Kim Tran, a recent graduate of the Faculty of Education's concurrent bachelor of education program, was selected as one of the recipients of the 2020 Ontario Secondary School Teacher's Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) Faculty of Education Award for this past school year.
Kim Tran
Valued at $1,000, the annual award is presented to one graduating intermediate/senior or technological education teacher candidate at each Faculty of Education who has shown a clear understanding and empathy for the values of unionism; demonstrated political or social activism that promotes the professional nature of teaching; shows leadership by supporting and advocating for fellow teacher candidates; demonstrates a high degree of professional competence; and is attempting to secure a job with a public secondary board.
Tran has demonstrated social activism and student leadership throughout her role as president of the Faculty of Education Students' Association (FESA).
“I felt that this group not only had great members that were like-minded, welcoming and kind, it was a group that planned opportunities for students in their program meaningfully,” she said. “It became important to me that, while this is such a short program, we had additional opportunities for growth before going on to teach other students.”
Tran’s experience with FESA encouraged personal and professional development, which drove her to seek opportunities outside of school for learning and development.
“I hope to continue pursuing higher education, and to use my knowledge and experiences to advocate for social justice beyond education,” said Tran. “Whether it be teaching in public schools, doing policy work, lecturing as a professor, or being on the ground working in my communities, I hope to fill the knowledge-action gap.”
Tran will begin York University's master of education program this September while occasional teaching.