Hello! My name is Leandrea Carpenter and I am currently a student at the University of British Columbia. I am part of the Arts Based and Creativity (ABC) Cohort in the Education Program. This fast-paced and busy year is my fourth and final year with the Native Indian Teacher Education Program (NITEP).

I am of Heiltsuk and German descent and I spent most of my educational journey through NITEP at a field centre in my hometown, Bella Bella, which I enjoyed immensely.

Prior to starting the program, I spent my time doing various jobs and short bursts of some university courses. My last adventure before starting the program was a life-changing volunteer experience in Masaka, Uganda. There I spent four months, helping out where I could. During my time there, I witnessed a young man ask another volunteer if she could take him back to Australia (where she was from). The reason behind such a massive request was so he could have the opportunity to receive a better education. Hours after that conversation (that I was not even a part of), I thought of the teenagers from my own community, and Canada in general. I am sure there are a few teenagers who are willing to leave their families behind in search of a better education, but does that include leaving the country? Specifically in Bella Bella, I knew that the furthest any teenager would ever be willing to relocate to would be Vancouver, three hundred or so kilometres away from home. I realized that since our education is free (up to a certain extent), it is something that is easy to take for granted. I wanted nothing more than to take that pure dedication to education that I saw in that young man and bring it home to a place where education is expected, given freely and yet a point of annoyance for many.

After three and a half years of study in the education program here is my teaching philosophy (warning: this is subject to change!)

I believe that in order to be an effective educator I need to never stop learning myself. Education is a never-ending pursuit, and the best way to instill a love of learning in my students is to emulate that ideal myself. There is an incredible importance to make all learning meaningful to my students; this means that I have as many examples as possible that are relatable to students. I absolutely love to read, if I teach my students anything, I want them to learn how to love reading; it is a vital skill and without the love for it, students can face many difficulties.

In order to reach my goals I will introduce a wide variety of learning methods to my students. I will have an active classroom; students will be completely immersed in their own learning instead of sitting on the sidelines. I will have centers, interactive learning, learning through experience, learning through peer teaching and I will introduce technology whenever possible.

I will ensure success of my students by continuous and constant observations (such as quick notes or checklists to ensure they can demonstrate their learning). Assessments will depend mostly on the student’s needs. At the end of the day just as long as the student is able to demonstrate that he/she understands what they are supposed to, it does not matter what the format the assessment is in whether it is traditional tests, oral tests, or a demonstration of understanding.

I will be open to new ideas, and I will accept that I do not know everything and my way may not be the best way. I will be flexible with my teaching methods and change them when necessary. I will learn from my colleagues, especially those who have more experience than I do. Above all, I want to have a positive impact on my students and I will do absolutely everything in my power to be an effective educator.

Thank-you for taking the time to read!

Leandrea Carpenter