Transforming Education. Transforming Lives.
We want to hear your story
At the Faculty of Education, we strive to transform education and transform lives each day – through teaching, research, and working with our community partners. As part of the Western Education family, more than 41,000 alumni have been making transformative contributions to education for several decades. Our alumni are teachers and leaders across many different sectors. What has been your experience? What have you noticed that may change the future of education in Canada and beyond? Where did your journey take you?
I am pleased to introduce you to this collection of stories called Transforming Education. Transforming Lives. It is my hope that you are willing to be included in this collection by sharing your story. The process is quite easy – simply fill out the form at the bottom of this message and we will contact you. We will then share your story as part of this feature.
Now even more than before, it is time for Education to shine. We want to share how you and your colleagues are transforming education and transforming lives. I also invite you to read the stories below and see how your colleagues are making a difference in our communities.
Donna Kotsopoulos, PhD
Dean and Professor
Faculty of Education
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Supporting the next generation
July 23, 2025
Former educator Dražen Ivanišević shares why he’s established an award for teacher candidates.
Providing a ray of sunshine through special education
March 04, 2025
Joey McDowell, BEd ’99, reflects on her passion for special education and the importance of learning from those around you.
Reflections from a passionate teacher
January 28, 2025
Western alum Bill McHugh looks back on the best year of his university experience, as well as the three decades that followed.
Filling in a research gap
January 14, 2025
Veteran educator Dr. Philip Capobianco seeks to raise awareness of safeguarding youth mental health in Catholic schools.
A new way to give back
October 10, 2024
Western Education announces the launch of the Dean’s Transformational Leaders Circle.
Transformative growth and lifelong learning
October 09, 2024
Ranabelle Stroh shares lessons and hopes from her Doctor of Education journey.
A family legacy
July 29, 2024
From grandparents to grandchild, learn about what drives the Nathoo family's passion for teaching.
Celebrating a loving marriage and a dedicated teacher
June 07, 2024
Learn about the history of the Laura & Ed McLeish Scholarship.
George McAuley on teaching, music, and full circle moments
March 18, 2024
The Western Education alum shares lessons, observations, and fond memories from his time in the classroom and on the stage.
Dr. Najwa Zebian on the transformative power of authenticity
February 14, 2024
Education alum and writer Dr. Najwa Zebian shares how the lessons in her new book, The Only Constant, always held true in her life.
Indulging curiosities
December 21, 2023
Education alum Jessie Collins shares how she makes play-based learning accessible for all at the London Children’s Museum.
Lessons on and off the field
October 02, 2023
Education alum Greg Marshall shares why coaching and teaching have so much in common when it comes to molding young minds.
In pursuit of passion
September 11, 2023
Graduate student Melissa Read shares how an affinity for research and mental health guided her through an uncertain career change.
Honouring a lifetime of kindness
September 07, 2023
Family and friends are working to continue Education alum Heidi Schlumpf’s legacy through acts of kindness and an important fundraising campaign
Ready for takeoff
August 14, 2023
Western Education alum Jacob Taylor finds a solution in the sky as he works to strengthen and empower Indigenous communities.
Leaving a legacy
July 25, 2023
Education alum Doug Flanders wants his legacy gift to enable children to live happier, more fulfilling lives.
Ray Hughes Award
November 16, 2022
Dianne Lafferty has been recognized for successfully piloting the Fourth R program with the Yellowknife Catholic Schools.
Closer relationship
September 23, 2022
President of the Retired Teachers of Ontario, District 8, Steve Harvey, hopes to forge a closer relationship with the Faculty of Education.
Managing two careers
June 07, 2022
Jack Roach (BEd’74) realized in high school he wanted to teach. However, he didn’t realize his career would take unexpected turns.
New CAIS leader
May 13, 2022
EdD candidate Anand Mahadevan has been named incoming Executive Director of the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools organization.
Calm within the storm
May 11, 2022
Robyne Hanley-Dafoe (EdD’18) is bringing a message of hope to those struggling to overcome life’s challenges.
Bringing equity to ESL
March 29, 2022
PhD student Kate Paterson is providing teachers with the tools and strategies to increase inclusive and effective instruction.
Mastering money
March 08, 2022
Fred Masters (BEd’89) is using his passion for finance and teaching to make a difference in the financial lives of Canadians.
Activist educator
January 07, 2022
Jean Hewitt has been an activist throughout her education career. She’s been a champion of promoting women in education leadership.
Needing patience and perseverance
January 07, 2022
Marilyn Elford always knew she wanted to be a teacher and it started as a student in a one-room school in the 1940s.
Musical passion
January 04, 2022
Teachers influence their students and David Ennis is a testament on how teachers can impact them.
Giving back to education
September 22, 2021
Gregg Bereznick has done it all in education. He’s been an administrator, principal, teacher and Faculty of Education instructor and mentor.
Lifelong learning
July 28, 2021
Loving lifelong learning has been the key to Bertha-Rose Park’s success inside and outside the classroom
Learning through the senses
July 27, 2021
Jennifer Orr, BEd ’95, established Eyewords, a company that engages students’ senses to facilitate learning.
Resiliency key to career success
July 27, 2021
For alumnus Frank Loreto, BEd ’79, his life has followed a verse from Bruce Cockburn’s song from the Festival of Friends, ‘Open ...
Learn. Earn. Return.
June 08, 2021
For retired educator, Sylvia McPhee, these three words are her life’s philosophy; and education is her passion.
Young Maestro Wes goes to school
May 10, 2021
Alumna Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool, Canadian Hip Hop legend Wes ‘Maestro’ Williams and illustrator Leon ‘Eklipz’ Robinson, ...
Understanding learning styles
April 30, 2021
A school visit from two psychologists sent Alberta O’Neil on an education odyssey spanning the globe.
Heart of the classroom
April 29, 2021
Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool always knew she wanted to be a teacher. However, she had to go through a journey to figure it out.
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