Who serves as your inspiration or mentor?

My inspiration and mentor in education is BC educator and author, Trevor MacKenzie. He is well-known for his work in inquiry-based learning and helps teachers worldwide better understand and implement inquiry in their practice.

Would you like to share a story or technique related to being a 21st Century Teacher?

Being a 21st-century teacher involves creating a foundation deeply rooted in student-centered learning. In every educational decision, the primary focus is on prioritizing the needs and interests of the students. Within my classroom, the learning process is driven by exploration. We use inquiry-based learning and the collaborative learning model to gain a better understanding of ourselves, each other, and the world. By doing this, we are not only learning content but actively developing core competencies.

Can you provide some tips for fellow educators on implementing this?

To truly have a student-centered classroom teachers need to first build relationships with students. There has to be mutual trust so that co-creation of learning can happen. Students need to be involved throughout all parts of the learning process, including planning and assessment. By doing this, we are creating an inclusive environment that ensures the learning experience aligns with the interests, needs, and diverse learning styles of our students.

Another important and often overlooked part of teaching is communicating to students the what and why of our teaching. Do students know what inquiry-based learning is? Do they know how to collaborate? Do they know what core competencies are? We must explicitly teach this to students so they have an understanding, a clear direction, and purpose in their learning.

What plans do you have for your next steps?

My future plans include helping teachers in implementing inquiry, collaboration, and core competencies in their practice through professional development opportunities both virtually and in person.  I am also currently working on a book as well as developing a website that will provide valuable insights and resources to educators.