Professional development is an integral component of my teaching philosophy. Below is a list of workshops I attended during the completion of my Bachelor of Education degree. These experiences have enriched my teaching practice and encouraged me to become a self-reflective educator. I look forward to seeking continued opportunities for growth and learning as I continue my practice.

• Authentic, Innovative Literacy Learning Utilizing Technology, Karen Lirenman (May 2014)
• Cultivating Creativity in Your Classroom, Destination Imagination (May 2014)
• Teaching Tennis, TennisBC (Feb. 2014)
• HeartSmart Kids, Heart & Stroke Foundation (Feb. 2014)
• FunFriends K-2, Roxanne Jones (Feb. 2014)
• Gifted Education, Tiffany Poirier (Feb. 2014)
• Child Abuse Prevention, Roxanne Jones (Jan. 2014)
• Adventure Education, Sheldon Fraken (Jan. 2014)
• MindUP!, Andy Powell-Williams (Jan. 2014)
• Healthy Living, ActionSchools! BC (Nov. 2013)
• Cooperative Classrooms, Mike Galliford & Holly Stibbs (Oct. 2013)
• Social and Emotional Learning, Shelley Hymel (Oct. 2013)
• LGBTQ Issues and Social Justice in the Classroom, Out In Schools (Oct. 2013)
• Learning Differences, Terry Dane (July 2014)
• Teaching Students with Complex Learning Needs, including FASD, Stacey Wakabayashi (Aug. 2014)
• Education of Students with Visual Impairments, Adam Wilton (Aug. 2014)

The Authentic, Innovative Literacy Learning Utilizing Technology workshop was particularly relevant to my inquiry.  This workshop demonstrated how to incorporate video conferencing, blogging, and social media into a primary learning environment. I appreciated Karen’s idea of video conferencing with classes in other communities or with experts in a relevant field of study, such as authors and zoologists. This strategy would provide students with authentic learning experiences and opportunities to meet people, content, and knowledge in new ways.  Check out how I integrated technology to create authentic learning experiences in a Grade 2 Canadian Animals unit!