In Brief...

I am proud to be a recent graduate (December 2024) of the Vancouver Island University Education Baccalaureate program and honoured to live and learn as an uninvited guest on the traditional unceded lands of the Snuneymuxw First Nation in what is colonially known as Nanaimo. With a specialization in music and writing and over two decades as a professional musician, I bring a unique perspective to inspiring and motivating students to achieve their goals.

My teaching philosophy centers on fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where students feel safe to express themselves, collaborate, and grow. By combining creativity, empathy, and real-world experience, I strive to ignite a lifelong love of learning in every student.

#StudentSuccess, #EducationMatters, #TeachingWithHeart

EDUCATIONAL FLIGHT PATH

Creating a Passion for Lifelong Learning

As an educator, I aim to move beyond surface-level learning to foster deep, meaningful connections between students and their subject matter. I believe the best teachers bring content to life in ways that resonate personally with each student. Whether through innovative lesson plans, creative projects, or integrating technology, I am dedicated to engaging and motivating learners to explore their potential fully.

My passion for teaching began in high school when I offered private music lessons. After studying Music Education at the University of Regina, I shifted to a performance degree and continued teaching guitar, voice, and songwriting. My experiences as a student—attending 13 schools in 12 years—deeply shaped my view of education. Along the way, I encountered teachers whose methods highlighted what works in education and inspired my approach. My Grade 12 English teacher, Mr. Pace, was especially influential, introducing me to student-directed learning that combined creativity and technology.

I adopted this student-centred approach in my private teaching, allowing students to set goals and select repertoire, which created a more engaging and rewarding experience for both my students and me. Embracing this methodology requires effort and preparation, but the outcomes are richer and more impactful. By integrating tools like recording software and videos, I’ve further personalized learning experiences to meet individual needs.

The isolation of COVID-19 gave me time to reflect on my career, ultimately leading me to return to the classroom to complete my teaching certification. Returning to the Education Baccalaureate program nearly 30 years after earning my first degree has affirmed my passion for teaching and commitment to making a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

Exploring My Growth as an Educator

My Teaching Philosophy: Meet Them Where They're at.

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”

—Benjamin Franklin

The holistic tradition of Indigenous education aligns closely with my teaching philosophy, emphasizing the development of a student’s sense of self, resilience, and belonging alongside academic growth. Inspired by Dr. Martin Brokenleg’s teachings on the medicine wheel,

I prioritize creating a classroom where students feel significant, capable, and empowered. As Brokenleg warns, neglecting these principles leads to detachment and distrust, while embracing them fosters collaboration, trust, and inclusion.

I am dedicated to decolonizing educational content by incorporating authentic Indigenous voices and histories. By helping students appreciate the richness of these cultures while understanding Canada’s colonial past, I foster critical thinking and dialogue about systemic inequities, encouraging a social justice mindset and empowering students to become agents of positive change.

Using technology as a tool, I strive to create inclusive, connected learning environments that amplify marginalized voices and inspire students to lead with empathy and equity. Through this approach, I prepare them to thrive as compassionate, socially aware individuals.