More than 110 students have started the second semester of their Bachelor of Primary Education Studies with Charles Sturt University (CSU) as new staff join the University’s teaching team in Burlington, Ontario.

 

The students are half way through their one year graduate entry program which prepares them to teach in primary-junior classrooms in Ontario as part of the University’s commitment to high quality graduates who have employment ready skills.

 

Charles Sturt University, a leading university teaching educator in New South Wales, Australia opened its doors in Burlington in August 2005, after being granted permission to offer the Bachelor of Primary Education Studies by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and the Accreditation Committee of the Ontario College of Teachers.

 

The University has a long and respected tradition of educating educators and demonstrated track record of working with its regional communities to produce high quality, employment ready graduates.

 

The new semester heralds the arrival of a fresh team of Australian staff from Charles Sturt University. Associate Professor Rod Francis is Head of School, supported by senior lecturer Dr Peter Wilson and operations manager Heather Bell. They join continuing Canadian staff.

 

Charles Sturt University is also preparing for the second intake of students into the Bachelor of Primary Education Studies in August this year. Applications for this intake close on Friday 5 May.

 

Associate Professor Rod Francis: A former high school teacher, Associate Professor Rod Francis has previously worked with New South Wales teachers as a curriculum consultant in the largest public education sector in Australia. Professor Francis has been with Charles Sturt University for more than 20 years. He is a specialist in science and technology teaching, and was Head of the CSU School of Education for five years. In 2003 Rod was made a life member of the NSW Agriculture Teacher’s Association. His research interests focus on student knowledge acquisition and teaching models consistent with learning. As well as holding the position as Head of School in Ontario, Professor Francis will focus on science and technology education.

Dr Peter Wilson: A senior lecturer in creative arts and ceramics with the University’s Faculty of Education, the award-winning potter has relocated from Bathurst Campus of CSU to Burlington. Dr Wilson will concentrate on the development of the creative and practical arts curriculum. He has exhibited his ceramics in Australian galleries and as well, his works may be seen in private and public collections in Australia, Japan, England, the US and Pakistan.