New Faculty Will Enhance Tyndale’s Reputation as a Leading Christian Institution of Higher Education
TORONTO (January 12, 2007) – David Zimmer, MPP Willowdale was joined by Dr. Brian C. Stiller, President of Tyndale University College, to announce the approval by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for Tyndale to apply to operate a teachers college.
Tyndale University College plans to start a one-year consecutive Bachelor of Education program in January 2008, subject to accreditation by the Ontario College of Teachers.
“Tyndale University College is a symbol of academic excellence and a jewel in the Willowdale community,” said MPP David Zimmer. “The approval for Tyndale to pursue the opening of its own Teacher’s College supports and respects the unique, quality education that Tyndale has provided in Toronto and Willowdale for over a century.”
Starting in January 2008, the proposed new program will provide more spaces for students to pursue post-professional opportunities with a particular focus on graduating teachers able to teach in the French language. The Tyndale Bachelor of Education program recognizes the current demand for qualified teachers of French language in Ontario schools. Therefore the proposed program is designed to offer teacher candidates the methodological foundation and appropriate practice required assuming that the teacher candidates enter the program with the necessary French language competency.
“This is an important step in the 113-year history of Tyndale in providing outstanding valued education to the Ontario community,” said President Stiller. “Through Tyndale’s efforts, and thanks to the outstanding leadership of our MPP David Zimmer, we have been able to achieve this important milestone.”
“I applaud the McGuinty government in awarding Tyndale this exciting opportunity to offer a Bachelor of Education degree,” noted Dr. Charles Price, Senior Minister of The Peoples Church in Willowdale. “As such, it will provide enormous service to our community.”
The Rev. Samuel Chan, Senior Pastor, Richmond Hill Chinese Community Church echoed the same approvals and noted that “We are pleased that the government is supporting Tyndale in allowing this degree. Tyndale has for years been important to our church community and the B.Ed. program will be of great value to our people.” More than 50 community leaders were on hand to celebrate this announcement.
