Nearly 200 of our province’s future teachers have been given a boost as they take the important next steps in their own education and training. Acadia University's School of Education and Career and Experiential Learning department recently launched the new Empowering Rural Educators program, specifically designed to support our Bachelor of Education (BEd) students during their practicums in the Fall 2024 semester.

All of Acadia’s BEd students complete Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experiences where they receive invaluable supervised opportunities to hone their skills in classrooms and other educational settings. The practicum positions are located throughout the province, with some offering the students the ability to work in specialized areas of education.

A total of $178,000 in funding from the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative and CEWIL Canada’s iHUB is dedicated to supporting these students. This generous backing will help remove barriers for students by offering financial assistance for practicum travel and providing culturally responsive teaching materials. The program also includes additional professional development opportunities for all BEd students. These efforts ensure that Acadia graduates are well-prepared for their future roles as educators, equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed.

“CEWIL Canada is pleased to support innovative WIL experiences for students at Acadia University where students have been able to receive financial support and recognition for their WIL experience,” says Charlene Marion,  Executive Director  at CEWIL Canada. “Funds such as these aim to eliminate barriers to WIL and increase access for all post-secondary students.”

Natalie Dempsey is a lecturer in the School of Education and is leading the program. Her successful iHUB grant application has brought the Empowering Rural Educators program to fruition. She’s optimistic about how the program will benefit Acadia’s education students.

“The Empowering Rural Educators program will make our BEd program more financially accessible while enhancing the practical and professional readiness of our future teachers,” she said. “We are excited about the positive impact this will have on our students and the broader educational community.”

For more information, please contact Natalie Dempsey.

This project has been funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative and CEWIL Canada’s iHUB.