Creating the New Paradigm
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It was 2011 when I crawled out of my second degree... knowing that I almost walked away during my final teaching practicum at a Catholic Junior High School, and the depression that had set in, was not because of difficulty... but it would take another decade an a half to be able to put it into words.
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North America was my university... my first undergraduate degree had me transfer to some of the best post-secondary institutions on the continent. Trinity Western University & Redeemer Pacific College in Langley, BC, Canada. The University of Calgary & Mount Royal College (now Mount Royal University) in Calgary, AB, Canada. Onward to the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, OH, USA. Then to a Diploma of Digital Design at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, the original Art Institutes of their many, in major cities throughout the continent.
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I had no idea that all of these sites, and the relationships formed at each, was building an eclectic arrangement of perspectives and a somewhat unique skillset as I studied Theology, Philosophy, Design, and landscaping during the summers to pay for the whole endeavour. My goal had originally been curriculum development, so the next step was to become a High School Teacher. I moved to Edmonton, AB, Canada and completed a second degree, a Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta.
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Coming out of that degree was tough. I had a lot of theory and had engaged in very rigorous material in my first degree, then found the teacher preparation an incredible let down and a major shock in the academic department.
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To a point that I didn't teach directly after that. I dabbled in many temporary jobs that weren't bringing in the best pay... and the realization that using my degree would bring a better quality of life, prompted me to start substitute teaching.
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I guess you could call me the "reluctant teacher"... subbing was the most non-committal way one could start as a teacher. And although I look back with a critical hindsight view, I can see that happenstance was honouring the truth of my experience. I was waiting for the right match.
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It hit as I entered St Francis Xavier Catholic High School. The religion department was alive, the school had some of the best sports academies in the province, giving
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