Thompson Rivers University

I am currently completing my Bachelor of Education in Elementary Years at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops BC. This two year degree teaching program has opened my eyes to many facets of the educational system that have changed since I attended and completed my first degree. I have been exposed to Indigenous culture and influence that has been very eye-opening and beneficial to my educational journey. I have learned how important it is to Indigenize one’s teaching practice over the content, and how important it is to have diverse representation within a classroom. Along with completing my teaching qualification, I enrolled in a Global Competency program at Thompson Rivers and obtained my certification that showcases my experience and knowledge in regards to multiculturalism and diversity. The final project portfolio for this course can be accessed at: https://samanthanicole.trubox.ca/

University of British Columbia

I attended the University of British Columbia and received my Bachelor of Arts with a major in world history in 2015. At the time I was under the impression that I would become a high school history teacher. Little did I know the path that laid before me would take me in a completely different, and amazing, direction! The years that I spent at UBC involved me taking part in theatre productions, joining a sorority and experiencing Greek life, as well as really engaging in my love for education.

Douglas College

After I completed my undergraduate studies, I realized I was not as interested in becoming a high school teacher like I had previously thought. I took the Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) program at Douglas College to “dip my foot” into a different type of teaching. This experience introduced me to many new people, opened my eyes to a different world of teaching I was not aware of, and enlightened me to how much I did not know about the English language. This credential is the reason I have so much experience in teaching, why I have travelled so much of the world, and started the fire within me to become an educator. By learning how to break down the English language, it enabled me to learn other languages easily, and has been a great asset to me in Canadian classrooms with English language learners.

TESL Canada

By completing the TESL course, registering with the TESL Canada Federation, and having a Bachelor’s degree, I thought I would move on to achieving my Masters in TESL. I, of course, got a little sidetracked with teaching and travelling, and am now enrolled in the Bachelor of Education program for Elementary years, however I feel that this is still something I want to accomplish. I love teaching, I love being involved in elementary level education, but there is a special place in my heart for English language learners, and I feel that at some point in my career I will further my TESL certification and focus on helping those who want to learn a new language.

University of Minnesota

Through Coursera, I had the opportunity to take a course at the University of Minnesota. This course was called ‘Resilience in Children Exposed to Trauma, Disaster, and War: Global Perspectives. I took this course while living abroad in Vietnam as I was going to start working and volunteering at women’s/youth shelters in Vietnam and Thailand. Unfortunately, COVID-19 took place and I was unable to take on any of these positions, however the experience of taking the course was very beneficial to me and my teaching career. There are so many educational opportunities out there for us to access and I truly wish that more people, and educators specifically, took these opportunities to enhance their understanding, compassion, and ability to handle situations in their lives and even classrooms.