Community Report 2024-2025
Committing to Decolonization, Indigenization, and Equity-deserving Groups
Symposium Examines how Place-Based Learning can Enhance Educational Practices
Dr. Kimberly Lenters
The well-received day of workshops provided a unique opportunity for academics, students and community members to explore place-based learning methodologies. Werklund School Professor and SSHRC (Tier 2) Canada Research Chair in Language and Literacy Education Dr. Kimberly Lenters, who served as co-organizer, emphasized the importance of shifting from a utilitarian view of the land to a more relational, partnership-oriented approach in education.
Research Finds Racism Contributing to Trauma Among BIPOC First Responders
Dr. Lin Jing
While studies have established that first responders face high levels of trauma in their work, recent research by Dr. Ling Jin found that trauma among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) first responders in Canada is often compounded by racism.
Creating Space for LGBTQ2S+ Youth: Summer Qamp Screening and Panel Discussion
Dr. Tonya Callaghan
In recognition of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, the Werklund School and Contemporary Calgary, with support from UCalgary’s Office of Institutional Commitments, co-hosted a special screening of Summer Qamp – a celebrated documentary that follows LGBTQ2S+ youth at Camp fYrefly in Kananaskis
New MEd Certificate Prepares Educators For An AI-driven Future
Drs. Nadia Delanoy & Soroush Sabbaghan
To address the growing need for professionals who can navigate the intersection of artificial intelligence and education, the Werklund School launched a new MEd certificate in Generative AI and Educational Innovation.
Designed for educators, instructional designers, and educational technologists, this four-course certificate equips learners to lead innovation while maintaining a critical perspective on AI’s ethical and societal impacts. Students explore human-centered design, teaching practices, and the possibilities and limitations of generative AI tools, preparing them to design, implement, and evaluate AI-enhanced educational solutions.
Reflecting our commitment to experiential learning, the program integrates case-based exploration, tool development, and critical reflection, bridging theory and practice. Students engage in practical, collaborative projects that examine real-world educational challenges while fostering dialogue about bias, equity, and human connection in an AI-driven landscape.
Graduates will be prepared to advance innovation within their institutions, EdTech companies, and learning-focused organizations, bridging technological advancements and educational needs to foster more personalized, engaging, and effective learning experiences in Canada and beyond.
Student Achievement Highlights
Julie Lowry, BEd'25
Clarence Sansom Gold Medal in Education
Sarah Abouali, BEd'25
SSHRC Storyteller's Challenge 2025
'Canadian Muslim Youth Identity Challenges, Mental Health and Wellbeing"
Rebecca Holm, BEd'25
Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE) Award (twice awarded)
"Championing Gender Diversity in Education Policy"
Santanu Dutta & Megha Sanyal
Werklund Doctoral Scholarship
"Counter-Storytelling Memories of Pain"
S. Beech
"Cultivating Joyful, Inclusive Schools"
Artificial Intelligence and Future-Focused Learning
During the annual Distinguished Research Lecture, Werklund Research Professor Dr. Sarah Elaine Eaton explored how artificial intelligence is transforming global education and reshaping our approach to teaching, learning and assessment. She outlined how breakthrough technologies, such as Generative AI, are redefining education and why historical definitions of plagiarism no longer apply.
“Our students have an epic future ahead of them, filled with challenges we have not—and cannot—fully grasp yet. Our job as educators is to guide our students as they grow and learn.”
Dr. Sarah Elaine Eaton
Championing Pluralism in Education and Research
Dr. Catherine Alum Odora Hoppers
Histories of colonialism, slavery, and cultural oppression have pushed many knowledge systems to the margins. As a result, Western ways of knowing have often been treated as more valid than others. In recent years, scholars and communities have worked to reclaim and uplift local, Indigenous, and non-Western knowledges.
Nuclear Energy Literacy Key to Informed Decision-Making
Dr. Greg Lowan-Trudeau
Growing awareness of the potential benefits and drawbacks of nuclear technology led Werklund School Associate Professor Dr. Greg Lowan-Trudeau to analyze mainstream media coverage as well as K-12 curricula to better understand the discourse surrounding this divisive energy source.
Partnership Fosters Community-Informed, Culturally Responsive Learning in Northern Alberta
Dr. Jennifer Markides
A partnership between the Werklund School, Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD), and Pembina Pipeline Corporation is transforming learning in northern Alberta with the implementation of school programming that reflects the values of the Horse Lake First Nation community.
Renewing Commitments to Treaty and Agreements Education
Dr. David Scott
Associate Professor Dr. David Scott, in partnership with colleagues from the University of Lethbridge and University of Regina, worked alongside the Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic School District to deliver a series of immersive sessions with local Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Holders.
Harnessing Social-Emotional Learning to Equip Students with Essential Wellbeing Strategies
Carolyn McLeod, EdD'25
Low self-confidence and poor emotional regulation skills were challenges Carolyn McLeod, EdD’25, witnessed firsthand as an educator at Cochrane High School. McLeod, who received her Doctor of Education at the June convocation ceremony, says emerging research on social-emotional learning and mindfulness practices is revealing positive effects on adolescent wellbeing and should be included in school curriculum.
Community Partnership Furnishes Staff with Resources to Support Mental Health in Alberta Schools
Dr. Sharon Friesen
This year, the Werklund School collaborated with the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) to equip support services staff with the necessary tools to sustain student wellbeing. Recently, 25 high school guidance counsellors completed a six-day professional learning pilot conducted within the CBE. The aim was to build the capacity of staff to provide targeted support to meet the psychosocial and academic needs of students, align professional practices with established teaching and leadership standards, and foster a collaborative learning network.
Moments from the past year
