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A program that would have been unthinkable five years ago is strengthening guidance and connections for students pursuing a career in teaching.

The Faculty of Education鈥檚 Alumni Network has launched a pilot mentorship program that pairs alumni with 快播视频 BEd students to provide career insights and build professional relationships.

鈥淲e relaunched the network after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, and we are rebuilding,鈥� says Jason Singh, a 2011 York graduate and director of education for Medix College鈥檚 health care programs, who serves as Chair of the group. 鈥淧ost-COVID, people want to connect and our objective is to engage them and connect them back to the Faculty and 快播视频.鈥�

Read the full story in the December 17, 2025 issue of Yfile

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Second-year Bachelor of Education student, Natasha Reodica talks about her experience this past summer in Freiburg, Germany.

This past summer, 8 Bachelor of Education students took their learning beyond the classroom through 快播视频鈥檚 Summer Exchange to Freiburg, Germany. For four months, they studied at the University of Education (PH Freiburg) alongside students from across Europe, Africa, and Asia, gaining fresh perspectives on teaching and learning.

Living in the heart of the Black Forest, our students immersed themselves in German culture, picked up new languages, and traveled to eight countries during their exchange.

The Summer Exchange to Freiburg is open to York BEd students, typically in their first year of the program, and offers university credit courses in English, German, or French. The program blends academic study with cultural immersion, helping teacher candidates build independence, cultural awareness, and global networks. All skills that enhance their future classrooms.

To learn more about eligibility, courses, and application details, visit the Summer Exchange to Freiburg program page.

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快播视频 has stepped up to address the growing demand for qualified technological education teachers, an urgent need identified by the Ontario government.

Since 2017, the university鈥檚 faculty of education has offered the bachelor of education (B.Ed.) in technological education (tech ed) program in 10 broad-based areas, helping to fill the critical shortage that is expected to worsen if left unaddressed.

Passion meets purpose

The B.Ed technological education program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to teach in high schools across the province. It鈥檚 also designed to encourage trade professionals to combine their passion for their sector with their desire to teach.

This approach is exactly what attracted Camille and Chadwin Bartley to the program. The couple, who have been partners in life and business for nearly two decades, started their post-secondary education for the first time in fall 2024.

鈥淢y decision to become an educator stems from a desire to nurture and encourage young minds to pursue their passions fearlessly. I believe teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future, and I am eager to take on this responsibility,鈥� said Camille, who has been a hairstylist from the age of 16. She was also instrumental in inspiring Chadwin to pick up the clippers and learn the craft 15 years ago.

A key admission requirement, whether applying for the concurrent or consecutive program, the candidate must have work experience 鈥� along with industry licensing where applicable 鈥� in one of these areas: communication technology, computer technology, construction technology, green industries, hairstyling and aesthetics, health care, hospitality and tourism, manufacturing technology, technological design or transportation technology.

While the concurrent B.Ed. is offered to York students in a related degree program, the consecutive B.Ed. is open to those like Camille and Chadwin, who meet one of four eligibility criteria in a technology field aligned with the program.

Learning for impactful teaching

Having had the opportunity to work with local high schools and connect with school administrators who encouraged them to pursue teaching, the couple took the leap and joined York.

鈥淥ur teacher education will be impactful for students, and it鈥檒l be beneficial for our lives as well,鈥� said Chadwin.

He and Camille are already well-established in the industry, with a clientele that includes celebrities like Toronto Raptors player RJ Barrett. However, their passion is to promote barbering and hairstyling to youth as a skilled trade and a pathway to successful careers.

鈥淚 was in the music industry, managing artists, and I thought I could become Camille鈥檚 business manager. But it wasn鈥檛 practical, since she ended up working more than I did,鈥� recalled Chadwin. Wanting to be an equal partner in every sense, he decided to become a hairstylist, gaining hands-on experience in the beauty industry.

Chadwin became an apprentice with Camille鈥檚 employer and eventually became a licensed hairstylist and barber.

鈥淭he rest is history. I bought my first clippers for about $300 鈥� eleven months later, we opened up our first salon in downtown Brampton and we鈥檝e been working together ever since.鈥�

In 2018, the couple launched a charitable organization called the Bartley Skills Development Program. Through the charity, they have taught youth across the Greater Toronto Area barbering and hairstyling.

鈥淲e started noticing that a lot of students are coming wanting to learn how to do hairdressing and barbering, but it wasn鈥檛 provided in their local high schools,鈥� noted Chadwin. 鈥淏ecause I became successful through the skilled trade, I鈥檓 now able to impart those skills to those who are interested in learning.鈥�

Confidence in classroom teaching

Camille has a similar view.

鈥淲hen I鈥檓 speaking to students and I see a young person driven towards the beauty industry, it really excites me to pass on the knowledge that I have,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ecause I know how impactful it鈥檚 been in my life, and I know what it can do for someone that takes it seriously.鈥�

For Camille and Chadwin, enrolling in the B.Ed technological education program is taking their community work to the next level, as formal teacher education will help them teach larger groups of students in a classroom setting with confidence.

鈥淭hough I know hairdressing 鈥� and I know it well 鈥� I need to learn the aspects of learning how to teach; that is, getting down to the level of a high school student and meeting them where they鈥檙e at. We needed this formal training to take the skills that we already have to the next level.鈥�

They are excited about graduating next spring, crossing the convocation stage as their three young children watch their parents achieve what may be their greatest accomplishment yet.

Interested in the B.Ed technological education program?

Register for one of the following information sessions:

For more information please visit www.yorku.ca/edu/bed-tech.

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The Faculty of Education Student Association (FESA) has undergone a major transformation to better serve the needs of its constituency. Over the past year, FESA has implemented new systems, restructured its operations, and launched fresh initiatives to ensure that every education student feels supported and represented. These changes reflect FESA鈥檚 commitment to accountability, accessibility, and impact. More than just a council, FESA is an evolving hub of connection, growth, and leadership for 快播视频鈥檚 Faculty of Education students.

The Faculty of Education Student Association (FESA) is dedicated to enriching the experience of every student in 快播视频鈥檚 Faculty of Education. Through social events like the annual FESA Formal or the more recent BEd 1st year Social Orientation, FESA helps students build community and make lasting connections. Professional development opportunities such as the annual Professional Development Conference and the annual Employment Fair prepare teacher candidates for their careers, while FESA's revamped mentorship program in collaboration with the 快播视频 Education Alumni Network as well as advocacy efforts to ensure that every student鈥檚 voice is heard.

Beyond academics and networking, FESA also offers exclusive Faculty of Education merchandise, giving students a way to showcase their pride and support their community. With these initiatives and recent changes to strengthen operations, FESA continues to grow as a hub for connection, leadership, and professional growth.

Get to know the Executives behind FESA's 2025/2026 Team and discover how they are shaping your academic journey!

President, Devonte Ellis

Hey everyone! I鈥檓 Devonte Ellis, and I鈥檓 honoured to serve as your President of the Faculty of Education Students鈥� Association (FESA) for 2025鈥�2026. I am an Intermediate/Senior Division BEd student with teachables in Music and French. I鈥檓 passionate about building community and career-ready opportunities for future teachers. I joined FESA as President this year to reconnect our cohorts, elevate student voice, and deliver high-impact programming for all of us. This year, expect purposeful advocacy, clear communication, and lots of ways to get involved. Let鈥檚 make it meaningful...together!

Vice-President (Internal), Aryan Puri

Hi everyone, my name is Aryan Puri (he/him) and I'm FESA鈥檚 Vice-President (Internal) for the 2025-2026 Academic year! I'm a first year Consecutive Education student in the Junior/Intermediate division, my teachable is Physical Education & Health. I'm excited to be apart of FESA this year and make a difference! As VP Internal, I鈥檒l be working to support our executive team, keep communication flowing, and make sure everyone feels connected and included. I鈥檓 really looking forward to meeting more of you, hearing your ideas, and helping FESA create a supportive and engaging space for all Education students this year!

Vice-President (External), Jedd Kenedy

Hey everyone! My name is Jedd Kenedy (he/him), and I鈥檓 happy to be serving as the Vice-President (External) for FESA for the 2025-2026 academic year. I鈥檓 currently a second-year Teacher Candidate in the intermediate/senior division, with teachables in Philosophy and Politics. In my role, I鈥檓 excited to collaborate with external organizations to create meaningful partnerships that benefit both their communities and our program. This year is full of amazing opportunities to network, engage with others, and unwind at the fantastic events FESA has planned. Looking forward to a great year ahead!

Vice-President (Administration), Christine Suh

Hi! My name is Christine Suh (she/her), and I'm FESA's Vice-President (Administration) for this year. I'm a second year BEd student, I/S division for Music and General Science. I'm excited to do my part in FESA, keep us organized, and help us advocate for education student wellbeing. If you see me in the halls or in class, don't be afraid to say hi!

Beyond the Executive team, FESA is made up of dedicated Directors and Cohort Representatives who work hard to keep students connected, supported, and informed. From leading mentorship, events, and equity initiatives to representing their peers in each program cohort, these council members play a vital role in making FESA a strong and responsive community for all Faculty of Education students.

Want to meet the full team and stay up to date on everything FESA? Visit their website at and connect with them on , , and to join the conversation and your cohort groups to get involved.

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The Faculty of Education Student Association (FESA) is the heartbeat of the undergraduate education student community. Made up of passionate student leaders, FESA not only represents education students but also plays a key role in enriching their university experience. From hosting engaging conferences and workshops to selling exclusive merchandise, the FESA council is dedicated to fostering connection, support, and growth for all education students.

Get to know the Executives behind FESA's 2024/2025 Team and discover how they are shaping your academic journey!

President: Sadaf Sohrab

Hi! My name is Sadaf Sohrab and I'm this year's FESA President! I'm a Year 2 P/J teacher candidate. I did my undergraduate in music at 快播视频 with a specialization in classical violin and Canadian folk fiddle.

Vice-President (Internal): Matthew Noce

My name is Matthew and I am the 2024-2025 VP Internal. I am in my final year of undergrad majoring in Criminology. I can't wait to continue to attend 快播视频 this Fall for Intermediate-Senior education. I hope to use my social science and English teachables to teach highschool.

Vice-President (External): Rebecca Breault

Hi, My name is Rebecca, and I鈥檓 in my second year of the Bachelor of Arts in French Studies and Concurrent Education program at 快播视频, Glendon Campus. I currently serve as the Vice President External for the Faculty of Education Students鈥� Association (FESA). I enjoy reading and exploring different histories, whether it鈥檚 cinema, literature, or cultural events from the past. I鈥檓 also an assistant coach for a girls鈥� softball team, and I love teaching a sport that I鈥檝e played and been passionate about for many years.

Vice-President (Finance): Devonte Ellis

Hey! I'm Devonte and I am this year's Vice-President of Finance. I did my undergraduate degree in Music here at 快播视频 as well and am currently BEd candidate in the Intermediate/Senior Division! My teachables are Music and French but I hope to get one in Communications Technology too! I am also currently the Communications and Marketing Assistant for the Faculty of Education and can play several instruments!

Vice-President (Administration): Tavlen Pannu

Hi! I鈥檓 Tavleen and I鈥檓 this year鈥檚 Vice President of Administration! I did my undergraduate degree here at York in Psychology and continued with my Bachelor of Education in the P/J division.

My motivation for getting into teaching stems from my personal journey overcoming a fear of water. Through the support of wonderful swimming instructor, I gradually overcame my fear and eventually became a swimming instructor myself!

Want to learn more about the exciting initiatives, events, and opportunities the Faculty of Education Student Association (FESA) is working on? Visit their NEW website at to stay updated and get involved in shaping the future of our faculty.

Check out what the council is doing and how you can make an impact today!

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With three placements in the top 100 of the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject report, 快播视频 builds on ongoing momentum to right the future as it positions itself as a global leader in post-secondary education through its academic programming.

Each year, the QS Subject Report ranks a total of 55 disciplines grouped into five subject areas: arts and humanities; engineering and technology; life sciences and medicine; natural sciences; and social sciences and management.

The most recent report 鈥� which evaluated more than 15,000 programs from 1,561 institutions 鈥� placed York among the top 100 in the world in three subject areas: education, English language and literature, and philosophy. Within Canada, the University also received top-five placement across 11 subjects.

鈥淭hese rankings reflect the high quality education and impactful research that define 快播视频,鈥� says 快播视频 President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. 鈥淲e continue to drive positive change locally and globally guided by our values as a progressive university dedicated to excellence, social justice, diversity, inclusion and sustainability. It is gratifying to be recognized for our leadership in the higher education sector. We are providing the talent needed for the 21st-century workforce and solving the complex problems facing society today and in the future.鈥�

The new QS rankings add to the momentum of York鈥檚 continued impressive results over the past year in other prestigious rankings. Notably, in June 2023, the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings placed York among the top 40 institutions advancing the United Nations鈥� 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Then, in July, the QS World University Rankings saw the University strengthen its global position as a leading research-intensive university by  from the previous year.

Faculty of Education advancing its leadership

In the new QS subject rankings, released this April, the University placed particularly high in education, demonstrating its ongoing efforts in advancing the future of pedagogy.

That leadership has been shepherded by York鈥檚 Faculty of Education, which offers a broad range of programs, research initiatives and community partnerships, all of which embody its long-running dedication to practices of equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization.

Last year, the Faculty advanced those efforts for the occasion of its 50th anniversary and developed its new five-year strategic plan. Through the plan, the Faculty reaffirmed its commitment to providing an environment where students are encouraged to challenge the status quo to uncover new possibilities in the advancement of education and social justice.

Opportunities 鈥� like its Concurrent Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies 鈥� also have helped the Faculty stand out, as have initiatives like its Public Lecture Series,  and the W眉l茅elham offering, which engages participants in learning from Indigenous peoples.  

The Faculty of Education also this year launched a new international consultancy called ED Global, offering education and professional learning consulting services to school boards, educational organizations and diverse communities.

Top five in Canada

In addition to York鈥檚 placement in the top 100 globally in three subjects, it was represented further within the top 150 in eight other subject areas: anthropology, history, accounting and finance, communication and media studies, psychology, performing arts, sociology, developmental studies and psychology (at Glendon college). The University was also represented in the top five for each of these subjects within Canada.

The rankings reflect a range of Faculties and schools at York, including the Faculty of Health, the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and .

QS World University Rankings is an annual publication of university rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) that serves as an important indicator for global post-secondary education leadership and success.

Article originally published in the April 18, 2024 issue of聽

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During my practicum placement at St. Philips Catholic Elementary School, I had the opportunity to work collaboratively alongside Vickie Morgado as we began a global collaboration project with a class in the Ukraine. In November 2023, we began communicating back and forth with Vika Matkivska, an English teacher in the Ukraine. We began exchanging photos, as we received photos of students sharing Halloween themed art, holding pictures of different flags representing their diverse backgrounds with the class, and other forms of student learning. In response to the photos being sent to our classrooms, Vickie shared some photos with me of her class which I then created a slideshow video of the different ways we learn in the classroom to share with the class in the Ukraine. Vickie鈥檚 grade 4 class was excited about being able to share the slideshow of the different ways they learn with the class in Ukraine after receiving photos from their new friends.

Following this, we received a video from Vika Matkivska as she introduced herself and the students in her class to us. The video also sparked some questions that our students could respond to such as, 鈥淲hat are your names? Tell us something about yourselves.鈥� After this video, Vickie and I began to discuss ways in which we could collaboratively work to respond to the video. For our grade 4 class, Vickie introduced the idea of using Flipgrid, a platform at the time I was unfamiliar with. Vickie took the time to explain and show me how to use the platform as well as brainstorm ways in which our students could interactively use the platform. From there, I began to create a brainstorming template where students could formulate what they would like to say before actually recording. Through the use of Flipgrid, students could begin by introducing themselves, sharing some of their Christmas traditions with their families, and asking the Ukrainian class any questions they had. As for my grade 陆 class, I felt that creating and recording a Flipgrid video would be advanced for them so I decided that my students would instead create and write Christmas cards to each student in the Ukrainian class. The grade 陆 students were so excited about having the opportunity to share their own Christmas traditions as well as write a card to students in another country.

My experiences and insights

When Anne Shlarp, my practicum facilitator, presented the chance for me to collaborate and learn from Vickie Morgado through this global initiative, I had no idea what to anticipate. As a teacher candidate (TC), I've never been involved in a project where my students communicated globally with students from another country, let alone another class in Ontario. This opportunity taught me how Ukrainian children experience school differently than students in Ontario. During one of our weekly online interactions, Vika Matkivska told us about her student's experience of having to accompany her class into a bomb shelter.  This helped me comprehend that education is not experienced in the same manner globally as it is in Ontario.

I am grateful to have had this opportunity to learn from Vickie Margado, who guided me through this project and introduced me to tools like Flipgrid that can be used in the classroom. This experience has informed my teaching practice as it has taught me new ways I can engage my future classrooms globally with students around the world safely. It also has shown the importance of collaborating with colleagues as there is always so much that you can learn from others.

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By Deirdre Kelly

ON A FAMILY TRIP to Colombia in 2019, Aline Nalbandian (BA/BEd 鈥�99) visited a rural marketplace in the north of the country, where she spied a stall overflowing with colourful, handwoven totes. She drew closer, attracted by a bag of jungle-green and parrot-blue called a mochila. Speaking through a translator, she learned that the bags are made by the Wayuu, an Indigenous matrilineal society whose weaving traditions have been passed down from woman to woman for generations.

Featuring embroidered straps and drawstring closures with pom-pom tassels, each bag is a one-of-a-kind creation with tribal wisdom hand loomed into the geometric patterning. Popular with the Coachella music festival set, along with devotees of sustainable fashion and the editors of Vogue, the designs are derived from nature and stories about the mythical Walekeri, a spider deity said to have taught the Wayuu how to crochet.

The Wayuu鈥檚 homeland of La Guajira, a desert peninsula located in the north of the country, on the Caribbean coast, isn鈥檛 just harsh; it鈥檚 home to one of the poorest regions in all of Colombia. More than half the population lives below the poverty line and suffers from malnutrition, according to official figures released by Colombia鈥檚 National Administrative Department of Statistics.

To secure much needed pesos for food, the women sell their mochilas in La Guajira鈥檚 marketplaces, often through a third-party vendor who pockets most of the profits. 鈥淎s soon as I heard that,鈥� Nalbandian says, 鈥渟omething clicked. I just had to get involved.鈥�

She bought one bag. Then three and eventually several hundred 鈥� bypassing the exploitative middlemen to buy directly from the women at fair market prices. She now sells the bags herself in partnership with the Wayuu at pop-up shops in her home city of Toronto and elsewhere across southern Ontario under the brand name A-Line Wayuu Love.

A portion of all proceeds is re-invested into the artisans鈥� communities, where the bags are more than a chic accessory.

鈥淕irls learn the craft from their elders around the age 12,鈥� says Nalbandian, 鈥渁nd they continue weaving well into adulthood as members of their community鈥檚 female collective of artisans. It鈥檚 not fashion to them. It鈥檚 a way of life.鈥�

Besides helping to sell the Wayuu鈥檚 weaving arts in Canada, the married mother of three daughters works to support the community on home turf. Travelling to La Guajira up to four times a year, she donates education kits along with other much needed supplies such as shoes for the community鈥檚 children, who have to walk more than two kilometres each way to reach the nearest school.

When in the community, she also volunteers in the classroom, teaching the math skills acquired when she was a 快播视频 Con Ed student. Last year, she contributed to the building of a small, two-room school in Alta Guajira, located in the far north of the Guajira desert. It opened last September, and is now serving 80 kids who otherwise couldn鈥檛 access a classroom because of the vast distances.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 how I鈥檓 making a difference,鈥� Nalbandian says. 鈥淭he bags are beautiful and I鈥檓 paying forward by giving back to a community whose devotion to nature, family and a simpler way of life is truly inspiring to me. I want to help them preserve their traditions and I鈥檓 honoured the Wayuu are letting me do it. I don鈥檛 take it for granted.鈥�

Article originally published via The 快播视频 Magazine, summer 2023.

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The  recognize students whose leadership has contributed to the growth, development, and vitality of 快播视频. Both undergraduate and graduate students who apply for awards are role models who exhibit leadership, dedication, integrity, enthusiasm, and the pursuit of excellence through their endeavours.

快播视频 has named these awards after Robert Tiffin who served as 快播视频鈥檚 Vice-President of Students for over 9 years. During this time, Rob transformed his operation into one of the country's most professional student service organizations, serving one of Canada鈥檚 largest student populations. This transformation required strong leadership, dedication, integrity and fairness. It is these qualities that have been chosen to recognize in student leaders.

BEd student and recipient Zahra Mawani's journey began at 快播视频 in 2020 when she was admitted to the Bachelor of Education program. "I never imagined that I would be completing the entire program online, nor did I anticipate the challenges that would come," says Mawani, "Little did I know, that being elected to the Faculty of Education Students鈥� Association鈥檚 (FESA) team would inevitably transform my and my peers鈥� learning experience."

"I am grateful for my journey thus far at 快播视频, in representing students' voices and supporting students near and far," continues Mawani, "Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, a strong sense of community was built from a distance. I hope to continue serving the 快播视频 community by enhancing the learning experiences of all students."

"Zahra has excelled in all aspects of student life during her time at York, demonstrating leadership and active involvement on multiple committees and organizational bodies, both inside and outside of the university," says Chlo毛 Brushwood Rose, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education, who nominated Mawani for the award, "I can say without reservation that she has made significant contributions to the sense of community in both the Faculty of Education and the University."

As a recipient of the award, Zahra will receive a Robert J. Tiffin Student Leadership Award certificate and her name will be permanently added to the award display located in the Vari Hall Rotunda.

Zahra has also been accepted to the Faculty of Education's Master of Education (MEd) program at 快播视频 starting this Fall. Congratulations Zahra!

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