The UBC-WKTEP teacher candidates were fortunate to be able to work with Faye Brownlie this week in Nakusp, BC, located on the shores of Arrow Lake in the heart of School District No. 10. The focus of the day was on co-teaching and collaboration to improve student learning. It was an excellent day filled with great conversation and rich learning.

WKTEP-UBC teacher candidates traveled to Kokanee Creek Provincial Park last Friday for their first Community Field Experience using “Kokanee” as a theme to explore place-consciousness in teaching. They took part in a typical school interpretive program focusing on local geology, the Kootenay watershed, and the life cycle of fish (including a fish dissection). Led by Monica Nissen, coordinator for Wildsight, one part of the day was a WildBC “Get Outdoors” workshop which encourages and supports teachers in getting their students outdoors.

Last Thursday, our UBC-WKTEP teacher candidates had their first field trip to these small villages in the Slocan Valley. Working in small groups, they explored the histories, cultures, and landscapes of the these unique communities as a way to discover the principles of place-conscious teaching with their instructor, Dr. Linda Farr Darling, Eleanor Rix Professor of Rural Teacher Education. The citizens of New Denver and Silverton were happy to engage with the class and share their perspectives on life and learning in a rural setting. Many thanks to them and Terry Taylor, Superintendent of SD 10 (Arrow Lakes) and WKTEP instructor, whose hospitality and insights were greatly appreciated by all.