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Life Before Being a Teacher
I grew up in a family of 8 with a teacher/administrator father and a stay-at-home mom. We were a football family, as my dad was the High School coach. I didn't grow up wanting to be a teacher but in college, I made the move away from law and never looked back. -
Married my wife
In July of 2009, I married Julie West. Since then, we have had 2 dogs. Our beloved Stanley who passed away at 12 years old last spring and our now 5-year-old Chocolate Lab Molly. -
My first classroom
My first classroom assignment was in 3rd grade on a part-time assignment. I learned a lot from those little readers and writers. It was a great year to teach Social Studies in grade 3. Kids got involved in the world and raised money for various causes. -
My time in Raymond Elementary
After another temporary year at Stirling school, I received a continuous contract in the Westwind School Division assigned to Raymond Elementary. I taught grades 3 and 6 there. I taught there for five years. Two in 3rd grade and three in 6th before moving to Magrath High School. A highlight from Raymond was making the news when my kids won a challenge for Pink Shirt Day and got a Pink Haired Teacher. -
Building my support network
I have been really blessed to build a professional network and friendships with leaders in Literacy Education. Friendships with people like Bob Probst and Kylene Beers, Penny Kittle, and Donalyn Miller (who is really fun to spend a day at Disneyland with) has really helped me develop as a teacher. -
Teaching in Magrath
I have been teaching in Magrath since 2017 in grades 8 through 12. I teach English 30-1, 30-2, 30-4, and Grade 9 English. It is an adventure, and I have learned so much. -
Next Steps in the Professional Journey
As I have worked at building my craft as an English teacher, I have looked at Admin and realized... NO THANKS. I love helping other teachers and providing Professional Development, so that is the journey I have started. I have now presented in local, provincial, and international settings. It has helped me overcome near-crippling stage fright and build confidence in our work in room 157. Last fall, I presented at NCTE in Anaheim, California (Remember Disneyland?) -
Lifting Literacy...The Big Idea
I had a dream years ago to offer more PD to Alberta teachers similar to ILA or NCTE and with a partnership with SAPDC, we have offered a virtual conference the last few years. I was able to present a few times but am also looking at developing my own space, LiftingLiteracy.com , to help teachers build capacity and talk about practices. -
So here we are
So that is a micro version of the journey and where we hope to go next. I love teaching. I love reading and writing and helping adolescent students find themselves in the books and in their own words. I threw in a picture of Stanley because, well, look how beautiful he was.