Supported by family and friends, students in The University of Winnipeg’s Faculty of Education gathered at WAG-Qaumajuq on September 25 for a special pinning ceremony.
The annual tradition, established in 2023, celebrates UWinnipeg education students who are making the transition to teacher candidates. UWinnipeg is home to the largest undergraduate teacher education faculty in Manitoba.
During the ceremony, each student receives a special pin and recites a Socratic oath. Copies of the oath are also printed on large posters for students to sign.
Akin to a white coat ceremony for medical students, the pinning ceremony imparts a sense of mission and responsibility in education students who will soon become a valued part of the teaching profession.
In addition to fostering community and resiliency, one of the goals of the ceremony is to forge a strong teacher identity in each student for the duration of their teaching career.
The program opened with a smudge by instructor Kevin Lamoureux, and a land acknowledgment read by education student Marcus Duykers. Dr. Marc Kuly, Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Teacher Education, served as master of ceremonies.
Remarks were delivered by Dr. Laurie-ann Hellsten, Dean of the Faculty of Education; Dr. Todd Mondor, President and Vice-Chancellor; and Marika Schalla, an alum, teacher, and author of the book Stella, Welcome to your Doodem.
The Hon. Bernadette Smith, Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness, brought greetings on behalf of the Province of Manitoba. The Hon. Mike Moyes, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Joel Swaan, Vice-President of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society, assisted with the pinning ceremony.
