Ontario’s Minister of Education, Jill Dunlop, added a stop on her tour of Windsor-Essex on Tuesday to observe Aleshia St. Louis, a teacher candidate from the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Education, in her practicum placement.

The visit to L.A. Desmarais Catholic Elementary School highlighted the practical experience that teacher candidates gain in the classroom, allowing the Minister to see firsthand the impact of in-class teacher training in preparing future educators.

Accompanying the minister was Ken Montgomery, dean of the Faculty of Education, as well as the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board’s Director of Education, Emelda Bryne, and board trustees Kim Bouchard and Lisa Soulliere (chair).

Together, they toured the school and observed St. Louis leading a lesson.

“It was truly wonderful that Minister Dunlop took time out of her schedule to visit one of our teacher candidates during her placement,” shared Dr. Montgomery.

“The Minister’s visit really highlights her commitment to strengthening the partnerships between elementary and secondary schools, universities and the Ministry of Education, to ensure the success of future educators.”

St. Louis, who is currently completing her first elementary practicum placement, shared that she was nervous but also excited to have the Minister sit in on a class lesson.

“My associate teacher, Jodi Ruggirello, helped me prepare and create my lesson for the visit, which really helped with my nerves,” shared St. Louis. “I was thankful for the experience and excited to showcase what I have learned and how I have grown in my placement.”