Day: 5 October 2020

I had the pleasure of attending a professional development day in School District 57 Prince George on September 25th, 2020. I have gained a few new learning intentions after working towards and developing as a teacher. My first learning intentions is trying to not interrupt while I am trying to listen. I will know that I am having success because the people I talk too will not get upset or stop talking to me and I will have more informed conversations. I will come across challenges and as I will want to speak before the other people are not finished talking. I will try counting in my head while I listen to their opinion and hopefully that will allow time for me to be patient with my response. I do not know if this will work but I am willing to try new ways of listening. My second learning intention is trying to incorporate technology when proper and when it is not in the classroom. During this time of learning, I have become intrigued with technology in the classroom and when is the proper time to use it and how much is too much or not enough to be honest. I would like to research more educational resources that are new or have been used in the past, please contact me if you have any encouraging words. I will find success when I see the enjoyment in learning and acknowledgement of the learners that the information has been learned. I will have to be patient with the learning curve with students being able to learn differently. I am also learning, so that will add a factor or experience and confidence to my part to incorporate land-based learning with technology-based programs. 

My Teaching metaphor is much like my coaching philosophy “Less is More.” I was told this many times from my mentor and friend Paul Rai and Jimmy Quinlan. Paul was influential in my growth as a coach and a person. He reminded me daily to take a breath and live in the moment. Allow for students and athletes the chances to learn and grow on their own. A gradual release of responsibility is key to developing strong and inspired individuals. Jimmy was inspiring every day! His passion and commitment resonated with me increasingly as I got to know him on a personal level. He truly was interested in the lives of his students and athletes. He brings attention to detail on your actions and how they can affect your life. My favorite saying, “does this make sense” Jimmy would say, to get the learners engaged and thinking about the process. This allowed for collaboration and conversation about the topic in mind. This was the passion that he passed on to me, as I cannot say thank you enough to all my coaches and friends that have allowed me to grow into the person that I am today.  

As an Educator I want to focus on providing students with equal learning chances that are allowing for self-growth while building confident and inspiring people. I have been driven by my mentors to supply quality instruction to all. I am always talking about sports and education along with a bunch more around local gyms, schools, and arenas.  

My passion speaks for the commitment needed in the community for local students – athletes and families to have the opportunities that lacrosse can provide in spirit, health, and education. 

My motto has been Live,Lax,Learn 

Live: Live every moment to the fullest and never give up 

Lax: (Lacrosse, but also Relax) I love this word as it reminds me to be patient and passionate about being an educator and coach. 

Learn:  We are all learners. Learn from our mistakes, learn from our successes, learn from our youths, learn from our elders. Always be learning.