Liane Lanni is doubly excited about donning a graduation gown in the coming days. Lanni will be receiving her Bachelor of Education in Technological Education degree at York University’s spring convocation on June 19, and a few days later, a Bachelor of Technology in Informatics and Security from Seneca College.
Lanni is among five concurrent degree students who will make history as the first cohort of BEd in Tech Ed graduates from the Faculty of Education.
“Six years ago, we had a bold vision to create the first ever BEd program in technological studies and that became a reality last spring, when we launched the degree program, which is the first of its kind in Ontario,” says Faculty of Education Dean Ronald Owston. “Our goal is to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to be the best educators in technological education in the province.”
The program aims to fulfil the need for qualified teachers in the technology area in secondary schools throughout the province. The Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) estimated that 50 per cent of those teaching technological education were eligible to retire in 2010.
“The graduates of this unique and innovative program will bring both academic and hands-on experience to the teaching profession,” says Course Director Robert Wager, noting that the program is open to those enrolled in a degree program in a related applied field at an Ontario Community College or University. The graduating class includes students from degree programs at Ryerson University, Humber College, Seneca College, Centennial College and Guelph@Humber.
“The best thing I liked about the program was that it was concurrent, enabling me to complete my college degree and undergraduate degree simultaneously,” says Lanni, who provides technical support at a neighbourhood family resource centre, alongside her part-time role teaching preschool students.
“I have already applied to the OCT for certification. Once I am accepted, I’ll start applying to school boards for a position as a high school teacher,” says Lanni.