I am an international educator, coach and lifelong-learner. I hold a Masters Degree in Education with a focus on Middle & High school humanities. My true teaching passions are in the teaching and understanding of history, reading and writing, and the physical well-being of my students. I find history fascinating; to me it is a narrative of our past that provides a window into discovering the who, what, where, when, and why of human interactions & how the world came to be as it is today. I also believe in the power of reading and writing to expand the mind, to explore ones own emotions and in finding ways to express our thoughts and ideas of how we see the world around us from a personal and global perspective. Lastly, I believe in the importance of nurturing well-rounded people who have an understanding, care and concern for their own physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Before leaving Canada, twelve years ago, I was involved in teaching and coaching at various levels as a high school and university student. At the age of 15 I took on my first volunteer coaching role as a youth basketball coach in the city of Burlington, Ontario. In the following years I continued to volunteer as a basketball and touch football coach for teams in the city. I also worked as a sports camp counsellor for 6 years throughout high school and university. As a university student, I volunteer taught at a middle school in Guelph, Ontario. Having a father that was actively involved in city sports as a coach and referee throughout my childhood and teen years, has instilled in me a passion for helping others. He is a role-model I look up to and now follow in his footsteps.
After completing my undergraduate degree in 2007, I left Canada to discover the world. Since then I have lived and taught in five different Asian countries; South Korea, Thailand, China, Vietnam and now Indonesia. I love to travel and do so every opportunity I get. I have been to over 20 countries in the world, taking photographs along the way that capture only mere moments of beauty. Some of my photographs from the countryside of Vietnam have actually been published in a Vietnamese travel magazine for expats and tourists. I find value in meeting new people, discovering diverse cultures as a way in which I can expand my own personal understanding of human interactions and build compassion and empathy.
Working with students of various ages allows me to share the knowledge I gain along the way to help open their eyes and minds to the wonderful diversity that exists in our world. Not only do I feel fortunate to find myself in a profession that I am so passionate about and able to share my passion for learning and life but on a deeper level I feel a sense of responsibility in contributing to a positive future for our world, through the students that I teach and coach. As a teacher my hope is to help cultivate the potential that exists within each and every student I meet and help them to become the best possible version of themselves; in the classroom, on the sports field, on the playground, and in the world.
On this website you will find information about my teaching philosophy, my journey to becoming a teacher and professional development. You can also find resources for the classroom, sample lesson plans and general reflections about teaching, traveling and life abroad.
If you are interested in learning more about my professional experiences you can review my CV.
Cheers!
