Name:
Joshua Patterson
Concentration:
Educational Leadership
Alternative practicum location:
Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board (Hamilton, Ontario)
What was your focus?
On my alternate practicum, I worked as an Education Leadership Intern with the Superintendent at the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, gaining a unique system-level perspective on education. I was mainly focused on educational leadership, student achievement, and teacher support across the board. I contributed to academic initiatives by leading the development of EQAO practice tests used by over 2,200 students. I also worked on equity-focused curriculum development by collaborating with the Equity Officer to integrate historically significant Black literature into classrooms. In addition, I supported innovation by helping design board-level presentations on the safe and effective use of AI for educators. I gained insight into governance and policy through involvement in meetings on cybersecurity and digital safety. Overall, my focus was on understanding and contributing to large-scale educational change that improves outcomes for both students and teachers.
How was your experience?
I am incredibly grateful for my alternative practicum experience, as it gave me a rare opportunity to see how meaningful change is created at the board level. It allowed me to grow as a future educator and leader while contributing to initiatives that support student success, equity, and innovation. This experience has strengthened my commitment to making a lasting impact in education
How did you find this placement?
A moment that stands out from my practicum is the overall impact that the superintendent had on others over the totality of his career. Many different teachers would come up to us and tell us stories of how he has impacted their career and lives positively. A majority of the time he didn’t even remember how he helped them and he gave me the advice that anything you do, do it through your heart and for the betterment of others. Seeing others become better people through small things you’ve contributed is one of the main reasons I want to become a teacher and an eventual leader in education.
Did anything surprise you during your placement?
I was surprised by the depth that it takes it run a school board. All the different types of meetings were amazing to see (cybersecurity, math facilitation, etc.)