I have been a teacher officially since 1993. before that, I also taught young people how to drive and adults how to read. I have always been interested in teaching, learning, and what can enhance each of these activities.
Some things I’ve done…
Work
I’ve taught in Quesnel, BC, Canada, the Sunshine Coast, BC, Canada, and all around the Greater Victoria area also in BC, Canada. Since attaining my Master’s degree in Counselling from the University of Northern British Columbia, I have been a counsellor in and outside of schools, a vice-principal, a principal, and a superintendent of a school district. In 2012 I founded an independent high school called Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry — a school to act as a model for inquiry-based, interdisciplinary learning that matched more closely the ways we know adolescents learn. I am currently the co-principal of that school.
Woven into that school-based career, I have also been a private consultant, and worked for the BC Government as its first Safe Schools Coordinator, focusing on safe school culture and climate, and creating resources to help address mental, emotional, and physical safety in schools. I also ran a small independent book store with my wife and was a radio DJ for a few years, hosting a punk rock show on Saturdays at midnight.
Education
I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1990 from the University of Victoria in English Literature and History. I then earned my Bachelor of Education and teaching certification in 1992, also at the University of Victoria. I began my Master’s in Counselling at UNBC while working full time as a teacher. The focus of my thesis was the relationship between perceived locus-of-control and overtly aggressive behaviour in adolescents.And now, many years later, I am back at UVic working toward a PhD in Neuroscience.