UBC Okanagan School of Education

09/01/2026

In recognition of her impactful efforts in sharing knowledge, Christine Abbott received the 2026 Doctoral Studies Outstanding Conference Presentation Award.

“Often times when we think about student voice, it is used as more of a provocation or a talking point, the youth come and do their piece and then they leave,” she says. “In this project, the youth were actively involved in the decision making. My presentation reflected on how their voices were heard, how those relationships were nurtured and how they impacted the system change that happened at their school.”

Read more: https://education.ok.ubc.ca/2026/08/31/research-relationships-and-reciprocity/

08/31/2026

Before Jason Andrews, EdD student, discovered his passion for language, he was training in theatre in Toronto, and building towards a career in acting, stand-up and improv. Along the way, the pull toward telling his own stories won out over performing other people’s, which led him into creative writing at Capilano University in Vancouver, producing plays and staying active in the city’s comedy scene. It was while studying linguistics and English at UBC that a new interest emerged — language itself, and how people learn it.

Read his full story at https://education.ok.ubc.ca/2026/08/26/a-doctoral-students-journey-through-theatre-language-and-learning/

08/28/2026

For experienced educators and leaders considering a doctoral degree, the choice between a Doctor of Education (EdD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is one worth understanding clearly. Both are rigorous, doctoral-level credentials, but they are designed with different purposes, different learners, and different outcomes in mind.

Read more about our EdD program and which may be the better fit for your career goals: https://education.ok.ubc.ca/2026/08/18/edd-vs-phd-whats-better-for-me/

08/27/2026

As new and returning students head back to college and university campuses, it’s important they strive academically but it’s also important that students make efforts to connect socially to others—to make at least one friend.

Read Dr. John-Tyler Binfet's latest Psychology Today article at

Students heading to college this fall should, of course, strive for good grades but they should also make an effort to make at least one friend. It'll bolster their well-being.

08/25/2026

Mark your calendars! UBC Okanagan Homecoming is back September 14 – 20, 2026, and we'd love to see you at one of the upcoming events!

Our BARK UBCO team will be at the alumFEST on Sunday, September 20! It's a high-energy, family-friendly afternoon with live music from Sunday Service, food trucks, coffee, and non-alcoholic drinks — a great chance to reconnect with fellow grads, and meet current students and faculty.

Register: https://alumni.ubc.ca/ubc-homecoming-okanagan/

This is just one stop on a full week of Homecoming programming, including an artist talk with Les Louis, UBCO Debates and Outdoor Yoga. Plus every event you attend enters you into a draw for a Big White Winter Season Pass!

Come back to campus to celebrate the UBC Okanagan community with a weekend full of activities!

08/24/2026

The Okanagan School of Education requires an instructor to teach the following course in Term 2 of the Winter session (January to April 2027).

EPSE_O 470-A (3): AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION FOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

This course examines Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) as a critical element of inclusive practice across education, disability support, health, and community contexts. Students will explore contemporary AAC theory, evidence-based practice, and ethical considerations, with attention to disability justice, accessibility, and the social model of disability. The course emphasizes critical evaluation of AAC research, systemic barriers to communication access, and applied design of individualized, culturally responsive AAC supports.
Delivery method: online (asynchronous/synchronous)
Dates: Jan. 5 to Apr. 12, 2027
Synchronous Sessions (Saturdays): January 9, February 6, and March 6
Time: 9am-12pm

Deadline to apply: September 1, 2026

Learn more at https://education.ok.ubc.ca/about/careers/career-posting-instructor-2/

We value our faculty and staff and are always looking for talented people to join our thriving UBCO team. Excellent benefits, diverse career opportunities, and a true community spirit are just some of the reasons you should consider joining our team of dynamic faculty and staff.

08/21/2026

Mark your calendars! Dr. Sabre Cherkowski will lead Leader Wellness on January 12, 2027, focusing on supporting others while practicing self compassion in leadership roles.

Igniting Relational Leadership (a professional learning series beginning October 2026) brings together guest speakers who explore ethical, community centred approaches to leadership in education.

As part of the series, featured speaker Dr. Sabre Cherkowski will lead Leader Wellness on January 12, 2027, focusing on supporting others while practicing self compassion in leadership roles.

⏳Register by September 25, 2026
💻 Learn more: https://opl.educ.ubc.ca/ignite/

08/20/2026

Today marks the start of our new 11-month Bachelor of Education! We are excited to welcome our teacher candidates into the inaugural cohort and getting to know everyone over the course of the program.

We are also pleased to share that today's cohort was joined by our new Community-Based BEd program in partnership with the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences through their Interior Salish Languages Fluency Program, Adams Lake Band, Chief Atahm School, and, their post-secondary institution, R Stselxméms r Secwépemc Institute.

08/18/2026

We're pleased to share that Dr. John-Tyler Binfet is one of the Co-Directors on this extensive $2.5 million SSHRC Partnership Grant project involving more than 100 partners. Learn more about their project, Establishing a Network for Human-Animal Connections Research and Collaboration, at https://pawsitiveconnectionslab.com/human-animal-network-host or watch the video: https://youtube.com/shorts/B78bJzu9Rp0?si=nUhTmQcqXbiEOnEY

The PAWSitive Connections Lab was awarded $2.5 million for the next...

08/17/2026

Join us for an information session to learn more about UBCO’s 11-month Bachelor of Education (BEd) program. This session is designed to provide you with insights into the admissions requirements, application process, program highlights and more! The session will be comprised of a brief presentation and an opportunity to ask questions.

Thursday, September 24, 2026
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom

Register: https://education.ok.ubc.ca/2026/08/04/bachelor-of-education-information-session-3-2/