The following article was submitted to PrinceGeorgeMatters from School District 57 (SD57).
School District No. 57 (Prince George) and the University of Northern British Columbia are pleased to share that SD57 Director of Instruction, Curriculum and Innovation Debbie Kaban is this year’s recipient of the Association of BC Deans of Education Teacher Educator of the Year Award.
The award is presented annually to a Teacher Educator who has distinguished themselves in partnering with a teacher education program in British Columbia.
Kaban helped to plan and create the UNBC’s renewed Bachelor of Education (BEd) curriculum and was a significant partner in enhancing the program and the experience of students throughout their degree.
She proposed and initiated the host schools model, which re-framed the way the UNBC BEd program approaches practicum placements.
She also was instrumental in creating excellence in student mentorship whereby teacher candidates are supported both within the University and within the School District directly.
“Debbie has been an amazing and unsung hero for our UNBC team and teacher candidates,” says UNBC Dean Faculty of Human and Health Sciences Dr. Shannon Wagner.
“Her knowledge, passion and dedication exemplify an exceptional partner to teacher education.”
At the same time as leading instrumental change in teacher education for northern B.C., Kaban also continued to work with UNBC and its students on day-to-day projects including mentorship, curricular expertise, recruitment and feedback to coaching teachers, teacher candidates and the UNBC team.
“Debbie’s dedication to pre-service teacher education models her commitment to the profession”, says Acting Superintendent Cindy Heitman.
“We are honoured to have Debbie as part of our organization leading this important work for our community, our schools and most importantly our students.”
