Education Undergraduate Society

University of Lethbridge (TH368)

4401 University Drive West
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1K 3M4
(403) 329-2442

March 6th, 2023

To Whom It May Concern:

Each semester, the Education Undergraduate Society hosts a variety of Professional Development seminars for students in the
Faculty of Education at the University of Lethbridge. Thanks to the invaluable knowledge and time presenters are willing to
share, these sessions provide meaningful learning opportunities for aspiring educators. This letter acknowledges and commends
Matthew Morrison for attending the following Professional Development sessions during the Spring 2023 semester:

“Conversations I’d Like to Avoid” was presented by Kevin Wood on January 18th, 2023. This session explored difficult conversations
with parents, students, and colleagues. Attendees learned to frame these conversations to be able to improve the situation.

“Edwin: A Digital Teaching and Learning Platform” was presented by Beth Cormier on January 23rd, 2023. This session explored
how the digital platform Edwin can be used to support unit and lesson planning through curriculum-linked resources.

“Engaging in Numeracy and Connections through FNMI Traditional Games” was presented by Stacey Running Rabit and Terry-
Lynn Cook on January 24th, 2023. This session explored First Nations, Métis, and Inuit traditional games and how to create authentic
learning experiences related to numeracy through these games.

“What do you mean I have to Teach Reading?” was presented by Robin Bright on January 26th, 2023. This session explored the basics
about how reading develops in youth and how to provide instructional strategies that will support readers of all ages in a variety of
disciplines utilizing the book Sometimes Reading Is Hard: Using Decoding, Vocabulary, and Comprehension Strategies to Inspire
Fluent, Passionate, Lifelong Readers, and other resources.

“Full Circle – Understadning Social Implications of Indigenous Realities” was presented by Billie-Jo Grant and Cassandra Mercer on
January 30th, 2023. This session examined core causes of intergenerational trauma, challenge common myths and misconceptions,
explore activities to foster effective relationships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, families and community, and explore
assimilation strategies that have contributed to many current realities of Indigenous students, families, and communities.

“Self-Regulated Learning in the Classroom” was presented by Charlotte Brenner on January 31st, 2023. This session explored the
concept of self-regulated learning by defining what self-regulated learning is, identifying teacher practices that promote self-regulated
learning in students, and connected self-regulated learning to other educational theories.

“Coaching and Extra-Curricular Activities” was presented by Danny Balderson on February 6th, 2023. This session explored the
benefits of volunteering for coaching and participating in other extra-curricular activities as a teacher.

“Indigenous Matriarchy - Balance Through Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation” was presented by Billie-Jo Grant and Terry-Lynn
Cook on February 7th, 2023. This sessioned examined historical and contemporary issues, challenges, and inequities for Indigenous
women, girls, and Two Spirit, including action to support reclaiming power and place, and restoring balance within education systems.

“Indigenous Alberta - The Footsteps of Our Ancestors” was presented by Stacey Running Rabbit and Cheryl Devin on February 13th,
2023. This session examined the rich Indigenous cultural and linguistic diversity of Alberta. Topics included terminology related to
identity, recognition of territory, significant ancestral landscapes related to locations of celebrations and traditions that come to life
through song and dance, addressing myths and misconceptions, and a brief historical timeline.

“Blanket Exercise” was presented by Cheryl Devin and Holly Brandsma on March 1st, 2023. The Blanket Exercise is a participatory
workshop in which particpants experienced over 500 years of history by taking on the roles of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Standing
on blankets that represent the land, they walked through time and explored the impacts of colonization, treaty making and modern
legislation.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Michael McTighe at edu.eus@uleth.ca.

Michael McTighe Ashley Vuong

Michael McTighe Ashley Vuong
Director of Professional Development President
Education Undergraduate Society Education Undergraduate Society
University of Lethbridge University of Lethbridge