Dawson College hosted a special celebration on behalf of Quebec’s English-language colleges on the evening of Oct. 22, honouring CEGEP teachers and staff from 12 CEGEPs who completed the Performa Master Teacher Program (MTP) through the Université de Sherbrooke. In all, 31 participants received a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, or Master of Education in College Teaching.

The ceremony brought together educators from across the CEGEP network, including John Abbott, Vanier, Champlain Saint-Lambert, LaSalle, and Garneau. Families and friends filled the room to cheer as graduates were recognized for their commitment to improving teaching and learning in Quebec colleges.

A memorable moment

One of the evening’s most memorable moments came with a standing ovation for valedictorian Vikram Singh of John Abbott College. He reflected on the complexities of teaching and shared his own journey from working in technical support for a blended-learning classroom to graduating with a Master of Education, and ultimately standing on stage as valedictorian.

His story captured the spirit of the program: professional growth that begins with practical classroom challenges and can lead to deeper expertise, innovation, and leadership in college teaching.

Dawson’s graduates

Six Dawson teachers were recognized for completing the Master of Education in College Teaching. Their achievements included research and innovation projects completed as part of the final stage of the program.

Dawson faculty who earned the Graduate Certificate in College Teaching were Andrew Bodzay, Tania Chiarotto, Lina El Masri, and Kimberly Lee-Louis. Patricia Bondu, Krista Bulow, Cathy Roy, and Continuing Education teacher Wen Shen completed the Graduate Diploma in College Teaching.

More than credentials

Many graduates spoke about the camaraderie developed through the program, particularly the opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues from other CEGEPs about teaching practice. Participants also described gaining confidence to adapt and innovate in their own classrooms.

The Master Teacher Program has supported pedagogical development for CEGEP faculty and staff for more than 50 years. It offers three graduate-level pathways, with credits carrying forward from one level to the next: a 15-credit Graduate Certificate, a 30-credit Graduate Diploma, and a 45-credit Master of Education.