Face-to-Face Campaigning

The last 5 weeks have been an interesting journey… municipal or school trustee campaigning, I mean.  Only 8 more days to ELECTION DAY on November 19th.  If anything, VOTE.

While balancing my family, tutoring, writing, and campaigning, I have learned so much about the political process with great hopes of serving, representing, and acting as an educational liaison for residents of the District of Sechelt as one of the SD46 School Trustees in 2011-2013.  My campaign is modest, but hopefully effective.  I have used social media, campaign signs, and hand-distributed flyers to make it known to members of my community that I am running.  Tonight, I will be face-to-face campaigning with community members at the local high school.

There are two events happening tonight… I was invited to attend a Restorative Justice presentation at the Chatelech Secondary Theatre at 3:30 pm and to an All-Candidates Meeting for Mayor and Council at 6:30 pm.  Because there are so many candidates running for mayor and council in the Sechelt Area, Sechelt School Trustee delegates will not be in the All-Candidates Meeting, but will have the opportunity to mix-and-mingle in the foyer.  For Sechelt School Trustee Candidates, there is only one formal All-Candidates Meeting for all SD46 School Trustee Candidates sponsored by the Coast Reporter and televised on Coast Cable held on November 14th, 7pm at the Seaside Centre.

It is opportunities like these where candidates are able to publicly discuss and share their political platform and intentions.  I hope that I will be able to effectively share my educational beliefs and desires during the All-Candidates Meeting on November 14th so that residents of Sechelt understand my platform of STUDENT LEARNING, Learning Communities, and Safe Learning Environments.  I am passionate about education, student achievement, and quality programming to ensure that the students of School District No.46 (Sunshine Coast) have memorable and worthwhile learning experiences and opportunities.  THANK YOU to all those who support my 2011 campaign.

On November 19th, ELECT CHRISTINE YOUNGHUSBAND for SCHOOL TRUSTEE (Sechelt).

Advanced Polling – November 9th & 16th

Municipal elections in BC are well on their way.  There are only 11 days left to ELECTION DAY… Saturday, NOVEMBER 19th from 8 am to 8 pm.  Please check your local newspaper for locations.  

If you can’t get out to vote on the 19th, there is ADVANCED POLLING on November 9th and 16th.

In the District of Sechelt, there will be 3 polling stations on November 19th available for Sechelt residents:  (1) The Senior Centre in downtown Sechelt, (2) West Sechelt Elementary School, and (3) Davis Bay Elementary School.  On ADVANCED POLLING days, the station is at the Seaside Centre.

On November 19th, District of Sechelt constituents will be voting for 1 Mayor, 6 Councilors, and 2 School Trustees.  Before you vote, please be informed about the candidates (click to link):

1. The FABS website (Sechelt Candidates Only)
2. The SCTA website (School Trustee Candidates Only)
3. The Coast Reporter (All Sunshine Coast Candidates)
4. Attend an All-Candidates Meeting (Sponsored by the Coast Reporter)
• November 10 – Sechelt Mayor and Council Candidates @ Chatelech, 7-10pm
• November 14 – SD46 Trustee Candidates @ Seaside Centre, 7-9pm
5. Attend other All-Candidates Meetings (Sponsored by special interest groups) 

Candidates may also have personalized websites… For example, you can Google my website with “younghusband trustee” or you can connect to my website link here.  On candidate websites, you can find out more about about their background, platform, and contact information.

Thank you for reading my blog.  Please pass it on to fellow voters who would benefit from this information.  Stay informed and get out to VOTE on November 19, 2011.

ELECT CHRISTINE YOUNGHUSBAND FOR SCHOOL TRUSTEE (DISTRICT OF SECHELT)

Formative Assessment (Campaign Style)

One of my greatest passions about education and working in the field of education is assessment and evaluation.  How do you know that you are doing a good job?  Who is judging?  What can be learned from formative feedback?  And ultimately, how do you move forward to ensure success?

For the past year, I have been designing and facilitating Assessment for Learning (AFL) professional development workshops for teachers.  To date, I have delivered 10 workshops involving AFL and how teachers can learn about student learning and their professional practice.  Formative feedback is a critical component of AFL.  It’s feedback to help the student understand how they are progressing, determine what they know, and decide what they have to work on.  Formative assessment is not worth “marks” but it has HUGE value at the end point, or summative assessment, that is the test, project, or exam to demonstrate their understanding for judgment known as the mark or grade.

Running for school trustee in the District of Sechelt is a new learning experience for me in the realm of public education.  I have 16 years of teaching experience with School District No.46 (Sunshine Coast) as a secondary mathematics, science, and chemistry teacher.  I have participated in many committees related to professional development, mathematics curriculum implementation, and the local teachers’ association.  I have assumed several teacher leadership positions at Chatelech Secondary as the math department head, staff rep, and professional development representative. 

Currently, I volunteer my time at my daughter’s school as a “bike club mom,” tutor adult basic education students at Capilano University (Sunshine Coast Campus), and involved in the BC Association of Mathematics Teachers (BCAMT) executive committee as a secondary representative.  I continue to work on my dissertation in education leadership, I have presented at the Seminar Series and Education Without Borders with Education Graduate Students’ Association, and I am employed as a site assistant with the Master of Education educational leadership K-12 cohort at SFU. 

I am passionate about education and have a wealth of knowledge that continues to grow and evolve.  Campaigning and meeting people in my community to talk about education has been enlightening to say the least.  Along with some campaign signs posted around the District of Sechelt and YH Flyers distributed on some cars and homes in the community, I have met many wonderful people who ask good questions and share stories about their experiences with public education in SD46.  It’s been a wonderful journey so far and I have learned so much from members of the community.

I love the question: “How is the campaign going?”  I get this question a lot.  I am sure that every candidate in the municipal election is faced with this question.  It’s an opportunity to self-reflect and self-assess how things are going.  Strangely, much of the formative feedback I receive are positive.  I am grateful for the kind words, advice, help, and support people have given me during the campaign.  With that said, I truly don’t know how “things” are going.  I can critique about the number of signs I have posted, the number of flyers distributed, or the number of events I have attended, etc… but, in the end, I am going to find out how the campaign is going is on November 19th.

Returning to the Happiness Project

With so many things on the go… it’s nice to spend a bit of time on yourself.  I had mentioned around Thanksgiving that I had picked up a book at Chapters called, The Happiness Project.  Apparently, it is a “Heather’s Pick” or a guaranteed good read.  I try to read the book when I can.  I am truly enjoying what I have read so far and would like to take some action on my own life.

As the author, Gretchen, says it’s not she is unhappy, but she could be happier.  Life is good.  I am not complaining.  I have good friends, a supportive and loving family, and we are managing to make things happen.  You never know unless you try.  I would like to be happier.  As I look back at the last 12 months of my life, much has changed for the good.  I feel purposeful.  I feel stronger.  I feel like I am doing what I am suppose to be doing.  And, I am learning lots.  Now what?

I would like to model my “Happiness Project” with Gretchen’s.  For the first month (i.e. November 2011), I would like to BOOST MY ENERGY.  The more energy I have, the more able I will be to endure other life’s challenges, to question my false beliefs, and move forward.  Like Gretchen, I will make note of any changes or observations worth noting.  I’m excited to take these steps and share them with you… Bloggies from the virtual world… who are curious to do the same thing.

What I will start with is the following:

1. Getter done… just do unfinished projects or tasks and JUST DO IT.
2. MyFitnessPal… a phone app to guide & moderate my eating and exercise habits.
3. Clean & Purge… organize and remove clutter from my space and mind.
4. Less TV & FB… minimize less productive screen time for more productivity.
5. Sleep… there is sooooo much to get done but all-nighters are not an option.

Wish me luck.  Gretchen had about 4-5 bullets she worked each month.  I will do the same.  Everyone’s Happiness Project will be different.  I am looking forward to engaging in this journey of small changes to achieve more “happiness.”  I encourage you to do the same.

BTW:  I wrote this blog entry without the TV on.  Silence is good.  Feeling a bit happier.

My Credentials

Welcome to my school trustee candidate representing the District of Sechelt for School District No.46 (Sunshine Coast) municipal political campaign 2011.  I would be honoured to be elected to represent the students, parents, and community members from the District of Sechelt as their school trustee.

What do I have to offer?

1. I have a BSc (Chemistry), BEd (Education), and MEd (Curriculum & Instruction)
2. I am a Doctor of Education Candidate studying Educational Leadership at SFU
3. I have 16 years of experience teaching Math 8-12 at Chatelech Secondary in SD46
4. I am a Masters of Education (K-12 Educational Leadership Cohort) Site Assistant at SFU
5. I am an educational consultant providing Pro-D workshops to teachers and tutor students
6. I am an executive member on the BC Association of Mathematics Teachers (BCAMT)
7. I was active with the local teachers’ association and BCTF as a Pro-D rep, staff rep, teacher mentor, executive committee member, AGM delegate, and workshop facilitator
8. I am parent volunteer with the West Sechelt Elementary bike club and Sechelt Minor Softball
9. I am a volunteer tutor at Capilano University (Sunshine Coast Campus)
10. I am passionate about teaching and learning… as a learner, educator, and parent.

BOTTOM LINE:  I have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of education as a teacher, parent, and teacher leader with SD46 in the District of Sechelt.  The SD46 School Board can benefit from having a school trustee on the Board with this kind of knowledge and experience to ensure that policy decisions and implementations to support student learning are well informed.

Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween Everyone… What a great evening.  Families roaming around the neighbourhood, knocking on doors, and receiving yummy treats from neighbours.  My husband is out and about with my daughter Trick-or-Treating.  I’m at home greeting all those “little characters” who ring my doorbell with their bags open, ready to receive some candy.  So far, so good.  The night is clear.  No rain.  No fog.  A beautiful night.  I truly enjoy seeing the kids in their costumes and parents spending time with their children.  Giving out candy gives me great joy.  This is what I call community.  Boooo.

One Voter at a Time

Being a newbie to municipal campaigning as a school trustee candidate, I am learning ‘something new’ everyday.  With the help of good friends and my daughter, we have successfully distributed the first batch of campaign pamphlets.  My mantra is… One voter at a time. 

First, I have a modest campaign.  I am a full-time graduate student at SFU who tutors math part-time and occasionally gives Assessment for Learning professional development workshops to teachers.  I hope my intentions and political platform is clear to the public, especially to the District of Sechelt voters.  I am an advocate for quality public education.  Do I love teaching?  Yes I do.  Do I plan to return to teaching?  Possibly.  Am I all about student learning, learning communities, and safe learning environments?  Absolutely.  Aside from wanting to finish my dissertation in educational leadership in a timely manner, I have a great desire to remain active in SD46 as a community member, parent, and representative of the constituents of Sechelt.  It is not the number of campaign signs, newspaper ads, or font size that matters.  It’s quality NOT quantity.

Second, this political journey has been an excellent real-life problem solving situation.  It’s like a calculus maximization problem.  How do I reach out to as many people as possible, on a limited campaign budget, to ensure that the voting public realize who I am, what my credentials are, and imagine how I will do in the position as school school trustee.  Some candidates rely on advertising and name recognition.  Other candidates depend on their reputation and word of mouth.  While others will attend every campaign opportunity to have their voice heard and platform understood.  For me, I am tapping into a bit of each realm of campaigning.  I have some advertising and online campaigning, some know me as a teacher and teacher leader at Chatelech Secondary, and some are getting to know me from face-to-face interactions and word-of-mouth.

Third, I am truly grateful to all those whom I talked to and met so far during my campaign.  People have their shared stories, concerns, and interests in public education on the Sunshine Coast.  I appreciate those who asked the ‘tough questions’ and questioned my intentions of running for school trustee.  Why should I vote for you?  It reminds me of being interviewed for a job.  I guess I am under scrutiny until voting day on November 19, 2011.  I know that I cannot be everything to everyone, but my intentions are authentic and my integrity matters.  I could list off my academic credentials, my professional experience, or my current involvement in the field of education.  Instead, I want people to know that I feel honoured and touched that they are willing to talk to me and share their stories with hopes of being heard.  Thank you for your words.  I am listening.

Safe Learning Environments

Voila.  A picture from one of my math classes from way in the day… students learning together, collaboratively, willing to share and take risks.  Notice… students are not learning in rows, in isolation.  They are learning with people that they know and trust.  My role was to act as the “expert” and facilitate active learning communities amongst peers.  This is a MATH CLASS.  Remind yourself of your experience as a math student.  For many, learning mathematics was not fun or engaging.  I strived for COMMUNICATIVE ACTION where students dialogued together to make sense of what they are learning.  To achieve this, they had to be working in a safe learning environment.

Guess what?  Kids had fun learning math/science in my classes.  I taught for 16 years in School District No.46 (Sunshine Coast) and I believe that creating safe learning environments for staff and students is one of my strengths as a teacher practitioner.  Feeling safe in a secondary mathematics classroom and building relationships with students are foundational components to learning and feeling a part of the learning community.  When someone feels unsafe, marginalized, or belittled… no one engages.  People who are actively a part of public schools need to feel safe to contribute ideas, question policy, and advocate for children and their learning.  Listening to the story and understanding what is being said is critical to address the learning needs of students. 

Creating SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS is my THIRD PLATFORM for my candidacy as school trustee representing the District of Sechelt.  All stake holders… students, staff, parents, and community members all need to feel safe and valued when addressing the public school system with the intentions of benefiting student learning in a positive way and establishing full-functioning learning communities.  All 3 of my political platforms interconnect, much like people do who make up School District No. 46 (Sunshine Coast):  Student learning, learning communities, and safe learning environments.  It’s about creating a culture where open, authentic dialogue by all stakeholders is the norm and being heard, acknowledged, and listened to is reciprocated.  Thank you for reading.

2000 Views

Thank you Bloggies for reading my edu-blog… Although, I’m not sure what happened to my previous entry, Learning Communities… my second platform to my school trustee in the District of Sechelt campaign.  Apparently, no one has read my last blog entry.  I find that unusual.  I will admit, I do look at the “STATS” of my blog from time to time.  How else would I know that we hit 2000 views?  Anyway, this is not to obsess, but to celebrate.

ELECT YOUNGHUSBAND FOR SCHOOL TRUSTEE IN SECHELT

Learning Communities

Learning communities has so many meanings.  For students, it could be ‘study buddies’ or a study group where they all mutually meet to achieve one goal.  The goal could be completing an assignment, studying for a test, or practicing for the next basketball game.  For teachers, it is commonly known as a ‘professional learning community’ where the group of educators (i.e. teachers and/or administrators) work collectively to achieve a particular goal.  A goal could be improving mathematics achievement, personal accountability, or literacy.  The group works together as a team to brainstorm possibilities to improve student performance.  Formative and summative data can be used to inform the professional learning community if they are heading in the right direction or not, and opportunities to reassess for a new direction.  For parents, it’s about being a part of the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) or parent volunteer, to stay informed, to be a contribute, and to be involved in their child’s learning.

LEARNING COMMUNITIES is my second platform.  I believe LEARNING IS DIALOGICAL.  WE are all interconnected… students, parents, teachers, administrators, support staff, and community members.  We need to work together to achieve great things.  Great ideas often happen when you have a team behind you, beside you, or in front of you.  You can choose to do something by yourself, but recall a moment when someone helped you out.  It’s much easier, more efficient, and ultimately beneficial for all those involved.  Learning communities involves everyone who cares and wants to help to benefit the whole.  This is my platform as a District of Sechelt school trustee candidate.

From my own experience, I know as a graduate student writing my dissertation on educational leadership is a lonely and isolating learning experience.  I sit in my office… alone… reading or writing about my thesis topic… wondering what other people think about my topic.  I was frustrated for many months not knowing if I was ‘doing it right.’  I needed a learning community.  My supervisors do provide some guidance when I submit some work into them, but I needed a support group, people to bounce ideas from, a network of ABD students who share the same experiences and learning objectives as I do (that is, finish my dissertation).  I found one… two… three LEARNING COMMUNITIES.  I have fellow EdD students here on the Sunshine Coast whom I connect with.  I have a classmates from my Educ 809 course who continues to meet online via Google+.  I have the EGSA or Education Graduate Students’ Association where I had attended a couple of workshops and met great people.  Furthermore, I have colleagues who wish to help, share, and listen.