Photos

Below are photographs highlighting some of the work I've done throughout my career thus far. All of the students in these pictures have given their express permission to be photographed for this purpose; nevertheless, I have chosen to cover their faces in the interest of maintaining their privacy.

Learning Alongside Students

I am a firm believer in modelling risk-taking, so I often deliberately design tasks that require skills or competencies that I don't have, so that I can learn alongside my students and show them that it's okay to not always get it right.

In this photo, I am taking clarinet lessons alongside one of my students who was becoming discouraged about their progress. My struggles helped them realize the magnitude of what they were taking on and persevere.

Experiential Learning

I work hard to create experiential learning opportunities for my students. This photo was taken inside the soundproof recording booth I built at Cairine Wilson SS, using funds from the experiential learning team. Students have used this resource to support numerous project-based learning opportunities.

Meeting Diverse Learning Needs

I have often had the joy and challenge of teaching towards a very diverse set of learning needs. This has forced me to hone my craft substantially.

Whenever I design a lesson, I ask myself:

"Does this lesson have multiple entry points?"
"Does it challenge every learner in the room? Will it be too challenging for some?"
"Does it engender a positive learning environment?"

Leveraging Technology

Throughout my career, I have continuously upgraded my technology skills and experimented with technological integration, as well as working with colleagues to bring technological innovation to our broader community.

In this photo, I am training a group of students in a Foods & Culture class, who are preparing to record an podcast about BIPOC chefs.

Community Connections

It's important that students feel connected within their school communities. It is also important for students to connect with the broader community.

This photo features a group of Bell HS students learning a song from Carleton University professor Antonio Llaca.

Global Connections

Culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy begins with exploring and understanding diverse cultures and perspectives, and doing so in a good and respectful way.

Throughout my career, I have fostered many opportunities for my students to learn directly from people representing many different cultures, including this musician-educator who visited us from Cuba.

Learning Through Play

Students that feel connected to their school and connected to each other are students who are ready to learn, and the best learning happens through hands-on, engaging activites anyway.

This is why much of my pedagogy is based on playful, joyous activities like the stick-passing game pictured here.