Since earning my Master of Education from McArthur College and completing Principal Leadership studies at OISE, I’ve navigated the evolving landscape of education. I’ll always remember my friends Bob Hubbard (now deceased) and Brian Evoy, in the AV room at McArthur, wrestling with equipment, overhead projectors and film reels, hoping the machine wouldn’t eat the tape. From those early days, I’ve witnessed the shift from desktops to laptops, chalkboards to smartboards, and the rise of cellphones and artificial intelligence in classrooms.
Teaching has always felt like a calling, not just a job. Over the years, I’ve completed 15 teaching qualifications, each one enhancing my ability to support students and tailor programs to meet their unique needs.
My career began in northern Saskatchewan, where I taught Man & Society and served as a Guidance teacher at an Indigenous secondary school. That experience shaped my perspective, teaching me the importance of listening, learning, and approaching education in new ways. Upon returning to Ontario, I taught across all grades, from kindergarten to high school, eventually transitioning into full-time elementary education. Every classroom, every group of students, reinforced my teaching experience that no two days in teaching are ever the same.
As my career progressed, I taught several grade levels with diverse learners which led me to become became a special education teacher. Halfway through my journey, I transitioned into administration, first as a vice principal and then as a principal. These roles allowed me to apply my teaching experience in new ways, while also taking on broader leadership responsibilities. I worked closely with staff, parents, and students to create schools that felt like places of belonging, learning, joy, and hope. To me, school is not just about learning—it’s about community.
Despite the many challenges education faces, I’m continually inspired by the moments when a student discovers something new or realizes their own potential. These moments remind me why I became an educator in the first place. Teaching isn’t just about the curriculum; it’s about relationships, connections, growth, and learning alongside our students every day. School isn’t just where we teach—it’s where life happens, every day, with every lesson.