Background

Background

I am not a newcomer to service in the NBTA. I have been an active participant at the executive and committee level of my local branch for two decades, serving six years as Director, six as Alternate Director, several years as PD Committee chair, I have been branch president in the past and am currently holding that position, as well as being chair of our local Awards Committee and acting chair of our branch Wellness Committee.

During the six years I served on the Provincial Board of the NBTA, I was also called upon to serve on the Personnel Committee and was the Director attached to the NBTA Curriculum Committee for two years, during which time we created the NBTA position paper on Assessment and had repeated dialogue with the Assessment Branch of the Department of Education. Although political wheels seem to turn slowly, our presentations to the Department representatives served to give the decision makers a clearer view of the affects that standardized testing is having on the students of New Brunswick. We were not able to “slay the testing dragon”, but we did make them stop and reconsider some of their proposed initiatives, and that saved a few villages!

My own career began in 1985 when I returned to Grand Manan after receiving my Teacher’s Certificate (B.A. McGill, 1984/ B.Ed. St. Thomas, 1985). My first job was at the elementary level, working with children with special needs. Since then, I have taught nearly every grade level (3-12) in subject areas ranging from Language Arts to Fine Arts to Mathematics and Science. I have had classes as small as five and as large as 32. I have filled in as Administrator when both the principal and vice principal were away. In 2004, I was fortunate enough to be granted an educational leave which allowed me to complete my M. Ed (UNB, 2004) and Principal’s Certificate.

I keep current on educational theory, and with teacher realities. I see the opportunity of serving as your Vice President/ President –Elect both as a learning and a teaching opportunity. I would carry my dedication, persistence and commitment to the office and would serve your priorities well.