Outdoor, Experiential and Ecological Education

Dr. Fred Gilbert, Lakehead University President;
Dr. Julia OSullivan, Dean of Education


On behalf of Lakehead alumni, Lakehead University faculty and concerned citizens, we support the submission of this letter of petition which:

Opposes the removal of Dr. Tom Puks Outdoor, Ecological and Experiential Education (OE3) courses and graduate courses from his teaching timetable.

Since 1996, Dr. Puk has tirelessly devoted his time and energy to the Outdoor, Ecological and Experiential Education program. The OE3 program, recognized by students for its unique focus on ecological education, is the only one of its kind in Canada. Without his leadership, the content of the program which has evolved out of years of Dr. Puks research would change drastically. It must be recognized and respected that Dr. Puk is responsible for the creation and implementation of the OE3 program, and should therefore have the opportunity to continue teaching it.

Recently, the Canadian public has become increasingly concerned about ecological health and the future of life on our planet. It is therefore crucial, at this point in time, that teachers are trained in ecological literacy and ecological education methodology. Dr. Puks program promotes an innovative, exciting approach to teacher training that is attractive to ecologically-minded teacher candidates. With the absence of Dr. Tom Puk, the Faculty of Education at Lakehead University will lose this unique perspective on ecological education. Each year, over 150 students apply to the Lakehead University Faculty of Education specifically seeking the professional year OE3 program. Similarly, many students apply to the Masters of Education program seeking Dr. Puks leadership on ecological education.

Dr. Puk has not only proven his merit at the University, but has shown his commitment to the Thunder Bay public at large. He has implemented teambuilding workshops and ecological professional development programs for the school board, spoken at public meetings on ecological issues, and taught ecological community learning programs to the general public. In addition, Dr. Puk has thoroughly demonstrated his commitment to the academic community through his research and publications on ecological literacy. His latest refereed publication on ecological education in Ontario schools was published in an international journal in December 2006. Dr. Puks unique leadership in this area has also been recognized at a national level, with various interest groups seeking his expert opinion on ecological education in Ontario. Lakehead University is consistently credited as his place of employment.

Dr. Puk is a leader in his field, and his comprehensive research encourages educators to improve the education system by using effective teaching strategies, developing relevant curriculum and focussing on crucial topics. Removing the OE3 courses from his teaching timetable would truly be a loss to both the popularity of the education program and the community of Thunder Bay. Each person represented by a signature below has been inspired in some way by Dr. Puk - either to make personal changes in his or her own life, or to become a passionate, dedicated ecological educator. We, the undersigned, therefore strongly disagree with the decision to remove the OE3 courses Tom Puk's timetable, and urge the Lakehead University administration to retract its decision.