Dr. John E. Hull

Biography

I have experienced the world of formal education from just about every perspective imaginable: as a student, teacher, parent, bus driver, custodian, coach, board member, professor and now Dean. Each of these experiences has convinced me that, at its heart education revolves around relationships. All theorizing about education and all teacher preparation must be firmly grounded in this truth.

My teaching at The King’s (1995 – present) has coincided with my two main areas of interest: Education Foundations and Curriculum Design. University teaching is a natural progression from my twenty year career as a high school teacher where I was involved in many curriculum writing projects. Curriculum development has always been the venue through which I grapple with the educational spirits of the age. It is here especially, that I see the need to develop a faith based approach to teacher preparation.

For the last 13 years, I have also served as the administrative head of the Education Program.  Currently, I am the Dean of the Education Faculty. In this capacity, I have the privilege of leading a most remarkable group of experienced teacher educators. Our students say that our teacher education programs are demanding, but they quickly add that we provide a dynamic learning community of support that propels them toward success. I am proud of our excellent reputation among teachers in the field who regard our students to be among the best prepared in Alberta. I take special delight in the fact that at King’s we are distinguished by the fact that we prepare our graduates to teach in both faith-based and public school systems.

On a personal note, here is a list of some of my favourite things: camping in the Rocky Mountains with my wife Glenda, Skyping with my children and grandchildren, fly fishing with my friend Bert, meeting over fine food and books with our book club, and mucking around in my yard and flower beds.

Research interests

• The development of a Christian curriculum orientation
• How curriculum planning is taught in teacher preparation programs
• The deep structure of schooling and school reform

Current research

• The evolution of curriculum planning in Reformed Christian Schools in Canada

Recent publications

Hull, John E. (2013). "Framing a New Standard for Teaching in Alberta," Alberta Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 59, No. 1, Spring, p. 17-28.

2009, “Education for Discipleship: A Curriculum Orientation for Christian Educators,” The Journal of Education and Christian Belief, 13:2, Autumn.