"Our teacher candidates have stepped into their advanced practica with confidence, energy and care for their students. Much of what is typically expected in a high school classroom has been upended by the pandemic. But, our resilient, innovative teacher candidates have designed engaging lesson plans to create community and joy in their classrooms—when we all needed it the most!"
— Jenn Skelding, Assistant Professor of Education
Jenn Skelding is a lifelong learner who is passionate about the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. She is Assistant Professor of Education in the School of Education at TWU and PYP Coordinator of the Secondary Stream, and is a Doctor of Education candidate at Western University in London, Ontario. Professor Skelding’s research focuses on aligning strategic language with an action response, through pedagogical practice, in teacher education programs. More specifically, she aims to equip teacher education spaces to connect theory to practice so that teacher candidates can experience what culturally responsive pedagogies look, feel and sound like. Her deep hope is that future teachers hold space for and honour cultural diversity in their classrooms as an expression of love that supports equity and learning.
Honouring International Women’s Day at TWU: Faculty Reflections
Every year on March 8, the global community celebrates International Women’s Day. It is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. At Trinity Western, we seek to honour the many women leaders and educators who help our University thrive and advance into the future.
In the following interview, we hear from Professor Skelding on what has inspired her in her journey of teaching and leadership.
1. Hi Professor Skelding, what has helped you in your journey of teaching and leadership, and what are a few tips you have?
As a lifelong learner, I have sought out opportunities to learn more about leadership and what type of leader God has equipped me to be. My Master of Education degree centered on leadership in internationalized spaces of teaching and learning, and I am preparing to defend my dissertation for my Doctor of Education this summer. Every position I have held, from classroom teacher (Gr.4-12), school principal, or now as an Assistant Professor in the School of Education, I learn so much from my peers, women leaders, and from those who lead me. I have found that educators are committed to contributing to our profession by supporting, mentoring and encouraging others in a culture of collegiality. This is the BCTC professional standard #8—educators value professional relationships that much! My leadership skills are encouraged, challenged and honed through relationships with other women leaders. What a gift! A tip I offer is to leave your classroom door open. Make your practice public so that you can offer your gifts and skills as hospitality to your peers. You will learn more than you give. Leadership is a work of heart.
2. Who are some of the women who inspire you, and why?
There are many women in my life that have been inspirational—most notably my Mom and my Grandmother. Both of these beautiful women were nurses and both were intrepid trailblazers. My Mom, taught me to be generous. Growing up I watched my Mom give her love, skills and time to support palliative care communities. When she walked into a room, people instantly lit up—no matter how ill they were. My Mom has always been my greatest cheerleader and role model. Today, my Mom has Parkinson’s disease and still fills a space with positivity and joy. My Grandmother was known for her famous pies in her community, but to me she was the champion of euchre, trout whisperer (always caught the biggest fish!) and famous risk-taker. As a young woman during WWII, my Grandmother moved to New York City to begin her nursing career. I often reflect on how courageous she was to undertake such an adventure. Apart from my family, I have recently been inspired by author and leadership coach, Jo Saxton. One of my favourite quotes from her book Ready to Rise is, "The world needs your faith-filled voice, gifts and skills. It needs you to rise into your God-given influence and make a positive impact. So you need to clear the debris and the obstacles standing in the way of unapologetically living the life you were made for. You'll need to dig deep to get there, and it might be a little uncomfortable at times, but it will be worth it."
3. What has been a highlight of teaching at TWU in recent months?
The biggest and BEST highlight for me this year is centered on my students. Our teacher candidates have stepped into their advanced practica with confidence, energy and care for their students. Much of what is typically expected in a high school classroom has been upended by the pandemic. But, our resilient, innovative teacher candidates have designed engaging lesson plans to create community and joy in their classrooms—when we all needed it the most!
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has five campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, Ottawa, and Bellingham, WA. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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