With all that has happened in my life that I did not plan on, contemplating on my future is tentative at best. With that said, I do have hopes for my future.
I am looking forward to continuing to be involved with my two children, and proudly watch as they continue to mature. In 2011, I saw Megan graduate from High School, and move to her next challenge, University of Alberta, where she has graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology. In 2014, Curtis graduated from High School, and moved on to play volleyball in South Carolina and at Camosun College in Victoria. Megan is now married to a wonderful young man, and they are both employed, living in Edmonton.
As they aged, I found that I was better able to see the pressures that a student is under, and changed my classroom practice. I saw how much homework they were getting, and made a conscious efforts to allow more class time for work in the classes I teach. This decision means that I must make sure my lessons are designed for maximum learning in short amount of time, but more importantly, the practice work I give is not too repetitive. Math and Science work does require practice, so I have tried to find one assignment that addresses all of the day's outcomes, and then give extra practice work. While taking my Masters, I have read about concepts like "The Genius Hour" or "20% Time." These really intrigue me, and fit well with what I think education has to offer students.
Now that I have finished my Masters degree, I am looking for a new challenge that builds on my personal and professional experience. I really want to be part of setting direction in education. This may be at a school or district level, or may be working as a consultant, or perhaps teaching at a college. I am passionate about education, and believe that my experiences have given me insights into beneficial teaching strategies for success of all students.