"We are delighted about this merging of location and look forward to more collaboration, connection, and synergy with B.C. Christian schools. The closer connection will open up opportunity for a very special partnership with SCSBC—one which can serve to magnify the impact of Christian education."
— Dr. Allyson Jule, Dean of TWU's School of Education
This summer, the School of Education at Trinity Western University is on the move.
As the TWU School of Education celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is moving from its current location at the Langley campus in the Vernon Strombeck Centre to the Devries Centre. Renovations will happen over the summer, and the move will take place in September 2021.
The move will mean an increase in the number of classrooms to more than double the current capacity, and increase the office space. It will allow the School of Education to bring together various related departments, including the Society of Christian Schools in BC (SCSBC).
"We are delighted about this merging of location and look forward to more collaboration, connection, and synergy with B.C. Christian schools. The closer connection will open up opportunity for a very special partnership with SCSBC—one which can serve to magnify the impact of Christian education," said Dr. Allyson Jule, Dean of TWU's School of Education.
"To watch what God has done and how God has used us to impact education in B.C. has been a steady marvel," Dr. Jule continued.
"The School of Education at Trinity Western University is, in and of itself, a miracle. It is the only faith-based Teacher Education Program in the province and has a reputation for developing extraordinary teachers for both public and independent school systems. Our Professional Year Program emerged after a difficult legal challenge in 2001 about whether devout Christian teachers could be trusted to support all students, including those from the LGBTQ+ community. The result was that both the public and private sectors recognized the value of the Christian worldview in teacher preparation. Miracle #1: we exist – and a secular society found a place for our Christian Teacher Education Program and our vision to develop excellent teachers for BC schools."
Since 2001, TWU’s School of Education has been able to award the Bachelor of Education degree and full B.C. teaching certification. As such, there are more than 750 teachers in the province, across Canada, and around the world, who were prepared and educated at TWU. "That is 750 miracles: 750 people who felt a call to teach and who came to Trinity Western University for their preparation for the classroom. Such impact is being felt in the many lives of the children and youth that our graduates have influenced," said Dr. Jule.
Before the pandemic, the School of Education experienced significant numerical growth; the incoming class grew from approximately 40–50 students in 2010 to some 100 today. Applicants to the two-year post-degree program have also increased from approximately 25 to 130 applicants this year. "Surprisingly, the pandemic has done little to hamper this growth," said Dr. Jule. "We have met the challenges of COVID-19 by moving courses online while still offering in-school practicum experiences. This is another miracle: TWU’s School of Education is thriving during very difficult times."
"Once we are settled, we look forward to welcoming educators into our new space and celebrating together God’s work through the School of Education," said Dr. Jule.
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 four campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. 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.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca