Niagara University in Ontario BPS Program Hosts Annual Teacher Education Conference

Niagara University in Ontario's BPS program held its annual Teacher Education conference April 9-11 at the university's Vaughan, Ontario campus. The event fulfilled the program requirements and celebrated the teacher candidate's growth and learning as they marked the end of their two-year academic journey.

The three-day event featured 12 workshops selected by the TCs from an impressive lineup of more than 77. The sessions, led by a diverse group of 63 faculty members, professionals, classmates, and experts from partner organizations, sparked meaningful conversations and explored essential topics such as classroom management, financial literacy, music in the classroom, and parent-teacher interviews.

Keynote addresses from distinguished speakers, a moving traditional Indigenous smudging ceremony, and visits from educational partners such as the community library, offered resources and moments of reflection. One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was when TCs proudly shared their teaching portfolios-a collection of their most impactful placement work-with faculty and community members, as it reflected their commitment to teaching and future growth.

The conference was also a time to connect and laugh. From daily games such as "Guess who?" using the TCs' baby pictures, to live piano and guitar music performed by talented TCs each morning, the activities contributed to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Pizza on the second day brought everyone together for lunch, and the surprise gift of a book and resource package from the generous Rick Hansen Foundation left the TCs feeling supported as they move into the next step in their teaching careers.

The emotional highlight of the conference was the sharing of a commemorative video that captured unforgettable moments throughout the three days-smiles, hugs, conversations, and laughs. The conference, organized and led by BPS faculty Dr. Laura Hermans-Nymark and John Masciarelli, has become a meaningful tradition and a program highlight for many TCs, whose comments included "thank you for all the hard work and commitment … I feel better prepared and set to advance further in my own teaching journey."