Professional Development - Past and Present
Past Professional Development
Theatre of the Oppressed: I have taken a few week long retreats and courses on the ways in which theatre of the oppressed philosophies are employed, particularly with high risk populations. Particularly I use it as an example of the ways in which communities can be deliberately fostered as it is a central guiding principal in my classroom.
Healthy Relationships: From the Alberta Red Cross, within the RespectEd program, this day-long workshop focused on activities and discussions that could be used to address the issue of unhealthy relationships among youth.
Assistant Coaching Girls Basketball: I had the absolute joy of being the assistant coach of the girls basketball team, where we pulled hard for a second place win in our little division. While my own experience and passion lies with sports such as soccer or rugby, I am always happy to help teams reach their potential. This particular aspect of school, the athletics and the joys of participating, (for the students and yes for the staff,) is explored further in my section on athletics.
Volunteering with MiscYouth: Working in a planning and board member portfolio, this was the first opportunity to experience life in the not-for-profit realm, where creativity, pragmatic planning and including youth voices and opinions ruled supreme. It also improved my understanding and professional tact when it comes to the delicate issues of sexuality and gender identity with youth. During my time with the board I also had the opportunity to get plenty of training, including going to the 2007 OutRights, and being a leader in the Fyrefly Leadership Camp for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified, two-spirited, intersexed, queer, questioning, and
allied youth.
Current Professional Development
Theatre of the Oppressed: I have taken a few week long retreats and courses on the ways in which theatre of the oppressed philosophies are employed, particularly with high risk populations. Particularly I use it as an example of the ways in which communities can be deliberately fostered as it is a central guiding principal in my classroom.
Healthy Relationships: From the Alberta Red Cross, within the RespectEd program, this day-long workshop focused on activities and discussions that could be used to address the issue of unhealthy relationships among youth.
Assistant Coaching Girls Basketball: I had the absolute joy of being the assistant coach of the girls basketball team, where we pulled hard for a second place win in our little division. While my own experience and passion lies with sports such as soccer or rugby, I am always happy to help teams reach their potential. This particular aspect of school, the athletics and the joys of participating, (for the students and yes for the staff,) is explored further in my section on athletics.
Volunteering with MiscYouth: Working in a planning and board member portfolio, this was the first opportunity to experience life in the not-for-profit realm, where creativity, pragmatic planning and including youth voices and opinions ruled supreme. It also improved my understanding and professional tact when it comes to the delicate issues of sexuality and gender identity with youth. During my time with the board I also had the opportunity to get plenty of training, including going to the 2007 OutRights, and being a leader in the Fyrefly Leadership Camp for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified, two-spirited, intersexed, queer, questioning, and
allied youth.
Current Professional Development