Hi there, my name is Samantha! 🙂 I am originally from the Lower Mainland but currently living here in Kamloops, BC. I am completing my final weeks in the Education program for Elementary years at Thompson Rivers University. I previously graduated from the University of British Columbia with a major in world history, and completed a Teaching English as Second Language certification at Douglas College.
I have always had a passion for helping others and learning about different cultures, that is why I have spent most of my professional career living and teaching abroad. I have lived in Guatemala where I taught adult ESL classes along with kindergarten and middle school English at a Bilingual school. I also have lived in Vietnam where I taught kindergarten and preschool at a Reggio Emilia inspired International arts school.
Teaching Philosophy…
“Your life as a teacher begins the day you realize that you are always a learner.” – R. J. Meehan
As an educator, this quote resonates with me because I remember talking about it during my first teaching program at Douglas college. We were discussing how as teachers the worst thing we can do for our students, and for ourselves, is to claim that we have all the answers. There is great strength and courage in admitting that we are wrong or that we do not know something. As teachers, we are a guide for learning, we are not the gatekeepers for all knowledge, and making this known to students can generate deep mutual respect. It is our job to create safe spaces for learners to express themselves, to question the world around them, to question what they thought they already knew, and to seek out new information in various ways. I believe that teachers and students are equals in a classroom, and that teachers can learn just as much from their students if they give their students the opportunity to contribute. Creating an environment where students have the ability to lead their education journey allows for students to interact with education and learning in a positive way.
On a Personal Note…
I am very passionate about exercise and its correlation to mental health. I am a very active person and notice a huge difference to my work and personal life if I do not exercise daily. I have practiced yoga for many years and it opened up my interests in many other physical activities. I also love the water, and find myself frequenting the pool to swim laps early in the mornings! In my free time I spend a lot of time outdoors hiking and kayaking in the summer, and snowshoeing and skiing in the winter.
