Poised to become teachers
Students soon to graduate four-year program reflect on support from each other, their teachers and their families
Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services
Monday, February 1, 2016
SANIRAJAK/HALL BEACH
Six students in their fourth year of the Nunavut teacher education program (NTEP) with Nunavut Arctic College in Hall Beach are finishing up their final months of a bachelor of education degree, offered in affiliation with the University of Regina.
The students - Stacey Kadlutsiak, Sue Mikki, Marlene Curley, Manasie Kaernerk, Nina Kuppaq and Connie Evalak - took a few moments from their day to answer questions about their career choice and the work involved in a four-year commitment. They still have a few months to go, but if all goes well they will complete the course work in May.
The official graduation for successful candidates takes place at the University of Regina in October.
The students answered questions as a group, as one voice.
News/North: What drew you to teaching as a career? What do you like about it?
Students: Every day is always an ongoing learning experience in school and for this reason we wanted to go for teaching career. You learn with the students every day. Working with students is a positive environment to be in and students are always eager to learn something new.
N/N: Has the program been challenging? What have been some of the challenges?
Students: The program has been challenging to all of us because we all have children who are dependent. Also, learning new terms in a second language as our first language is Inuktitut. Lastly scheduling school and home to balance them. These are just the some of the challenges we face in our four-year program.
N/N: What have been some of the highlights - moments you really enjoyed and will never forget?
Students: We all have our moments.
N/N: Did it feel like a big commitment?
Students: Yes, it is big commitment for all of us. Being the NTEP program, a four-year program, you really need to be committed to go through all these years. Another commitment is funding. It is just enough to live on the low income. Great thing is that we all have relatives who are willing to help whenever we need them for extra food.
N/N: Did the program take place only in the community or did you sometimes have to go to the University of Regina?
Students: All of the programs have been here in Hall Beach, but it would have been great if we were given a chance to go Regina.
N/N: Do you think NTEP is a valuable program to have in the communities?
Students: In our opinion, yes, it is valuable that the program be offered to other communities because you are at home with your families and people who you know well for support, whether by food, encouragement, etc.
N/N: Did all of you go through these four years together and encourage each other?
Students: Yes, we always encourage each other a lot of the times. Whenever we are struggling or just to support each other to encourage others. And we are greatly encouraged by the person who has been with us for the last five years, our long-standing professor Steve Snowball.
N/N: Do you have anything to add?
Students: Advice for students ... "Stay in school."
