On December 3, 2016, Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers, Inc. (MAFTI) hosted a teachers’ panel for internationally trained educators, at Seven Oaks Adult Learning Center (950 Jefferson Avenue). The event was inititated in partnership with Seven Oaks School Division and Winnipeg School Division.
Billed as “Career Development: Broadening Practice as an Educator,” the panel was geared towards helping internationally trained teachers in learning new concepts in career development, which would elevate their knowledge and skills through the practices and success stories the guest panelists had shared.
Moderated by Ernesto Ofiaza Jr. (MAFTI President) and Maryjane Napolitano (MAFTI Chair on Professional Development), the panelists included Lorelei Bunkowsky (Principal, Amber Trails Community School), Gemma Dalayoan (former Vice Principal of Sisler High School and a past president of), Charles Bendu (Vice Principal, Transcona School Division), Joanne Banares Esteban (HRIS/Staffing Advisor, Winnipeg School Division), Praveen Alahakoon (Academic Advisor, Immigrant Teacher Education Program), Loreta Genota (Teacher, Shaughnessy Park School), and Navjeet Kambo (Learning Support Staff, Amber Trails Community School), who each shared personal experiences and stories with the 75 young and hopeful attendees. Topics that were discussed included the Qualification Recognition Process for recognizing the international teaching degrees; the Immigrant Teacher Education Program; the hiring process and experiences, skills, and documents needed for teaching; and other career pathways for internationally qualified educators that can use their skills, experience, and passion.
