Grads in Profile: Jesse McLean

Jesse McLean is a student in the Werklund School of Education’s (WSE)  Master of Education (MEd) Specialist  degree program—a program that works for him because, as a practicing educator, he sought out a program that allowed him the flexibility to continue to work while advancing his education.

McLean who hails from Princeton BC now calls the Edmonton area home and works as the assistant principal at Greystone Centennial Middle School in Spruce Grove. He’s enrolled in Werklund’s Design Based Learning MEd program, which he says has been the perfect place to focus on his interests and his studies.      

What is the body of research in which you’re interested?

“I am interested in trying to connect practicing educators with educational research and working to bridge the research-practice gap. Taking my Master’s degree at the University of Calgary opened my eyes to all of the powerful learning sciences research that was out there, and it had such a profound impact on my practice and the way I look at education that I want to bring more of those experiences to more educators.

My research is around a locally developed model for bridging the research-practice gap as I am working with a team of educators--teachers, learning coaches, administrators and division staff--to immerse ourselves in the research around a specific topic, in this case authentic learning, to see if our group can build knowledge in this area and develop interventions guided by the research to have a positive impact on student learning.

It is my hope this team approach can be repeated for more topics in our division including assessment, metacognition, professional learning and technology integration.”    

How and why did you choose to come to the University of Calgary and the Werklund School of Education?

“I have been very fortunate to have worked with the Galileo Educational Network which has had a powerful impact on our work at Greystone Centennial Middle School and in Parkland School Division. Working with the amazing researchers and educational mentors has pushed my thinking and challenged me to look more critically at my practice.

When the opportunity to work with the University of Calgary and many of the Galileo Educational Network staff came up, it was a perfect fit.”  

What would you say to someone thinking about coming to the WSE for a graduate program?

“My experience has been one of exciting challenges and powerful learning and growth. My thinking and my practice have been pushed and I feel like my program has opened my eyes to greater possibilities for student learning and for my own learning.

It is challenging, but in a way that you always feel has a practical impact on your day-to-day work in schools. My coursework and assignments always felt connected to what was going on in my building and with our students and staff, so it wasn't hard to find the motivation to put in the time and effort required.

I would say that if you are looking for a learning experience that would push your thinking and help you become a better educator, the Werklund School of Education is a great place to do it.”