University of Calgary
PAE-T2-3: Student Training Opportunities

This collaborative program was developed to address two interconnected issues affecting children and youth of immigrant families. 1) There is a growing achievement gap amongst children and youth of immigrant families and 2) students graduating a Bachelor’s of Education (regardless of school), are not sufficiently prepared to work in today’s diverse classrooms. Students in their first year of the two-year B.Ed program opt to take an ‘enhanced’ section of EDUC 407 (Diversity in Learning); in this enhanced section, they complete the regular coursework and have a placement in a non-traditional setting, working with one of nine community partners. Placements involve various activities such as tutoring, mentoring, leisure among other things. This additional placement provides students with an opportunity to work directly with children and youth of immigrant families, while also receiving support and guidance from a mentor within the organization. The program focuses on developing students cultural competence or developing cultural humility. This program started in Winter 2012 as a pilot, and is now a regular course offering for approximately 30 students. Residence Education Team facilitates Diversity & Inclusive Language training for all our Community Advisors during the summer.