“We teach who we are.” – Parker Palmer

 My educational and professional background…

I recently completed the Bachelor of Education, Elementary program at the University of British Columbia (UBC). At UBC, I had the pleasure of choosing the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) cohort, which focuses on supporting learners beyond the classroom by developing the skills to understand emotions and maintain positive relationships. I completed my practicum in a Grade 2 classroom, an environment in which SEL continued to be a vested interest of mine. I look forward to continue learning about and sharing this passion in an elementary school setting.

Journey from student to teacher…

My passion for education began at a young age.  As a child, I was inspired by my teachers to develop a hobby of inviting my brother to the playroom to sign out library books and write spelling tests.  My interest in teaching was sustained by my participation in jazz, lyrical, and ballet classes under the leadership of Amanda, a teacher I respected and admired.  Eight years later, I keep one of her letters as a continued source of inspiration: “It is so important for me to be not only your teacher but someone you can talk to…I don’t believe I could ever teach without connecting with all of you.”  Amanda’s words emphasize how teaching is very much relational in nature.  Without a relationship of mutual trust and respect between teacher and student, no meaningful learning can occur.  In my practice, I aim to emulate Amanda’s warmth to foster this passion for learning in my students.