Alison Marshall
Alberta Teacher of the Year
Hunting Hills High School, Red Deer
Grade 10-12, Graphic Design and Video

My teaching philosophy
Surprisingly enough, my philosophy of teaching comes from a set of coasters my aunt gave to me when I started teaching. Amongst the simple design of books, teaching supplies, and an apple there is a quote: “To teach is to touch a life forever.”

My dreams of a career didn’t always include teaching, but there was a common theme throughout—I wanted to make a difference. Of course, when I was younger making a difference meant finding a cure for cancer.

Once my first year as a full-fledged teacher began, it didn’t take me long to realize that even though I may not be making a difference of worldwide proportions, I am touching lives each and every moment of my day, whether it’s by helping a student see their gifts and talents and realize new ones, offering support and understanding if they’re going through a rough time, or by saying “great job” when you know they’ve tried their best.

These lives that we as teachers touch every day are everyone’s future. Even if they don’t find a cure for cancer, I hope they will be encouraging, comforting, and understanding to those lives that will cross their paths.

My philosophy in action
Incorporating my philosophy into my teaching occurs on a daily basis and my method, put simply, is “I get to know my students.”

At the beginning of class, I try to be out and about in the lab, greeting them by name, chatting with them — asking how they are, how their weekend was, etc. By doing this, I can tell what kind of a day they’re having, see if someone is overly happy (maybe they got a great mark on an exam or they were asked out by someone they like) and if someone is upset, who got a new haircut, is wearing glasses, or even if they’re sporting a set of braces they may be embarrassed about. This gives me the opportunity to approach the student(s) and ask them directly how things are in their world, offer support if they need it, or make a positive comment about any changes that have occurred. Even though many of these students have been through more than many of us could imagine, they are still kids who need to feel like someone cares and notices them.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
I don’t have any. After staring at this subject heading for a while and thinking back over the years, I only see student accomplishments. Some may find that, shall I say, corny. And I apologize, but how can I take credit for something that my students have achieved even if it was under my guidance or direction? That is doing my job and fulfilling my philosophy of teaching. I can, however, say that I was so proud to see my 30-level students set-up and run a three camera live broadcast of a recent school event by themselves. And when, in the span of one month, over 15 students who graduated over the past three years visit me and updated me on what they’re doing. One of my students who graduated last year brought in his first paycheque for me to see before he took it to the bank. It was for his very first paying video job. He was so happy and proud to show it to me. Seeing and hearing about any of my students’ accomplishments is my greatest teaching accomplishment.

The most critical issues facing educators today
The first question people ask me when they find out I’m a teacher is “What do you teach?” When I tell them Graphic Design and Video, the response is always similar to “Boy, I wish I had that when I was in school.” It wasn’t that long ago when most schools had the basic options such as home economics and industrial arts. Now when you walk into a school you see computers and students taking classes such as computer programming, networking, design, and multimedia (Web page design). Schools are trying their best to provide students the opportunity to explore a variety of career options before they even complete grade 12. This is especially beneficial for those students who may not be successful in the more academic areas. With these courses, those students now have the chance to have success in high school and, quite possibly, go onto a rewarding career in an area they may never have otherwise considered.

Although there are numerous positives associated with the offerings of option courses to students, there is, however, a major underlying problem — technology costs a lot of money. From computers to software programs, schools are having a difficult time meeting the changes and advancements in technology. In the past few years, for example, there have been significant operating system changes/updates for both platforms, and it seems that once the new operating system comes out, your software will no longer work or costly upgrades are required. In my computer lab, I can’t use the Internet to access some of my favourite websites to teach with because the new Web browsers won’t run on the lab and many of the sites require the new version(s) to operate. Also, my students are using software that is four versions out of date. I can’t upgrade because the computers won’t run the new operating system that is required for the programs, and there is no proposed lab improvement until 2007-2008. My students are using newer versions at home than what they’re using at school. This makes it frustrating for them to learn concepts on an old version because the tools and functions are drastically different between the two.

Ways to resolve this issue
One only has to look in the classifieds to see how many companies need skilled workers both in trades and technical fields, but in order to attract people to those positions the interest needs to start in the schools, particularly secondary schools. We have the opportunity to expose the future workers to industry before they decide if they pursue their post-secondary education at an academic or trade/technical school, and with programs such as R.A.P. (Registered Apprenticeship Program), students are able to get out into the workforce and start training as early as grade 10.

Of course, the first solution is to approach the government, who in their campaign strategies, promise more skilled workers, and show them the importance of having up-to-date technology in secondary schools. Another solution is to look to the business world. Several companies support the post-secondary schools, but it needs to be recognized that money should be coming towards students at an earlier phase in their education. For example, a company could sponsor a computer lab which in turn gives the possibility of a partnership with the school — students could work on project(s) with the company which would provide real-life experience.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
We can probably all look back to our school years and think of that one teacher who made us believe in ourselves, who made learning fun, or who taught us that one valuable lesson we once questioned, but now understand. As a teacher you have a fantastic opportunity to “pay it forward,” touch even one life, and make a difference every day. You are in a career where no day is the same, as each one brings both rewards and challenges, and where you will never stop learning new things, even things about yourself. Remember, you have one of the most important jobs in the world.

One lesson every student should learn
Respect. This one word means so much. Respect who you are — know your gifts and talents and know that there are new ones left to be discovered. Respect the challenges you will face in the future and rise up to them. Respect others and who they are because you will learn from them and quite possibly learn about yourself. Respect property, the world, life… The list goes on. If you have respect then you may find you will lead a more peaceful and rewarding life.

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