About Andrea
Andrea Avery is an educator with over ten years of experience in Canadian classrooms. She prides herself on being able to turn any curricular outcome into a theatrical activity! By infusing storytelling, art, music, and performance into the classroom, she witnessed student growth in collaboration, creation, and confidence. She has experience working with students ages 3 and up. As a former children's camp director, she has experience entertaining and engaging youth in a myriad of activities and prides herself on making learning fun for all ages!
Andrea resides in Calgary, Alberta. She offers workshops and residencies across Canada.
Graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Theatre Studies. Graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Education with an Indigenous Studies specialization and an ArtsSmarts specialization.
Experienced elementary music teacher with training in ORFF music and movement.
Director and producer of several major children's musicals including Willy Wonka, Seussical, High School Musical, and Annie.
Key Qualities & Attributes
Adaptable to various working environments and able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively
A strong belief in the importance of culture and heritage which is demonstrated by community and school involvement
A love and appreciation for the arts as a method of reaching curricular outcomes
Passionate about inclusion of all learning types and levels and ability to make necessary accommodations/modifications with theory and practice to meet the students’ needs
Enthusiastic, positive, and approachable instructor and staff member
Teaching Philosophy
I strongly believe that everyone has the ability to learn when they are in an environment that fosters their emotional needs. When we are in a position in which we feel comfortable, loved, valued, safe, and accepted, we are able to explore our curiosities, put ourselves in situations in which we can feel vulnerable, and can then expand our potential to immeasurable volumes. As an educator, I am the facilitator and model that creates and upholds this positive climate in which students are able to not only take in and apply new information but to develop their critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills. I am committed to fostering this learning by:
- Demonstrating enthusiasm and positivity
- Creating a classroom culture of kindness and acceptance
- Embracing all learners and creating lessons and assessments that meet their needs
- Practicing inclusivity so that all learners can be successful
- Monitoring individual student successes and needs
- Reflecting upon my practice and adapting as needed
- Maintaining high expectations for behaviour and effort
- Engaging students in curricular outcomes
- Supporting students who require adaptations and modifications
- Including students’ families in their learning
- Connecting with students on a personal level and
- Modelling active involvement in the community
As an educator, I recognize that the words I say and the actions I take hold great power not only for the students I teach, but for the futures in which they are involved. I have embraced this responsibility and believe that teaching is far more than a job, but a lifestyle. I strongly believe that I am always a teacher and that the connections I make with my students in and out of the classroom can make the difference between success and failure for them. I am committed to student success and I believe that the best way to forge that success is to meet their emotional needs first in order to further their academic needs.
