As a teaching development facilitator at the University of Lethbridge Teaching Centre, Doug Orr coordinates both the University’s Graduate Teaching-Assistant Professional Development program and the Faculty Teaching Development program, working one-on-one with U of L instructors and program coordinators to support the overall enhancement of instruction on campus. It is a really complicated way of saying: Doug Orr does a lot in the way of bettering students’ learning experiences at the U of L.
Orr’s professional interest in quality education stems from a 33-year career as a high school teacher and administrator. He carried his passion for education past the point of retirement, choosing to accept a position in the Faculty of Education graduate studies and research office after leaving his teaching career behind. It wasn’t the first time Orr would set foot on the U of L campus though – he completed his graduate studies here, earning a post-graduate diploma in educational administration and a Master of Education at the U of L, all while working full time.
“When I became a graduate student, it was pretty easy for me to go back to school,” Orr recalls. “I was working as a school administrator at the time, so financially speaking, it wasn’t such a hardship. That’s often not the case these days. Many graduate students put their careers and earnings on hold to pursue a graduate degree. They and their families often make personal sacrifices for further education.”
His role at the Teaching Centre allows Orr to work extensively with many grad students on campus, and to subsequently hear the various challenges they face on the course toward their degree.
“I work with graduate students from across the disciplines and see firsthand the difficulties they face and the amount of dedication they have. My graduate degree made a big difference to my career. Those of us fortunate enough to have been able to complete post-secondary education have a chance to pay it forward to the next generation.”
Orr makes monthly contributions to the Supporting Our Students (SOS) fund, and donates his time to the SOS committee as well. He says his assistance is small, but feels it’s important all the same.
“I don’t contribute a large amount of money, it’s hardly enough to be missed,” says Orr. “But the money I contribute can make a huge difference to a student who receives a scholarship or bursary.”
Orr specifies that his SOS contributions go toward grad students because he works with them every day, but he believes that donations of any kind to the SOS fund make for a better University all around.
“If everyone did a little something, the effects would be tremendous. Donating to SOS is a simple way of contributing significantly to the University community.”
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Please join Doug and support our students today.