Born (North Vancouver, overlapping Skwxwú7mesh/Squamish – Musqueam – Tsleil-Waututh claimed territory) and raised (Victoria, W̱SÁNEĆ/Saanich and  Lekwungen/Songhees territory) on the West Coast, a desire to see more of the world led to me fleeing the country as soon as I was able to do so. Having recently moved back to BC to pursue the schooling required to become a teacher, I have come to realize that this province is in some indefinable sense home for me.

I received a BA in History from the University of Victoria in 2009, and an MA in Modern Global History from Jacobs University Bremen in 2013. Sometime after the latter occurrence I decided that a career in higher academia was not for me, and quite by accident found my way into teaching. From 2009-2011 I had taught English to elementary students at private language academies in Ulsan and Busan, South Korea, and in 2016 I found myself back in the classroom. From 2016-2018, I taught woodshop and social studies at a reserve school in northern Alberta, where I learned a good deal about Cree culture and rather less of the language. I have just completed my second and final year at the UNBC School of Education, and am now working through the process of certification.

I am passably conversant in German: fluent enough to order food (or teach a high school level course!), but not fluent enough to direct someone through a major medical procedure. When time allows I like to spend time woodworking, practicing archery, and trying to improve my knowledge of the Russian and Dakelh languages.

Here are some things students have said about me in anonymous practicum reviews:

  • “your [sic] chill”
  • “you have a good habit of keeping me awake in class”
  • “I like the way you teach”
  • “active lesson plans”
  • “funny atmosphere and a positive personality”
  • “helpful”
  • “I liked how he understood his students”
  • “love the energy…good at explaining”
  • “speak a little slower” [guilty. I get pretty enthusiastic]
  • “your [sic] not boring”
  • “I would definitely enjoy another class with him”
  • “My final verdict? 11/7”