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
Cody Chipman 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.

“Hip-Hop Culture and its Influence on Mental Health and Education” was presented by Dr. Thelma Gunn and Dr. Doug
Checkley on January 19th, 2023. This session explored research in utilizing hip-hop culture to connect with students.

“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.

“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.

“The History and Legacy of Residential Schools” was presented by Stacey Running Rabbit and Cassandra Mercer on February
8th, 2023. This session examined the history, impacts, and legacy of residential schools, including the effects of intergenerational
trauma and introduced particpants to tools, resources, and strategies that contribute to the development of mutually respectful
relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.

“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.

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