Toronto, ON – Niagara University is pleased to enter into a new partnership with De La Salle College “Oaklands” to offer its bachelor of professional studies program in teacher education in the Province of Ontario.
Niagara University has operated under the consent of the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities in Ontario since 1984. Its intermediate/senior division of the professional program of education will be offered at the De La Salle College “Oaklands” site beginning this September. The agreement adds another location to Niagara University’s existing presence in the province.
De La Salle College is located at 131 Farnham Ave., just south of the intersection of Avenue Road and St. Clair Avenue. Situated on 13 acres of land overlooking downtown Toronto, the De La Salle College “Oaklands” property is a serene and secure environment adjacent to the Yonge Street subway and a short drive to the highway.
Niagara University’s administrators, faculty and staff look forward to preparing candidates for the teaching profession and maintaining the university’s standards of excellence within the walls of such a historic and prestigious educational institution.
“Our commitment to excellence has framed Niagara’s longstanding reputation of preparing teachers and educational leaders in Ontario. This partnership with De La Salle College ‘Oaklands’ serves as a reciprocal relationship, as we will collaborate on research, service and cutting-edge teaching practices that prepare young people for college and career success,” commented the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University.
Niagara’s B.P.S. programs are accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers and offer a primary/junior and intermediate/senior division of study. The enhanced, two-year teacher education program begins in the fall semester, making the additional facilities necessary to accommodate the revised standards for the preparation of teachers in Ontario. Niagara University in Ontario also offers courses for Additional Qualifications and a master’s degree in educational leadership.
Niagara’s partnership with De La Salle College enhances the university’s presence in Canada and converges the complementary missions of the Vincentian (Niagara University) and Lasallian (De La Salle College “Oaklands”) institutions.
De La Salle College “Oaklands,” which traces its origins to the arrival of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in 1851, is part of a worldwide movement inspired by the life and work of St. John Baptist de La Salle.
“We are pleased to embark on a new partnership with Niagara University as the missions of our institutions draw us to a commitment to meet the needs of all children and youth – with particular emphasis on those living in poverty,” commented the Rev. Brother Domenic Viggiani, FSC, president of De La Salle College “Oaklands.” “Having Niagara University on our campus will be exciting for our community of students, teachers and families as we build new opportunities for collaboration and development.”