Hi, I'm

Carla.

Welcome!

I’m Carla (she/her) and I am currently a student in the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Victoria. I have always enjoyed sharing knowledge with the people around me, especially when I can help someone achieve a goal. On this site, you will see some examples of completed assignments from my courses, as well as some information to get to know me, and who I want to be as an educator once my program is complete.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Teaching Philosophy

I, like many of my fellow future teacher candidates, believe learning is a lifelong activity, as such my teaching philosophy is only just starting to develop. 

I see classrooms as a place for the whole student to learn and develop in all aspects including academic, physical, health, and well-being. Viewing students this way helps me to address their needs so they are able to participate, engage, and take responsibility for their learning. I think of learning as a mutually shared, sort of ‘you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink’ situation. When creating units and lesson plans I use BC’s curriculum to guide how to incorporate engaging and fun lessons for students that hit different areas of curriculum competencies, ideas, and content. 

Creating a safe and welcoming classroom environment is very important to me. I want to build a space where students can see themselves represented in the classroom without it feeling tokenistic. This will take time and change as I accumulate resources and build new relationships. My positive intentions using cultural humility and critical self-reflection in this area will ensure that my evolving classroom is an inviting, fun, safe, and collaborative environment.

My teaching philosophy will no doubt change over my time at UVic and throughout my teaching career but for now, these are the thoughts I bring to my teaching.

Also, I started a blog in my first term in the Education program. Here is the link if you want to check it out

First Peoples Principles of Learning

I have a strong commitment to strengthening the relationship between Indigenous Peoples in BC and the education system.

While the calls to action from the TRC are directed at the Government of Canada I feel it is my responsibility as a teacher to incorporate reconciliation in my classroom. The calls to action I find especially important to my teaching practice are:

  • #7 Eliminate educational and employment gaps
  • #62 Develop and fund Aboriginal content in education
  • #63 ii and iii: Share information and best practices on teaching curriculum related to Aboriginal history, build student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy and mutual respect, and address teacher-training needs in relation to both.
  • #87 Tell the stories of Aboriginal athletes in history

By adopting the First Peoples Principles of Learning and being mindful of the TRC’s Calls to Action I hope to create an inclusive environment for all students.

Inspiration

An assortment of media resources I find teaching inspiration in

Books

Guided Math AMPED

There’s no Such Thing as Bad Weather

Mentor Texts: Teaching Writing Through Children’s Literature, 
K-6

Into the Story 2: More Stories! More Drama!

The ABCs of CBM

Podcasts

The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast

Edu Crush

Media Indigena

Big Tech with Taylor Owen

The Project

Tai Asks Why

Videos

The danger of a single story | Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Culture of Peace in schools with Non-violent communication

Rita Pierson: Every kid needs a champion

Grading is a Scam (and Motivation is a Myth) | A Professor Explains

Number Talk Session

Sir Ken Robinson: Changing Education Paradigms

Student Inquiry

Dr. Evan Adams: Wellness, two-eyed seeing and system change

Websites

Elise Gravel

JeopardyLabs

SOGI 123

Universal Design for Learning

Active for Life

Learning for Justice

Council for Exceptional Children

Math for Love

 Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Experience

Practicum and Classroom Experiences

In the fall of 2020, I spent time in a Grade 1 classroom. In addition to leading a few lessons, I was able to join the class in the library, PHE, and music periods.

As part of my Indigenous education course, I taught a Grade 2 class about community support. During my final year at UVic, I taught a Grade 4/5 class lessons on outdoor survival skills. 

My first practicum was in a Grade 5 class where I created and taught units on oral storytelling – Indigenous stories, area and perimeter, Canadian natural resources, and the rock cycle.

My final practicum started in January 2023. I am with a wonderful Grade 3 class and we have been exploring poetry, thermal energy, culture, tennis, multiplication, and government together.

Engineering For Kids

Worked for Engineering For Kids as a camp leader for their Lego engineering, coding, and outdoor adventure camps.

Skating Lessons

Worked with students from 4-12 years old on the ice from learning how to skate to advanced skills.

Out-of-School Care

Organized outdoor activities, crafts, games, and snack time.

Want to say hello?

Main Photo by Jessica Ruscello on Unsplash