Learning From the Inside Out

Six years and counting as a full time junior high and high school teacher across most subject areas, with some dabbling in elementary. Currently (and for the last four years) I have been working with students who have severe and pervasive behavioural issues in a special education setting. I am the lead Behaviour and Learning Assistance Program teacher at my school in Edmonton, Alberta, and am responsible for program coordination, core and option subject instruction - oh, and I also teach Physical Education and Computer Applications.

Low-key. Mellow. Chill. These are just some of the words that my BLAP students have used to describe me. There have been others, of course, but these seemed the most complimentary and relevant to this particular section. Typically, my class ranges from 2-12 special needs students, so I try to make it my main priority to create an engaging classroom with a laid-back, solution-focused atmosphere - a place where students know it's okay to make a mistake because they'll always be supported in trying to fix it. I've had to be very creative in manifesting exactly what that support looks like for each of my students; designing accommodations and adaptations to allow all my learners to access their learning outcomes is no easy task, and I hope to share some pieces with you that will do the same for your students. Being a junior high student is like 8 hours a day of trying not to embarrass yourself. I try to show my students that making mistakes shouldn't be an embarrassing part of their day, but instead, one of the most productive and meaningful parts. Really, I just want to make the 7 or 8 hours that they are in my room each day the best hours of their day. Learning games, movement-based learning activities, movement breaks, meaningful conversations, comic books, Batman, Nerd Club, sports, video games...any inlet I can find to make a reluctant student WANT to come to school, I'll try it.

In 2015, I coached my junior high slo-pitch team to a silver medal. It was my first time coaching anything, so I thought it was pretty special. Go Bears! Except, I'm coaching at my new school now, so Go Knights!

Attended primary and secondary school - K-12 - in the raging metropolis of Tofield, Alberta. For as much as it means now, I also scored 100% on my Math 30 Diploma Exam. Attended the University of Alberta, 2006-2010, where I earned a Bachelor of Education, English Major and Math Minor. I'm not really sure where the love - or knack - for special education came from. I kind of fell backwards into it my first year teaching, and since then, I've just been swimming further and further away from the mainstream classes.

I am married to the beautiful, and deliciously talented Megan, from Megan's Creative Classroom. Check out her store here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Megans-Creative-Classroom We have one daughter who recently turned 1 - depending on who you ask, she is either 15 months or 18 months old. Born premature, and very very tiny (less than three pounds), she is now growing marvellously and is never without a smile. Though she be but little, she is fierce!