Christine Ho Younghusband

Teaching Teachers

Dreams do come true. I’ve wanted to do this for quite some time… teaching teachers. It’s when I have these moments, I am humbled with gratitude. Who would have thought? Not me. I had always wanted to do this… even when I was teaching in public schools, but it seemed almost impossible. Well, I must admit… I did teach a few professional development workshops while I was teaching secondary mathematics… and I taught at least a dozen or so workshops after leaving public schools to become an independent educational consultant. But teaching the other day to 3 elementary school staffs… facilitating their professional learning with BC’s New Curriculum… and, being a part of a learning community where teachers are learners… collaborating, questioning, and creating… September 3, 2015 was a good day for me. I was so excited to get prepared for this event. It was kind of out of my expertise. I’m not an elementary teacher by trade. I was trying something new. I facilitated the workshop instead of being the sage on the stage. And, I engaged in some really interesting conversations about teaching, learning, leading, policy, assessment, evaluation, and the list goes on. Unbelievable. What I realized is, those in education are invested in education and the students we serve. We have different pressures, different expectations, and different roles… but we all have a common goal… student success. I was inspired that day and I continue my dream by teaching teachers online with St. Mark’s College on curriculum, assessment, and evaluation. I feel so privileged to be teaching, learning, and leading. I am very grateful for these opportunities and I am having a lot of fun doing it. As each day progresses, I am beginning to realize that anything is possible. It may not work out at the time when you first ask for it… and it may not turn out exactly how you imagined it… but keep striving for your dreams and DREAM BIG. It will happen.

Looking in the Mirror

Um. No thank you. Can you believe that this photo is almost 15 years old? I cannot. It’s totally crazy. Anyway, it’s almost back to school time for K-12 and I’m in the midst of deep reflection, planning, and reconsideration. September 1st was a trigger for me. I have a goal in front of me and it freaks the hell out of me. That’s reassuring, right? Looking at this photo reminds me of the academic terror I experienced during my masters degree. I loved my program. Don’t get me wrong. However, with all of my academic hang-ups and insecurities (and we all have them) and working full-time, I was not sure if I could do it. I almost dropped out. Instead, I stopped volunteering my time with yearbook.

Looking back, I remember that learning is not suppose to be easy. Why? You’re changing. You’re transforming. You’re creating. That takes work!!! Staying in the comfort zone, expect it to be easy. The difference now with my dissertation versus my comprehensive exam and course work is that it’s all on me. No one is there setting deadlines or doing the same thing at the same time. It’s all on me to set deadlines, do the work, and get it done (if it will ever get done). I have invested almost everything into this edu-journey and now it’s either completion time or pull the plug.

Sometimes I need to take a moment like this to remember the good times, the exceptional experiences, and awesome people I have met along the way. Had I not detoured 7 years ago, I would still be teaching secondary math… maybe some science… or possibly something else like Planning 10. Not sure. Would I have changed schools? Unlikely. I am 100% thankful for everything that I have experienced so far… the ups and downs… with every moment as a learning experience (if you want to see it that way). There is no question that I have struggled from time to time, but I’ve also been inspired, motivated, and enlightened as well. I love the work that I do. And, I have to believe that everything will work out in the end. If I don’t, who will?

I know that I’m on the right path. Sometimes it doesn’t feel that way. When it gets challenging, it’s frightening and it’s easy to look back and wonder what if? When really, I should be looking forward, picking myself up, and asking why not? I do miss the good times of the past. I often pine for some of those moments, but I can’t go back in time. I appreciate the present. I am freaked out about the future. I’m not going to lie. Who knows where my path is heading, but I’m optimistic. I am changing. I am transforming. I am learning. Right now, I need to follow through, embrace opportunities, and do my best. Seems to be working so far. Yup, I can do it!!!

Face Your Fear

Wow. It’s already been two weeks since the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts (SCFWA). It has become one of my favourite events on the Sunshine Coast. I discovered SCFWA a few years ago. I never thought it would be an event for me to attend. I’ll admit it… I’m not an avid reader. I haven’t read a zillion fiction books for pleasure. Why would I ever go to SCFWA to watch authors talk about their books I have never read? So rude, I know. Hence, I never went. Out of curiosity, I bought a ticket to see what this SCFWA phenomenon is all about. Well, I’m hooked.

This year I intended to purchase a full-event pass. Last year I bought a one day pass. The year before I bought tickets to a few sessions. It seemed like a natural progression to the SCFWA awesomeness. Well, it was not meant to be. To make a long story short, I was unable to afford the ticket… money wise and time wise. I opted out. Sad, but deliberate with my decision. I needed to trudge through my academic writing. It was almost like I was punishing myself for not meeting my expectations. Looking back, I question this mindset. That weekend I needed some inspiration.

I got off my big EdD butt and away from my computer to purchase a ticket from SCFWA. Event 12 with Michael Christie intrigued me. How does a professional skateboarder become a writer? I love these kinds of stories. I am fascinated by those who are able to transform their lives into something else. Or maybe I’m just envious as I look for some answers for myself as I wander through my career choices and direction. So, I invested the $15 dollars and one-hour of my time. Michael Christie was awesome!!! He made me laugh. He made me cry. His story was so unexpected.

I understand why I love SCFWA. It’s like a UBC seminar or a moment of cognitive escapism to tap into the minds of writers who are also wrestling with their struggles and life’s lessons. I am learning. What I realized from Michael Christie’s SCFWA session is, face your fear. We can avoid it or we can tackle it. We can go big or go one step at a time. Either way, do something that scares you everyday. There are so many emotions, false beliefs, and stories about self embedded in fear that sometimes it almost seems impossible or way of life. For me, it’s Chapter 2.

This is the last thing I have to do before moving onto the next step of my dissertation journey. It’s not suppose to be a final draft. I am in a state of learning as I am doing. This is classic for the experiential, autodidactic learner. Do, reflect, assess, revise, and redo. I know this. My short term goal is to submit my newly revised chapters with my survey instrument. I’m almost done. Chapter 2 is freaking me out. I’ve accomplished so much this summer otherwise… I’ve just submitted a syllabus, a workshop outline, and survey test pilot for another study. With Chapter 2, I’m struggling.

Today, I’m going to do something that scares me… complete Chapter 2 and send.

Return to Passion

Taking a break from my academic writing to engage in my blog writing. I would have never thought that I would enjoy the act of writing… in my mid-40’s. This would not be my preferred activity as a child, adolescent, or young adult. I was always a bit self conscious about my reading and writing ability. I may have mentioned many blog entries ago that I did not pass English 100, I failed the English Competency Test (ECT) at UBC (twice), and took an ESL continuing education course to pass the ECT (when I only speak English). This is only one story of my reading and writing struggles. I am even surprised that I am a teacher writing her dissertation. Thus, I returned to blog to practice the act of writing. I cannot write my dissertation if I believe I cannot write.

So what’s my inspiration for today’s blog entry? My passion. When I left teaching in public schools five years ago, I was totally stoked on Assessment for Learning (AFL) and how it positively influenced student learning. I mean, I taught secondary math and students were more motivated to learn because of AFL, not grades or marks. In fact, the summative assessment should affirm what they’ve learned from AFL. That’s where the magic is. So, when I left teaching, I wanted to make a new career of it as an educational consultant. My dream was coming true and I had facilitated several AFL workshops in public and independent schools. A long story made short and two job actions later, my dream had redirected to math tutoring. Although I provide ongoing formative feedback as a tutor, I believed that AFL was no longer in my future.

Once again… who would have thought? Right now, I am preparing for a course and workshop I am delivering and facilitating in the fall. Guess what it’s about? ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING. What??? Why??? How??? Looking back, it started out with a friend recommending me to present at a math forum at UBC. This led to an invitation back to the forum in the following year one of the keynote speakers. This lead to being asked to work on the Math K-9 Curriculum Development Team. On another pathway, I became a school trustee. With a nudge here and there, I became a member of the BCSTA Education Committee. One conversation led to another, I was recommended to represent the BCSTA on the Standing Committee on Provincial Curriculum. Finally, on a third pathway, I met some pretty amazing people while facilitating AFL workshops to teachers. Once again, another person makes a recommendation and now I’m teaching this course on curriculum, assessment, and evaluation. Guess what all of these outcomes have in common? Yup… AFL.

I thought I was saying goodbye to my passion for AFL. I was tutoring and not practicing AFL as a classroom teacher. As it turns out, I have been using AFL all along… as a tutor, curriculum writer, and school trustee. Now, I am gifted with the opportunity to teach AFL to teachers as a course instructor and workshop facilitator this fall. I have returned to my passion. As I look back, everything that I have experienced led me to this point in my career. I am returning back to teaching. I am teaching AFL as it relates to the new curriculum and communicating student learning. And, I am teaching teachers. Could I have asked for anything more? Best of all, I am the learner. I have never prepared a university level course before. I have never used Moodle as a means of teaching and learning. And, I have never facilitated a professional development workshop with elementary school teachers.

I am at the face of learning and I am totally stoked. I am excited about my dissertation writing and I am so looking forward to other professional learning experiences that lay ahead of me in my work as school trustee, research assistant, and independent educational consultant. I am absolutely thankful to my professional learning network and community. I love connecting with likeminded individuals. The last 5 years has been absolutely incredible. I just adore all those who support and encourage me to take risks in my practice and I am only mentioning a handful of edu-awesomeness I am so fortunate to be a part of. I have much gratitude and look forward to what’s to come. Yes, this is one chapter in my narrative, but I’m delighted to know that AFL continues to be a part of my pedagogical journey. #brilliant

A New Vision

This note kind of makes me giggle. It’s one thing to correct (or not correct) people when they ask me if I’m doing a masters or PhD. But this note makes me smile. Unknowingly, it’s a pleasant surprise… incorrect… but nonetheless, nice. I’ve been holding off on my new vision for quite some time thinking that I may (or may not be) on the right track (or not). Welcome to second guessing and hesitation. Yup. What does procrastination lead to? The same. Am I satisfied with ‘the same’? Umm… no. As mentioned, it’s time. At last, I can see my new vision. I may have said this in a previous blog, but I realized “my (old) vision” last April. Done. Finished. Complete. Who would have thought? Not me. I held onto that vision for more almost 10 years. Dream BIG. Think BIG. I didn’t expect that it would actually happen. It did. I’m blown away.

As much as it is exciting to realize your vision, you then become burdened with creating another one. Because once you arrive, you have an opportunity to maintain the new status quo or dream again. Well… I’m not one for the status quo for any length of time… so when I say burden, I really mean gift. I must admit, it takes time to realize what the hell you want to do next. It’s bigger than “what do you want to do when you grow up.” I am a grown up. I have a career. I turned the corner. Guess what? I’m turning the corner again. Where am I going? It’s scary… exciting… and about bloody time. I can spend many days cognitively paralyzed, but it’s time to JUMP… again. It took some time to accept it, embrace it, and love it. I’m sold!!!

As much as I think that my new vision is totally crazy and almost dream-like… I can see and feel exactly how it will unfold. It’s insane. I can feel the fabric, hear my name, and see into the eyes of people in my vision. Way too trippy, but I am encouraged by the fact that my (old) vision realization coming true, I’m stoked for the next vision. And, as soon as I realize this vision… I’m ready for the next one… and the one after that. I know that I’m moving in the direction I am suppose to… and I am totally excited. Right now I am turning the corner on my dissertation, I am facilitating a workshop in September, I am working on a research project with my supervisor, and I am instructing a graduate level course in the fall. I am reunited with some of my edu-loves… assessment, teaching, learning, and curriculum. And, I am only mentioning a few things happening this fall. Yup… 2015 is ending with a BANG.

Deep breath… Just trust your vision. What do you want for yourself? What is your dream? What are you going to do about it? I am so passionate about education. The next few steps ahead of me is only the beginning. As many times you get ‘the whisper’ that things are going WRONG… there are just as many whispers telling you when things are right. Focus on those feelings. I knew that I was on the right track a few weeks ago when I started planning for the workshop I will be facilitating. I had a potent dose of Vietnamese Iced Coffee and I could not stop imagining how the workshop would unfold. I even planned a poetry lesson. Super WEIRD… it’s not my favourite topic or subject area… but I loved the planning process. It just felt good. What inspired me to write tonight’s blog was the completion of the DRAFT plans and notes for that workshop. Now, I’m ready for my next task to complete.

Doing what you love… it’s effortless and timeless. Figure what that is for you and visualize. I love what I am doing and so happy to come to terms with my new vision. Yay… BTW: I have not disclosed what my new vision exactly is. I gave you some hints in terms of where I’m heading, but I’m going to keep my new vision to myself. Be assured that I will report to you bloggies when the new vision has been realized.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it, keep looking. Don’t settle.” – Steve Jobs

Finding Your Jam

What a nice reminder… Loved watching Elliott BROOD at Persephone Brewing Company in Gibsons last weekend. It was a public event but also a celebration of my friends’ 10th wedding anniversary. The event was well attended. The weather was great…. and the band was awesome. I loved how this couple celebrated this special day. I much enjoyed listening to the band and was so impressed with the sound of this 3-person band. Not seen in this photo, but Elliott BROOD played the ukuleles. The song was called The Valley Town. I just love the sound of the ukulele. It reminds me of Hawaii but it also sounds whimsical, happy, and joyous. It makes me smile.

I was reminded of my favourite pastime of JAM FINDING. I am just drawn to people who are living their passion. It is such a gift to be doing what you love… and it shows. Elliott BROOD was jamming alright. Loved watching their performance. You can see it their body language, hear it their voices, and feel it in their music. I was enjoying their jam. I wrote about this phenomenon in The Jam Effect (2011) and Found My Jam (2013). It’s funny reading old blogs. Seems appropriate to be writing about JAM once again in 2015. Hey, I’m a math educator who likes patterns. Be assured that I will likely write about this again in 2017. Just wait and see.

When reading my old blogs… I was just scratching the surface. You’ve got to dig deep to really know and understand your JAM. My jam is more than just talking to other people about their jam. And, my jam is more than just teaching, learning, and leading. That is quite a broad scope. It’s like saying that Elliott BROOD’s jam is singing, playing, and writing music. Maybe so, but I think what drives them to do what they do goes deeper than that. There is something in what they are doing that derives them great joy and happiness. This is not to say that their journey was easy or straightforward, but we are all driven by something deep down inside. This is the JAM.

So what’s my jam? Am I really willing to admit it? Whoa. The whole idea of digging deep and understanding my why kind of FREAKS me out. I am easily provoked when my why is tapped. I even sit here… stalled… as I try to find the words to articulate my why. Ultimately, every student has the right to thrive… not just survive. My passion is to find ways to enable this. Learning experiences should not be ones that kill the spirit or extinguish the light. It should be ones that inspire, motivate, and transform. No wonder I get bothered by the status quo when I know it could be better. I have no problems questioning the status quo, if it requires reassessment. I wholeheartedly endorse breaking the rules, if it makes the learning situation better. I will go against the grain, if it creates a system change to enhance student learning. I will not hide from or close my door to situations where student learning is being hindered.

I get aggravated when students feel constrained, belittled, or defeated. What a horrible place to be. Yup. This is my why… student learning and student success. I can see why I do what I do. I tutor students, I facilitate teacher professional development workshops, and I am a school trustee. This is not to mention working with the BCAMT, curriculum development, or writing my dissertation. Everything that I am doing is aligned to my WHY and it’s about finding ways to help students thrive and give them HOPE. Yes, I was doing this as a classroom teacher… for 16 years… and many others out there in my PLN who share my why are excelling in their practice. For me, I grew dissatisfied with enacting change and educational reform with 30 students at a time. This was not creating system change. I found my JAM.

It’s Time

Whoa. It’s time. It’s a strange feeling I get inside… one that I have denied before. This time, I hope I am a bit more responsive and the turnaround time is a bit more expedient. Lately, I’ve been feeling that feeling for quite some time. I try to suppress it with hopes of it fading away. However, what starts off as a whisper sometimes turns into a kick in the face. I don’t want to be caught off guard. I am answering the call.

Nothing beats a good dose of denial. Denial turns into avoidance. Avoidance transforms itself into numbness. Yup. Going through life numb is the furthest thing from living your life to the fullest. Many of us do it… without even knowing it. Been there. The existence is bleak. I love being on the learning curve. It excites me. It scares me. It challenges me. So, why push those feelings aside? Acknowledge them.

Let’s be clear… I don’t want to make this a doom and gloom blog entry. That is furthest from my intentions. In fact, I did a hefty free-write yesterday and now it’s undergoing some serious revisions to get to this final product. What I do know for sure is this… You will not be rewarded for enduring another day of numbness. You just won’t. So what are you going to do about it? Will it be the status quo?

I am so grateful for friends who ask me the tough questions… Who is in your tribe? What is your obsession? Will you be returning back to teaching? Blah, blah, blah… I have no idea. Never thought about it. Tribe… Obsession… Teaching… I think that sums it up right there. I have met some incredible people in the last 5 years and know who I resonate with. I am obsessed with professional learning and how it connects to student learning. And yes, I realized that I really miss teaching in the classroom.

Teaching is something that I do all of the time. I teach as an educational consultant. I teach as a workshop facilitator. I teach as a school trustee. Teaching is a broad term and we all do it to some capacity. It was just today that I had visions of teaching math classes again. I loved the challenge of making mathematics fun, exciting, and engaging… for me and the students. I loved getting in the faces of my students.

Just the other night, I was so charged up (on Vietnamese Iced Coffee) as I was planning for a workshop I am delivering to teachers in the next month. I loved visualizing the crowd, predicting what they need to learn, and creating a structure to the day that would provoke professional learning. That was a BIG high for me. This is my obsession… Creating meaningful learning experiences for others.

Hmm… this gets me thinking about my tribe. Those who are in my tribe are those who can talk about education as much as I do. I love talking about assessment and evaluation, effective pedagogy, and educational leadership. I get so energized talking to people about education. You know who you are. Some are trustees. Some are superintendents. Some are teachers. There is not one distinct cohort per se where my tribe resides, but I’m sure glad there are people out there who are just like me.

So back to those feelings that have been niggling in my spirit and soul. Things are pretty lined up for the rest of the summer and the fall. I am currently challenged with new work and I am enjoying every opportunity that has presented itself to me as it relates to education. I feel that that there is a momentum building and I want to be prepared for the new year. What are my next steps? Where am I heading?

Hmm… I think this a nice segway to my next blog. Thank you bloggies for reading and letting me vent my thoughts. I know that I’m not alone. I’ve been letting go lately and saying goodbye. I guess this is my way to make space for what’s next. #awesome

Memoirs

At camping this summer, I was afforded the time to read my dad’s self-published book of memoirs. I’ve been wanted to read his book for months… now, I’ve been wanting to write about my dad’s book in my blog. This is not a book review, per se, but an opportunity to express what I have learned from his book. It’s been a few weeks since I have read his book and waited for the right time to write this blog. It’s time. Today, I was inspired… for a few reasons. As mentioned in my last blog entry, Introverted Self, I tend to be the person who likes to learn in the presence of others. It’s through conversation that I am provoked to reflect, think, and reconsider what’s important to me. I had several conversations today. Each one, I cherish for different reasons. I will not mention the conversations I had today, but will mention the lessons I’ve learned from my dad’s book that relate to these conversations.

Lesson 1: We are stronger as some, not as one

Ultimately, my dad’s book was about teaching, learning, and leading. It’s not a book on education, but he wrote about key life events that defined who he is, taught him some life’s lessons, and motivated him to make certain decisions at certain times. I often felt throughout the book that my dad was alone on his journey. His struggles were genuine, but he took it upon himself to solve his problems. There was some deception and he spent much of his formative years hiding a secret. As a result, no one had his back. He had no one to trust or confide in. He was alone on his journey. Keeping his secret from others was not his personal struggle, but it was the isolation and his need for belonging. He does not say that in his book, but it’s inferred. Luckily, he learns this lesson of trust, friendship, and the “power of we” later in life in Australia from the not so usual suspects. As much as we don’t like to be vulnerable with others about our perceived weaknesses, we are more powerful together than apart.

Lesson 2: The barriers we experience are the ones we create

So, what was his big secret? It’s not a BIG secret, but my dad struggled with English as a child. As a student in Hong Kong, he was great at math and sucked at reading and writing. He did some crazy things to accommodate this perceived weakness. For example, he paid someone on the street to fill out his school application, he changed his report card to change teachers, and he lied to his parents about his academic performance so that he could move to Australia to school. Can you say AVOIDANCE? He was the eldest of 7. There was face being saved… but really? My dad had excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills. However, he was on the run. No matter the situation, his ability with the English language was always a deciding factor. Unfortunately, his academic hang up is mine too. I can empathize with his decision making, but would be horrified if my daughter did the same. What I love about the book is that my dad conquered his fear at 75 with his book. What a beautiful metaphor. The barriers we create for ourselves can also dispelled by our doing.

Lesson 3: Sacrifice is only worthwhile if the payoff is greater

The final lesson I would like to share with you is passion and sacrifice. I think about some of the decisions my dad made during his life’s journey. Many decisions were based on fear. Some decisions were based on duty. While others were about integrity and justice. My dad accepted jobs when he knew that he would never be promoted. He found his passion but made concessions for his own little family and moved to Canada. Things were so desperate that he took the first job he could get in Canada. He did not move to Toronto, as initially intended, but moved to Prince Rupert. From my perspective, we led an ordinary life in Prince Rupert. I was born and raised there. From my dad’s perspective, it was living day-to-day with hopes of keeping employment. Those were challenging times for my parents. My mom even cried when she first landed in Prince Rupert in 1968. I have fond memories of Rupert. My dad sacrificed his career and passion for his family and survival. I hope that he feels that the payoff was worth it in the end. I adore Prince Rupert. I think he does too.

FINAL THOUGHTS: My dad is an opportunist and risk taker. I get that about him. The apple does not fall far from the tree. I appreciated that he wrote his book of memoirs. It’s a thoughtful gift to his family. I love that he was inspired to write the book after taking a continuing education course at SFU. He was the only one in his class to complete and self-publish. You can find a copy of his book at the SFU Library. My dad was proud and honoured to be selected. Understanding his story helps me to understand my story. He is a lifelong learner. He takes action and he’s not afraid to make mistakes. We all have defining moments in our lives and it’s not to wallow in the misery, set backs, or failure… but it’s what you do after that matters. My dad had always picked himself up and took the next step. I admire that about him.

Introverted Self

Talk about embarking on an part of my being that I am totally unfamiliar with… INTROVERSION. It is certainly not my strength. I have great admiration of those who are introverted. These people will perform when they need to, but I am envious of them that they are able take a moment for themselves, read a book, or be in a state of silence for some length of time. I do not claim that I am not one of these people. Resistant for years, I have to come to terms with my introverted self.

For those who know me, I am an extrovert. According to Myers-Briggs, I am an ESTJ… an extroverted thinker. That’s my strength. I guess that’s why I love doing what I’m doing on various boards I serve on. It’s a collaborative effort. Voices are heard and decisions are made. I learn best working with people. I love listening, connecting, and dialoguing with others. Writing a dissertation is not an extroverted experience. It’s somewhat isolating, which makes me exceptionally UNCOMFORTABLE.

For years I wanted to create learning community for my doctoral work. Not sure what I was thinking, but I wanted the learning experience to be interactive and engaging. I have my EdD cohort, supervising team, and EdD Sunshine Coast Sub-Cohort to connect with, but I spend much of my time in my head. Too much thinking and not doing… the learning experience is self-directed and I was challenged by it.

Aside from experiencing the self-inflicted barriers of perfectionism and imposter syndrome, I did not have the faith or confidence if I could write my dissertation by myself. It’s amazing how our stories hold us back, which reminds me of my Dad’s book of memoirs. He struggled with the English language and catered many of his life’s decisions based on this perceived weakness. Hello??? He wrote a book!!! I could not put the book down. I loved reading about his lived experiences and him telling his story. He conquered his fear of reading and writing at the age of 75.

For me, I’m almost 45. I feel that my Dad and I have lead similar journeys with respect to the English language. Reading and writing are not my preferred modes of communication. After reading my Dad’s book, I was inspired to work on my dissertation with a different mindset. I have a learning community and I am not alone. Thank you to all those who participated in my pilot test, helped me learn, and provided unconditional support. I can convey my ideas and engage in a quiet way. Getting comfortable with the discomfort. Being introverted is a gift.

CSBA Congress 2015

First of all… nothing I hate more than looking at a picture and realizing I need a haircut. Annoying. Besides that, look at these lovely school trustees sitting and standing beside me. Here we are gathered together at the Canadian School Board Association (CSBA) Congress 2015 in Saskatoon, SK. In the photo, there are 3 BC school trustees (mentioned above) and my friend from Winnipeg whom I met on Twitter and face-to-face at the 2013 CSBA Congress in Vancouver. Here we are gathered together at the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival the day before CSBA 2015.

As mentioned in my previous blog entry, Nature School, I came to CSBA this year to watch the SD46 team present the nature school program to school trustees at this conference. Another good reason to come to CSBA is the professional learning. Some highlights for me were the Youth Panel near the end of the conference, the field trip to the Saskatoon Trades & Skills Centre, and the aboriginal student dancers at St.Mary’s Wellness and Education Centre. The bannock was yummy too. Love learning from students. The Youth Panel was exceptional. I also loved learning about community partnerships and how programs can be made possible in education.

The third reason to come to CSBA is connecting with other school trustees from around Canada. Loved connecting up and meeting trustees from BC at this event, but I’ve also met trustees from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and New Brunswick. It’s so interesting to learn how some aspects of our work are similar and yet other aspects so different. Sometimes the best learning comes from those spontaneous conversations with colleagues that make the whole trip worthwhile.

From my professional learning, I will bring much of what I learned back to my board of education along with my Board Chair Betty Baxter. It was great to connect with BCSTA members, the SD46 team, and Canadian school trustees. It’s funny that we are able to connect so much better when we are not in the hustle and bustle of our own hometown. This is the beauty of conferences and professional learning. We all walk away as winners… learning more about education, governance, and each other.