College of Education Launches Pinning Ceremony
New ceremony to recognize the commitment of teachers
SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan’s (U of S) College of Education launched its inaugural Pinning Ceremony on September 2nd 2015. The pinning ceremony is an opportunity for all new teacher candidates, partners, and college alumni to recognize the deep commitment that teachers make to the College and profession, and their commitment to serving society as a whole in one of the most noble of professions: the teacher.
“Participating in today’s ceremony symbolizes a profound commitment to the work and relationship that takes place between the teacher and student, family, community, and society,” said College of Education Dean Michelle Prytula. Prior to beginning their field experiences in schools, the pinning ceremony marks a milestone in the teacher candidates’ commitment to lifelong learning and professionalism.
During the ceremony, students received the newly minted pin and committed to an oath titled “The Educator’s Profession” through the signing of a banner highlighting that oath, which will be displayed on the main floor in the College.
“The act of receiving the pin and signing the banner is an agreement to, and an acknowledgement of, the work of the profession. We are coming together in solidarity, in community, and in mutual support of a noble purpose, of hard work, and of commitment to a cause far larger than ourselves,” added the Dean.
The pinning ceremony signifies a teacher’s acknowledgement and acceptance of the responsibility to the learning and development of the whole child, as well as the broader commitment to society to engage and understand; to support and transform. Not only were students pinned, but so to were College alumni in attendance who were either faculty, staff, or partners invited to honour the students during the ceremony.
Superannuate and College alumna Susan Voitka-Seager noted “the banner is inspiring and I plan to share it with the teachers in my life. I will never forget this – I was honored to be involved in such a special way. I love the symbol on the pin and I will treasure mine.”
Dignitaries who attended the event included: Honourable Minister Don Morgan; Honourable Minister Scott Moe; U of S President Gordon Barnhart; University Ambassador Grit McCreath; Superintendents from Saskatoon Public School Division, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, and Prairie Spirit School Division; partners including the STF, STA, SSBA, LEADS, and ASHE; and alumni and donors.
For more information, contact:
Alyssa Wiebe
College Relations Officer
College of Education
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8173
alyssa.wiebe@usask.ca