Not Campaigning

I’m not sure why I’m compelled to blog OUTSIDE of my daily blog of learning. Before taking on the challenge of “the daily blog of learning,” I would blog at moments of inspiration. Well, here I am. I’m inspired. When you think about it… my daily blog of learning should be 365 entries per year. Learning happens everyday. That said, I can appreciate the break from daily blogging as well. Unfortunately, I’m inspired to write tonight and… I will post THIS blog entry on my Facebook Page. BOLD, I know.

You don’t realize you’re in the change until you realize something different. Aside from the obvious things like I’m living in Prince George and my little family still lives in Sechelt, that I’m teaching full-time at the University of Northern British Columbia instead of being a sessional instructor at Simon Fraser, and I am engaged in as many learning opportunities as possible like going to the Prince George Mini Maker Faire and connecting with folks from my PLN… what I notice is, I’m NOT CAMPAIGNING. What do I mean by that?

When I drive up the hill from my apartment to the university, I see various campaign signs posted up the road… ranging from mayor, councillor, to school trustee. I see that my colleague Sheryl Warrington is running again. I saw her sign the other day. I see Tim Bennett‘s sponsored post on Facebook. They are both Prince George school trustees. I see many other posts on Facebook of others announcing their nomination and promoting their campaigns. I say colleagues because I am still a school trustee until October 20th.

As much as I am supportive of those who are campaigning and putting their name forward to serve their communities and school districts, I am not saddened by not running. This is a true indication that this was a good time for me to leave public life and move forward into a different direction in the field of education to enhance the learning experiences of students. I continue to FIND MY PLACE and looking for my ALIGNMENT. What I am realizing is, that’s always changing as I learn more. I’m the kind of learner that has to get out there and experience what I need to learn and understand. This is not to say that I am meant to work with my hands, like those participating in Maker Faire.

I made this Maker Faire pin today… by soldering parts together so that it would blink with a battery. Certainly I’m willing to try… STRESSED the whole time making it… while receiving many prompts from the workshop facilitator. I confirm to self that working with my hands is NOT my strength but I was happy to connect with some of my UNBC students, members of my PLN, and Maker Vendors. For me, it was like going to Circle Craft in Vancouver. I loved talking to the vendors and listening to their passions and what motivates them to do what they do. Listening to their stories, asking them questions, and watching them engage in their craft… FILLS MY CUP. That is my passion… their JAM.

I continue on my PEDAGOGICAL JOURNEY… I’m on the next chapter and it’s going well so far. I’m enjoying the work at UNBC, the students, and the staff/faculty. As I am learning my rhythm of work at UNBC, I love what I am learning and who I am meeting. I am also feeling very fortunate for the doors opening. By closing one door, like school trusteeship, I have opened a door on higher education and some opportunities on this path. For example, I’ve just become a member of the CIRCE Academic Council and of the Education Canada Magazine Editorial Board. I am super honoured and excited to be part of these learning and leading opportunities in education, in addition to meeting and working with people across Canada and around the world. Moreover, I continue working with BCAMT.

Although I am spending time here to blog to you tonight, I do need to get back to the research-mindset (and not take myself too seriously). That nasty “teacher ego” often gets in the way. I hope that I am able, over time, to partake in the research process to connect practice to research and vice versa so that both practice and research serves each other. It does to some extent, but I find that (for me, at least) one works at a different pace than the other. Maybe that’s me taking myself too seriously again… but I hope to understand deeply the vulnerability, objectivity, and flow of research in higher education… in addition to finding my NICHE… as I work closely with the K-12 education system.

I wish all those who are campaigning now for the 2018 municipal election in BC the best of luck. I would also like to say CONGRATULATIONS to those who were acclaimed. I am grateful to all those who I have met during my time as school trustee. I am thankful to everything that I have learned during my time serving locally and provincially as an elected official. I am honoured to have been elected by the residents of the District of Sechelt and had the opportunity to represent the students and learning community of the Sunshine Coast. That said, change is good for me… and change is good for the school district and those it represents and serves. Thank you School District No.46 (Sunshine Coast). As of October 21st, this will be my first day after 24 years not being a part of SD46… but, I’m a mom. I guess, our relationship will continue for a few more years. 🙂