EDUCATION

EDUCATION SFU PhD alumna strives to close the gaps when it comes to mathematics education for women

VCC’s family-friendly vibe spurs student’s success

( is story is sponsored by Simon Fraser University.)

Dr. Sheree Rodney has had a passion for school and teaching since childhood. However, her interest in mathematics education became apparent while pursuing teacher training studies. At the time, there were very few teacher candidates with an interest in mathematics. She saw that as a gap and an opportunity to make a di erence.

Dr. Rodney completed a PhD in Mathematics Education in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University. She credits this with providing her opportunities to explore contemporary developments in learning theories and technologies relevant to the teaching and learning of mathematics. But she deems her most valuable experiences to be the connections she made with people from diverse backgrounds who were willing to share experiences and engage in discussions. e mentorship she received from faculty members Prof. Nathalie Sinclair and Prof. David Pimm, whom she describes as exceptional role models, played an instrumental role in her academic success and will always hold a special place in her heart.

Since completing her PhD, Dr. Rodney has moved on to postdoctoral work, where she engages in research with an interest in digital literacy, social justice, curiosity, and mathematics. She is a cofounder of Global Education Perspective, an online platform providing international exposure to pre- and in-service teachers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. She also remains integrally involved in professional development training for teachers in her home country, Jamaica, and is in the embryonic stage of developing a mentorship program for girls in STEM in Jamaica and Canada.

When asked about women in STEM, Dr. Rodney con des that she struggled with con dence as a student. e most challenging encounters she had involved the stereotyping of ability and perceived ideas about career choices. “It’s a well-known fact that society positions women in ‘nontraditional’ career elds because of the perception that males are superior in knowledge and skills,” she shares.

In order to attract more women to STEM careers, Dr. Rodney believes schools and universities must provide equal opportunities and support for girls.

“A career in a STEM eld is a humbling and rewarding experience, especially when you can see the impact of your work,” she says. “For this reason, I would encourage more women to get involved in STEM careers.” g

Dr. Sheree Rodney believes that one of the biggest barriers facing women working in nontraditional careers is stereotyping.

A career in…STEM…is a humbling and rewarding experience.

– Dr. Sheree Rodney

( is story is sponsored by Vancouver Community College.)

As a mature student and parent, Amelia Godwin appreciated how her educational needs were accommodated at Vancouver Community College.

“Smaller classrooms and tutors were a huge draw toward the school,” Godwin said. “I was a mature student entering into the college so I was highly concerned with my knowledge gaps, feeling like a number, or not being able to nd a support group.”

She began in September 2016 by enrolling in the University Transfer Sciences program at VCC with the goal of becoming a dental hygienist. Godwin later transferred to the Associate of Science program, graduating last June.

Much to her delight, VCC created such an accepting environment that she was able to bring her daughter with her as she used the learning services, libraries, printers, and other campus facilities. She also noted that tutors at the learning centre showed incredible patience in answering her questions.

“It felt bittersweet when I slowly needed them less,” Godwin said. “It felt like they were teaching me how to use new legs until I nally gathered my strength or—in this case—educational independence.” e help she received and the overall accessibility “precipitated a signi cant di erence in my grades”.

“ e professors, admissions advisors, and tutors ensured my personal and academic success,” she said.

In fact, she was so successful that she was awarded the 2021 VCC Pathway to Health Sciences Award.

“More importantly, they taught me how to advocate for others and succeed in alternative environments and I am eternally grateful,” Godwin added.

She’s now enrolled at Brock University, studying for an undergraduate degree in biological sciences. In addition, Godwin is enrolled in the practical nursing program at Niagara College. Her goal is to become a physician assistant.

Her experiences with VCC’s approaches to accessibility have inspired her to initiate changes at her current schools.

“I am establishing an accessibility policy called the ‘3 Os of Education Determinance’ (obstacles, opportunity, and obtainability),” Godwin revealed. “ rough this policy, I am actively advocating for other parents to have access to libraries, tutors, and other on-campus amenities with their littles in arm—I personally know the difference it makes to a family.” g

Associate of Science student Amelia Godwin was the recepient of the VCC Pathway to Health Sciences Award in 2021, which was the same year that she graduated from the college.

Smaller classrooms and tutors were a huge draw toward the school.

– Amelia Godwin

To learn more about the University Transfer programs at VCC, visit www.vcc.ca/ programscourses/university-transfer/.