I see my career as an educator as an opportunity for lifelong learning. I have much to learn as an educator. I seek to improve my pacing and transitions when teaching.

I enjoy developing good relationships with students and teachers. I am skilled at building unit and lesson plans based on positive youth development and critical pedagogy.

Image from Goderich Public Schools Instagram account.

I am Learner Centred!

Here at Goderich Public School a Grade 6 class taught a Grade 2 class how to code! I built positive relationships with the students by guiding them through the struggle of learning and teaching block coding.

I am Pedagogy Centred!

Here is one of my favourite music projects: building, conducting and improvising with homemade instruments. This project engaged students and built their sense of identity through creative processes. Through this Scheherazade project I learned how to apply the principals of positive youth development and critical pedagogy.

Start the video at 3min:40sec and you will see Rich Marsella demonstrating parts of the lesson to a group of home-schooled youth in Guelph. I have modified these lessons into a unit on improvisation and composition using homemade instruments for grades 6-8.

I am Community Centred

“Stephen was a great asset to the Sir Isaac Brock school community during this practicum block. He helped out with several different extra-curricular clubs including Rock Band and Junior Choir. Stephen also participated in our Gender and Sexuality Alliance meetings and contributed to creating a safe and inclusive space for these margianalized students. Stephen was professional in his relationships with staff at our school and did not hesitate to reach out to other staff members when he had questions.”

Jacqueline Edwards Associate Teacher

I am Knowledge Centred

“Stephen created lessons that reflected the Ontario Arts curriculum and explored different resources such as Recorder Karate and MusicPlay Online when finding materials for his lessons. Stephen made an effort to chose a variety of repertoire for his classes including Jazz, Classical and Pop music.”

Jacqueline Edwards Associate Teacher

I am Professionally Centred

“Stephen behaved professionally at all times during his practicum. He was always on time and dressed in a professional manner. Stephen regularly reflects on his teaching practices and asks questions in order to improve his teaching. Stephen makes insightful comments when reflecting on a lesson and is open to constructive feedback.”

Jacqueline Edwards Associate Teacher