Faculty of Education

Think Teaching!

Introduction to Education: What Does It Mean To Teach? 

Are you thinking about becoming a teacher? This course will help you discover the essence of teaching - what it means, what it takes, and why it matters. Open to all UM students. 

Course Objectives 

  • Understand the important role teachers play in both primary and secondary education (K-12 grades). 
  • Learn how to build strong relationships and create a sense of belonging with students, families, and communities. 
  • Recognize why teachers should serve as positive role models and contribute to extra-curricular activities that benefit the school and larger community. 
  • Gain knowledge about Indigenous education, how to support 2SLGTBQIA+ students, and promote anti-racist education. 
  • Explore strategies for helping students succeed, appreciating their diverse backgrounds, encouraging their active participation in learning. 
  • Approach education from a perspective of reconciliation, focusing on social justice, human rights, global citizenship, democracy and the impacts of new technologies/media in learning. 

* Did you know? This course is a Recommended Introductory Course and may be used as a free elective towards your first degree.

Information for Access Program Students

Are you an Access Program student thinking of a career in teaching?

woman standing outside with small brown dog in her arms

Amy Carpenter - Current Instructor for EDUA 1790-G07 fall 2025 for Access students

Sessional Instructor Amy Carpenter is a long-time public school educator, and current PhD student in the Faculty of Education. Amy's work as a Métis educator, community member, auntie and mom remains focused on nurturing and creating opportunities for Indigenous brilliance to shine. Amy carries a deep love for children and learners of all ages.

Amy feels incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to walk alongside numerous students, educators and community members over her almost 25 years as an educator. As the saying goes, “Time flies when you are having fun.” Amy’s educational journey which began with hoping to better understand the intricacies of education, has blossomed into a career she loves, particularly when she can be a small part of adding kindling to the deep fires burning within each individual.

woman with red sweater

Dr. Marti Ford - Past Instructor for EDUA 1790-G07 for Access students

Assistant Professor Dr. Marti Ford is of mixed heritage with Inuit and settler roots. She is the Past President and Board Chair of the Manitoba Inuit Association. She is an educator and has been a teacher, principal, Director of Education, School Superintendent at Frontier School Division, and Dean of Indigenous Education at Red River College. Dr. Ford most recently worked for Frontier School Division recruiting teachers. Dr. Ford has worked locally throughout the province of Manitoba in First Nations and Métis communities.
She has also worked internationally in Botswana as a school principal, and with community-based projects with Mapuche in Chile, and Indigenous communities in Roraima and Macieo in Brazil. She received her Doctorate in Education in Teaching and Learning at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Dr. Ford volunteers with United Way's Community Indigenous Relations Committee, The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, and the Canadian Forces Liaison Committee.

Read about this course in UMNews

See what an Access Program graduate says about a career in Education

Access student testimonial
I have learned the vital importance of feeling heard, included and validated through what the students in this class have shared through meaningful discussion. I have heard people’s experiences through what guest speakers have shared about the education system, past and present. I am starting to understand the importance of what the Mamahtawisiwin document and what it means to the education system. To me, teaching means giving; giving space, knowledge, and opportunities.

Information for UM students

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Catherine Birch - Instructor for EDUB 1790-A02 for winter 2025

Catherine Birch recently retired after a rewarding 33-year career in Manitoba’s public school system, where she served as both a classroom teacher and school principal. She is currently a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Education, completing her dissertation in Educational Administration. As a member of the IBPOC community, Catherine is passionate about anti-racism education and has contributed her expertise as a member of the Provincial Anti-Racism Advisory Committee. She believes that the vision of an accessible, equitable, and just society begins with an accessible, equitable, and just school system—and that educators play a vital role in realizing this vision.

Before immigrating to Canada in 1984, Catherine was a struggling student. She credits her high school teachers in Winnipeg with helping her discover confidence and a love of learning. That gratitude led her to the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba, where she began her journey toward becoming a classroom teacher. For Catherine, it has always been about paying it forward.

She is excited to share her enthusiasm and experiences—both inside and outside the classroom—with students who may be considering a career in education. “Teaching is the hardest job I’ve ever loved.” Catherine looks forward to returning to the classroom and meeting her future students.

Student testimonial
"If you have ever caught yourself wondering about being a teacher, I would highly recommend taking EDUB 1790: “Intro to Education: What Does It Mean to TeachThis class has taught me so much that I would have never known about the education system, and gave me more insight about whether teaching was the career for me. I have never felt so welcomed, cared for, and appreciated in a classroom before I took this course. And if you are lucky enough to have Dr. Jennifer Watt; you will, without a doubt, have the best time in this course." - Fall 2024 EDUB-1790 student

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Contact Us

Faculty of Education
Education Building 
71 Curry Place 
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus) 
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

bachofed@umanitoba.ca
204-474-9004
1-800-432-1960 (ext. 9004) Toll-free in Manitoba
204-474-7551