strengthen the profession, and today's announcement, with its focus on early-years literacy, gives teachers a solid foundation to build on."
Related links
Teaching standards - Anglophone School District
