The best part of the EDS program was all the people and opportunities that came from it. The close-knit classes allowed me to not only learn from and collaborate with great professors, but form life-long friendships with my classmates. The highlight of my time as a student was the incredible opportunity to intern at an international school in Weifang, China as part of EDS310: Education in a Global Context. Through this I was able to develop my teaching skills and grow, whilst meeting several influential educators who I am still learning from and working with today.
Caitlin Miora Randria, Education Studies Alumni
Undergraduate: Major in Sociology, double minor in Education Studies and French Studies
Graduate Studies: Masters of Teaching at OISE
As a 5th year student, I changed my major and minor programs many times before discovering EDS, and some of the most fulfilling experiences I have had have been within the EDS program. What I like most is that EDS has always allowed me to connect and apply what I learned in class with the world around me. Both in-class and placement learning allowed me to experience the duality of in-depth research and practical experience. I got to work with brilliant peers, help my community, and always had the support of the unparalleled network within the program.
Anthony Faulkner, Education Studies Alumni
Major in Sociology, double minor in Education Studies and Physical Geography
Graduate Studies: Masters of Teaching at OISE
The EDS minor serves as the antithesis of the typical, impersonal university experience every student fears. The limited class sizes eradicated the anxiety of being seen as a mere number, while the small cohorts allowed me to build invaluable lifelong relationships with both peers and professors. I have come across the most benevolent, selfless and devoted individuals through EDS and have nothing but fond memories attached to the department. Through multiple internships, placements, case competitions, conferences and multimedia presentations, EDS students are able to test their strengths and invigorate their gaps.
Hafsa Khan, Education Studies Alumni
Major in English, double minor in Education Studies and Sociology
Graduate Studies: Masters of Education at OISE, working in Education in Pakistan
The highlight of my time during the Education Studies program has been the amazing opportunities that each course has given me. Whether it was an assignment, a placement in a daycare, a primary school, or volunteering with the department in the summer, I've met a ton of amazing people I now call friends. The EDS environment is one of constant empathy and learning, and that’s what I liked and enjoyed the most.
Bianca Soledad Alvarenga, Education Studies Alumni
Major in French Studies, double minor in Education Studies and Philosophy
Graduate Studies: Masters of Teaching at OISE
This program helped expand my definition of education, as I studied and reflected on topics such as equity and diversity, technological development, and global education. The variety of courses helped me develop widely applicable soft skills such as conflict resolution, multicultural awareness, and inclusive learning design. Students in the program are consistently supported by a dedicated and knowledgeable group of professors and administrators, while the small class sizes promise enriching classroom discussion.
Erika Colby, Education Studies Alumni
Major in English, double minor in Education Studies and History
Graduate Studies: Masters of Teaching at OISE
The education minor is a program that feels like family because of its unconventional style of instruction. It allows you to meet and interact with instructors and classmates alike. I was able to have meaningful discussions and acquire valuable skills that last forever. The lessons I learned have inspired me to continue this journey towards transforming education through innovative approaches to raise informed and creative life-long learners.
Zahira Tasabehji, Education Studies Alumni
Major in Political Science, double minor in Education Studies and Psychology
The EDS minor is a well-rounded, gratifying, comprehensive, and stimulating program. I experienced an exponential amount of growth academically and on a personal level. I appreciated that every professor cared about my personal well-being and mental state while supporting my academic journey, setting aside time to hear and ease my concerns. The minor introduces, teaches, and promotes diversity and addresses concerns within the education sector. As a whole, the EDS minor embodies the University of Toronto standards of being boundless by exposing students to limitless hands-on experience.
Alexandra Harvey, Education Studies Alumni
Major in Sociology, double minor in Education Studies and Political Science
Graduate Studies: Masters of Teaching at OISE
EDS has helped me develop proficient teaching and leadership skills through participating in various field placements, community engagement activities, and experiential learning opportunities. The EDS program at UTM offers courses that are stimulating, engaging, and relevant in today’s knowledge-based economy. By being a part of the EDS program, I was able to explore my passion for teaching and feel more confident to pursue my career as an educator.
Johnny Nikolovski, Education Studies Alumni
Major in Sociology, double minor in Education Studies and Physical Geography
Graduate Studies: Masters of Teaching at OISE
Through the Education Studies program I was able to participate in an ROP (Research Opportunity Program) as a research leader. The study focused on “Teaching and Learning in a Pandemic: Teacher, Student, and Parent Perspectives”. During this time, I was able to form friendships with the people I worked with, and further developed my interpersonal skills such as how to be a team player, oral and written communication, reliability, and organization.
Patricia Xinaris
Undergraduate: Double major in Sociology and Criminology, minor in Education Studies, currently working in Education Research
