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 with glasses and short hair

Helen Settee - Fall 2026 Instructor for EDUA 1790 GO7

Helen is Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) from Dauphin River First Nation in the Interlake region of Manitoba.

She is a lifelong educator and has been a teacher, teacher-lead, consultant and most recently retired from the Province of Manitoba as the former Director of Indigenous Inclusion Directorate. In 2024, she was recognized for her work with the Manitoba Public Service Award for Truth and Reconciliation. Helen holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education from the University of Manitoba.

She also is a Kookum with several organizations where she shares cultural, traditional and land-based knowledge and advice from an inter-disciplinary strategic perspective. She is actively involved in several educational, community, and health initiatives, including as chair for the Shawane Dagoswin Aboriginal Education Research Forum and co-chair of the Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Awards, and Executive member of both End Homelessness Winnipeg and the Rehabilitation Center for Children. Helen has taught at the Faculty of Education B.Ed. and PBDE Programs.

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

woman with glasses and short hair

Randi Desmarais - Fall 2026 Instructor EDUB 1790 A02

Randi Desmarais is a long-time educator with over 20 years of experience in First Nations Communities and Adult Education. She is currently a Coordinator of the Manitoba Indigenous Teacher Education Program (MITEP) and a Sessional Instructor. She is a Citizen of the Red River Métis and has taught in both Treaty 1 and Treaty 4 Territory. Randi is passionate about Teaching and Indigenous education and hopes to create a space for others to become passionate about teaching as well. She loves animals, her family and friends.
Randi feels blessed to be able to share her passion for teaching with others and hopes to pass along her knowledge and love for teaching.

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