Confederation College is proud to celebrate alumnus Richard Tatebe, who has been named the 2025 Social Service Work Educator of the Year in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of social work education.

A 1993 graduate of the Social Service Worker Program, Richard has spent over 30 years dedicated to supporting individuals and communities through his work in mental health and substance use treatment. After completing his diploma at Confederation College, he furthered his education with an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Lakehead University and a Master’s degree in Social Work, solidifying his expertise in the field.

For the past 18 years, Richard has been a professor in Confederation College’s Social Service Worker Program, shaping the next generation of social service professionals. His passion for education and his commitment to excellence have earned him multiple accolades, including the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Teaching Excellence Award in 2013. In addition, he has played a pivotal role in advancing the profession nationwide, having served as the Chair of the National Association of College Educators in Social Service and Social Work Diploma Programs (A.C.E.S.S.) and hosting the national A.C.E.S.S. conference in Thunder Bay.

Richard’s dedication to both his students and the broader field of social work has now been recognized with this prestigious Educator of the Year Award. Confederation College congratulates Richard on this incredible achievement and thanks him for his continued commitment to shaping the future of social service work in Canada.

Congratulations, Richard—your passion and leadership inspire us all!

📢 Are you a proud Confederation College alum making an impact in your field? We’d love to hear your story! Reach out to us at [email protected]