Angelpreet Singh

Year Graduated: 2020
Program/Degree: Languages, Cultures and Literacies, PhD

Angelpreet completed her Ph.D. in the Languages, Cultures and Literacies program in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University (SFU) under the guidance of Dr. Kelleen Toohey. Before coming to SFU, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (ECE) from Ryerson University, a Bachelor of Education specializing in the Primary and Junior divisions (Kindergarten to Grade 6), and a Master of Education from York University, with a particular focus on family and community literacy. Angelpreet’s scholarly interests include early childhood education, early childhood bilingualism, and using digital technologies to promote bilingualism and multilingualism in early childhood settings.

She is currently a sessional lecturer in the Early Childhood Education program in the Faculty of Education (Vancouver Campus) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she teaches early childhood courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels. In addition to UBC, she also teaches courses in the Early Childhood Education (Diploma) program in the Faculty of Applied Community Studies at Douglas College.

What attracted you to come to SFU?

I was attracted to come to SFU because it is an innovative and engaging learning environment. Specifically, the Burnaby campus is located in an excellent geographical location that encompasses all elements of a beautiful landscape, while embracing a strong sense of community. SFU was the best choice for me to continue my education as it surpassed all of my expectations in terms of offering an incredible environment to study, work, live, and connect with other students through extracurricular activities, volunteer and community work.

Who is a faculty member you have enjoyed working with and why?

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work alongside some of the most dedicated and distinguished professors in the field of education. I especially enjoyed working with my supervisor, Dr. Kelleen Toohey, who has been extremely supportive and generous throughout my doctoral studies. Dr. Toohey’s patience, persistence and attention to detail throughout her video-making project serves as an important source of inspiration for my own doctoral research. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Toohey.

What inspires you to learn and to continue your education?               

My interest to continue education is inspired by thought-provoking discussions that are raised in various courses and seminars. Through these discussions, I am able to share my personal experiences and perspectives, which are critically analyzed through relevant and meaningful course materials to help guide the direction of future research. I hope to make a contribution to the growing field of family literacy through my doctoral research, so we can begin to hear the voices of Punjabi-speaking children and their families, which have been largely missing from the field of education.