Hello everyone,
I wanted to introduce myself before we meet in Bedford in a few short weeks.

I recently graduated from Brock University’s Bachelor of Education program in June with qualifications to teach in the Junior and Intermediate divisions with a teachable in History. I completed my undergraduate degree in History and English. I am currently occasional teaching for two school boards in Southern Ontario. I have pursued additional qualifications after being certified by the Ontario College of Teachers in Special Education, Reading, Religion, and in Primary Education. I am committed to pursuing future personal and professional development opportunities such as the Advocacy and Leadership project.

This September I started my Master of Education program (Administration and Leadership in Education stream) at Brock’s Faculty of Education. I am interested in researching elementary school administrators in their role as a leader of inclusion for exceptional students in their school’s professional learning community. Since administrators set the tone and direction of their school, it is fundamental that they encourage and support all members of the professional learning community to facilitate inclusion for all students. I hope to examine this dynamic relationship to enhance my understandings of inclusion in a functioning learning community and participate in the discussion that this project will provide.

I look forward to gaining through this internship experience, a greater understanding of the issue of inclusiveness that I can bring to my current teaching vocation and provide me with a foundation for further research inquiry. I am thrilled to be considered for this opportunity to study and work abroad through professional dialogue with professors and colleagues in an international learning community setting regarding this important topic.

Project Details:
Transportation: I am arriving in London on May 16; Flying into London Heathrow via Air India at 10:30am.
Accommodations: Homestay TBD
Practicum Placement: Biddenham Upper School, Biddenham, Bedfordshire

Looking forward to meeting everyone.
James

Added info

Hey Everyone,

I forgot to add my flight and accommodation info in case anyone is on the same flight or staying near me. I'm arriving at Gatwick airport on Sat. May 16th around 9:30am. I'm staying at The Elms Guesthouse bed and breakfast on De Parys Ave. and I'm leaving Bedford on Mon. June 29th. Get in touch with me if anyone wants to meet up at the airport.

Cheers!

Hi everyone :)

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself. I am a Master of Arts Candidate at Brock University in the Department of Child and Youth Studies. My research explores the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education and its application in Canadian classrooms. I am also an early childhood educator and currently work with school age children as a before and after school program leader.

I feel immensely honoured and blessed to be able to participate in the advocacy and leadership program, as I feel it will provide me with the opportunity to combine my passions of early education, inclusion, academia and travelling. While my goals post-grad school are still uncertain, I do know that I want to become a leader within the field of ECE and I feel that participating in this project will allow me to gain the knowledge and skills to do so and develop personally, academically and professionally.

I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you via this blog and to meeting you in 9 short weeks :)

Anna

P.S.
I've booked my flight with Air India and will be departing Toronto Pearson on May 13, 2009 (arriving @ Heathrow May 14 @ 11:30) and plan to stay in the UK until July 10 to do some extended travelling.

Bedford College Exchange Programme

EU - Canada Programme
International Academic Mobility Initiative
Bedford College of Further Education Exchange Programme
Monday 18th May - Friday 26th June 2009
Week 1
Thursday 21st May
Free day
Week 2
Thursday 28th May
Meet 10-30am at the main reception Bedford College
Guided tour of Bedford, including John Bunyan museum and an English pub lunch
Week 3
Thursday 4th June
Meet 9-00am at the main reception Bedford College
Day trip to Cambridge, including guided tour of city, visit to Kings College and free time to explore shops and local market
11-00am guided tour starting from The Guildhall Cambridge
Week 4
Thursday 11th June
Meet at Bedford train station at 9-30am
Day trip to London, including main sites and attractions and free time
11-30am London Eye flight
12-30pm Lunch
1-30pm Guided bus tour of main London sites and attractions
Free time
Saturday 13th June
Meet at Bedford train station at 11-00am
London trip to the theatre
2-00pm The Lyceum Theatre - The Lion King
Week 5
Thursday 18th June
Meet 9- 30am at the main reception Bedford College
Day trip to Woburn Safari Park and Abbey
Week 6
Thursday 25th June
Meet at 12-00am in the Skyline Restaurant Bedford College
Farewell lunch
Weekends are free for personal trips, visits or any other cultural events

Contact Details
Christine Inglis
Director - Centre for Foundation and Community Learning
Direct telephone line:
Work: 01234 291907
Mobile: 07837057315

Beverley Saward
Senior Centre Administrator
Direct telephone line:
Work 01234 291614
Bedford College
Cauldwell Street
Bedford MK42 9AH
Enquiries and Guidance: 01234 291000
Fax: 01234 342674
Website: www.bedford.ac.uk

Student Profile

Hi Everyone, below is my student profile/individual learning plan and goals. I have posted it so that you can get to know me prior to our trip abroad.

Cheers!

First I would like to begin with a few words about my background and myself. I graduated from McMaster University with an undergraduate degree in Developmental Psychology. I am currently completing my Master of Applied Disability Studies degree through Brock University with a specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). I also work for an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) rehabilitation program, where I implement and develop behaviour treatment plans for adults with an ABI and behaviour difficulties. The behaviour treatment plans are based on the principles of ABA.

            Through participation in this course I hope to further develop my critical thinking skills, increase my knowledge and gain skills in the area of advocacy, leadership, and inclusion. I hope that it will challenge my beliefs and current knowledge on preexisting cultural ideologies, and develop an awareness of the critical issues in the field of disability. This course will allow me to experience these issues from many perspectives and in a different culture. I plan to meet these goals in this course through a number of ways. First, familiarizing myself with literature regarding advocacy and inclusion. This will provide the basis of understanding the most pressing issues, while gaining perspective directly from authors in the disabilities field. Next, attending lectures, conferences, and seminars will allow a structured environment in which to learn and expand on literature and readings. It will also allow for interaction with peers, which will facilitate an overall learning environment where discussion can occur. Online forums will act as an extension of lectures and peer interaction. Additionally, formal and informal journaling will facilitate my goals through regular entries providing a forum to record thoughts, opinions, and observations.

            Furthermore, international participation in an ABA appropriate placement will allow me to gain hands on experience in the field of disability studies abroad. Specific goals for the international experience are to develop an understanding of practices within a different culture. Also, I am excited at the possibility to network with and learn from some of the most forward thinking leaders in this area, and I hope to be able to build a relationship that will allow me to grow personally and professionally in the area of disability studies.

Hi Again

Please take this opportunity to get to know each other.Many of you now have flights and living arrangements made. Share these and see when you all arrive. Get to know each other before you go. I am sure that you are all excited. iI know we are!

Cheers
Sheila

Hello

Hello,

I am now officially set up on this blog. I hope to make regular use of it. Looking forward to going overseas with you all!

Best,

Ryan

Hi Everyone,

I hope this gets to you all. This is my first Bloggong experience and since I have a basic mistrust of technology I am just a little skeptical!. I am a faculty member in the Department of Eteacher Education at Brock University and look forward to meeting you all in this forum.

Cheers
Sheila