Stage 1: Introducing Myself to Political Life

The 2011 BC Civic Election is now over.  6 weeks of campaigning has led to a climatic moment of winning a position as school board trustee in School District No.46 (Sunshine Coast) representing the District of Sechelt.  What an honour and a privilege to be chosen by the residents of Sechelt.  From what I understand, walking away with 1531 votes, leading the pack, as a newbie candidate is a phenomenal feat.  A teacher’s perspective would be an asset to the SD46 Board of Education. 

Before putting my name forward for the municipal election, I contemplated my reasons for running and how I would be perceived by the public.  With much thought and consideration, my motivations for running for school trustee are to contribute to public education and renew my involvement with School District 46.  I would only run for good reasons.

Before handing in my forms, I asked the election officer a flurry of questions before proceeding with the political process.  I asked if my educational consulting company and tutoring would be perceived as a ‘conflict of interest.’  She replied, “Your business is your livelihood.  This is how you make your living.”  Knowing this, I felt encouraged to put my name forward and announce my candidacy.  Only one day after my victory, I was asked if I would continue tutoring now that I am school trustee.

My impressions from the conversation made me feel like I may be doing something wrong tutoring students.  This information was made public during the All-Candidates SD46 Trustee Meeting on November 14th and I am not ashamed about continuing my teaching practice as a math and science tutor.  I tutor adults, home schoolers, and SD46 students.  My clientele is diverse and transient.

I understand why I would be asked this question and why tutoring would seem controversial.  When I taught in the public schools, I did not appreciate my colleagues tutoring students privately while they taught full- or part-time in the school district.  Yet, tutoring supplemented his/her income and supported student learning in a positive way.  For these reasons, why not tutor?

My educational consulting company is my livelihood.  I make a modest living while I study full-time at SFU as a doctoral student in educational leadership.  Tutoring makes me a better teacher and it keeps me in touch with student learning.  Giving workshops makes me a better educator and it keeps me in tuned with teacher learning.  Being a mom of an 8-year old daughter, a consumer of public education on the Sunshine Coast, gives me insight on elementary education and public schools.

Tutoring, my research, being a parent, or this blog can be easily perceived as ‘a conflict of interest.’  It would only be a conflict of interest if my intentions were ill-willed or destructive.  On the contrary, my involvement in education keeps me in-tuned with public schools on the Sunshine Coast, it hones my practice as a math/science educator, and I am helping students with their learning.  To answer the question, I am going to continue tutoring students while holding office as school trustee.

I am grateful for the question.  I need to make a living and fuel my passion for education.  Tutoring is part of the equation.  In the end, if anyone feels unsafe to talk to me about education or my intentions as school trustee, then how will I know what is going well and what needs to be worked on?

LEARNING IS DIALOGICAL.  Formative Assessment.  Learning Communities.  Restorative Practices.  Please do not hesitate to ask questions or share stories.  That’s my job as school trustee.