Lindsey Kanary’s Personal Profile

1. Lindsey Kanary’s Personal Profile B.Sc., B.Ed.

2. Welcome to my Personal Profile My name is Lindsey Kanary and this ‘personal profile’ is a quick introduction of myself and of my background that I bring to teaching. I was born and raised on Vancouver Island, where I have lived and studied for most of my life. I am currently living in the Comox Valley with my husband and two children age 5 and 2. I have just completed my Education Degree where my final practicum was spent with grade 8’s, 9’s and 11’s teaching math, science and biology

3. My Education and Life Experiences… • I graduated with a BSc in Geography and Biology from the University of Victoria.  It was during this time there I studied biogeography on the west coast of Vancouver Island looking at the Gray Whale population and how it relates to the annual variability of local kelp beds. • While living in Victoria, I also competed nationally and internationally in track and field, specifically women's pole vault.   • I have travelled extensively through Central and South America during which time I gathered a greater understanding and appreciation for the beautiful landscapes there and the many cultures and traditions of the local people that it supports.

4. Work and Life Experiences •  For the last 8 years I have worked with the Ministry of Forest and Range as a wildland firefighter and Protection Assistant.  This job has allowed me to travel to remote areas for both fire suppression and program teaching.  • I have always maintained a healthy and active lifestyle that I promote with my own children by playing sports, exploring the local beaches, forests, or snowshoeing and skiing on the local mountains.

5. Today • I am a recent grad from the Vancouver Island Education Program, and I am proud to be a teacher! • I believe students can and will thrive when they feel supported, respected, valued and challenged. •  It is my goal to have every one of my students feeling proud and responsible for their own learning and chosen pathway!

6. Teaching PhilosophyAll teachers are learners and all learners are teachers. • I decided to become a teacher after having my own two children, as I fell in love with watching them grow and explore the world around them and I wanted to share these feelings with others. • I feel that kids are happiest and learn best when they are offered content that sparks their curiosity and truly interests them. • From experience, I found that this is often accomplished outside, exploring the world around them and being presented with a variety of texts and materials

7. Teaching Philosophy con’t • In my classroom I will work to promote trust among my students towards each other and trust in me. • It is my hope that this trust will lead to respect. • I think this becomes possible when students see their teacher as human; someone who can laugh with them, acknowledge their own mistakes and asks for their feedback and input to improve everyone’s learning.

8. Professional Development and School Community • As a students teacher I have attended several Professional Development Seminars offered throughout several districts. Completed a ‘non-violence crisis intervention’ workshop, hold a valid first aid ticket and level one coaching certification. I have volunteered with the Jr. Girls basketball team and chaperoned the grade 8 Christmas dance • Currently I am helping coach a grade 8 girls basketball team and am looking forward to being apart of the 2012 track and field season

9. My Goals I hope toinspire and empower students to continue with their own lifelong processes of inquiry. I hope to encourage and support them in thinking responsibly and critically and to always act with integrity when dealing with themselves and their community. I am striving to be a combination of all those wonderful teachers who have made a difference in my life, specifically those who were clearly doing what they loved and loved what they were doing.

10. Contact Me Lindsey.kanary@gmail.comCell: 250-650-1222