War and the Canadian Experience in France and Flanders is a unique teacher professional development course in that it includes not only teachers, but also high school students, parents, university professors, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The following are the individuals who participated in the 2017 teachers' tour:
Abbi
My name is Abbi Pierce and I am originally from a small town near Brantford, Ontario called Burford. My father is an Artillery Officer in the Canadian Forces, so I have been fortunate enough to have lived in various places across Ontario throughout my youth. I attended Queen’s University where I studied History and Geography during my Bachelor of Arts. I then stayed at Queen’s to complete my Bachelor of Education in the Intermediate/ Senior divisions this past academic year, and I am excited to start putting my education to practice. Following my graduation, I moved to Oromocto, New Brunswick to join my partner who is currently posted to CFB Gagetown as an Artillery Officer at W Battery. Furthermore, this Fall I will be starting my Master’s of Education at UNB to continue my passion for education and developing myself as a better teacher. I am currently working as an Early Childhood Educator at a local daycare in a 3-year-old classroom, which has forced me to adapt and learn to meet the needs of my students across all levels, and I am thankful for the experience to continue to learn and grow.
The soldier I have been researching is near to my heart, and a story that my dad shared with me while I was in my grade 10 Canadian history class years ago. My Great Uncle Harry fought and died with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) during the Second World War. As a part of a scrapbook assignment, I included Uncle Harry’s story as an extension of my research on the Battle of Dieppe. I am very excited to revisit my research and deepen my understanding of Uncle Harry’s experience through examining his service file. I cannot wait to stand on the beaches of Dieppe to gain a personal perspective on the hardships soldiers faced in taking the beach. Furthermore, I am eager to finally visit his gravesite and be able to present the soldier biography about the man that I have heard so much about for many years. I look forward to seeing everyone in France and to learn through new perspectives, develop as professionals, and experience history firsthand.
The soldier I have been researching is near to my heart, and a story that my dad shared with me while I was in my grade 10 Canadian history class years ago. My Great Uncle Harry fought and died with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) during the Second World War. As a part of a scrapbook assignment, I included Uncle Harry’s story as an extension of my research on the Battle of Dieppe. I am very excited to revisit my research and deepen my understanding of Uncle Harry’s experience through examining his service file. I cannot wait to stand on the beaches of Dieppe to gain a personal perspective on the hardships soldiers faced in taking the beach. Furthermore, I am eager to finally visit his gravesite and be able to present the soldier biography about the man that I have heard so much about for many years. I look forward to seeing everyone in France and to learn through new perspectives, develop as professionals, and experience history firsthand.
Blake
I am a Fellow at the Gregg Centre for the Study of War and Society attaining a Master’s in Education from the University of New Brunswick. I am interested in issues surrounding teacher professional development including big ideas, historical thinking concepts and cross-curricular work. I am also interested in the Great War and Second World War and how teachers educate students about these conflicts. I have worked as an education consultant for several federal ministries and other national organizations. I have taught in Nunavut and Ontario for over 20 years and have helped to lead over 15 study tours.
I live in rural Ontario with my wife Ann and two children, Rebecca and Benjamin and a clutch of chickens – layers. We do a considerable amount of gardening and try to live as much off the grid as possible.
I live in rural Ontario with my wife Ann and two children, Rebecca and Benjamin and a clutch of chickens – layers. We do a considerable amount of gardening and try to live as much off the grid as possible.
Cindy (Dr. Brown)
I am a Fellow at The Gregg Centre for the Study of War and Society. My research interests revolve around the impact of war on civilian populations from the First World War to contemporary conflicts like that in Syria, international law, military culture, Italian history, and history education. In addition to the War and the Canadian Experience professional development tour in France and Flanders, I have also designed and delivered tours in the Netherlands, Italy, and Sicily with her colleagues at the Gregg Centre.
Emily
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My name is Emily Doyle. I’m 17 years old and I’m from a little town called Smiths Falls, which is in Ontario. In the fall I will be attending Sir Wilfred Laurier University and studying psychology. I love history, reading, pasta and adventures. This was my second time on the PD tour and I’m so grateful to be able to share my love for learning with everyone again.
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Janelle
My name is Janelle and I am a grade 12 student who just graduated from Smiths Falls, Ontario. In September I will be attending Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario to study in the History Honors program. I am looking forward to all the things and places that I will learn more about over the two weeks.
Jessica
My name is Jessica, but I normally go by Jess. I am a teacher in Halifax, Nova Scotia and currently up in the air as to where and what I will be teaching in September (hopefully I’ll know by the time we all meet up). Currently I am teaching Social Studies 8 and Family Studies 7, 8, and 9 at a wonderful junior high school in the community I grew up in. We have about 150 students and they are pretty amazing!
This is my fourth year as a teacher. I am 27 years old and grew up just slightly outside of Halifax. I did my BA in History with minors in Psychology, Sociology, and Family Studies and my Secondary Education all at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax. I stay pretty local, so this is bound to be quite the adventure for me.
In my spare time, I play volleyball on Sunday nights which I picked up this year after coaching it. I have been playing softball since I was a teenager and currently play on two teams full time and I spare in two others throughout the week and pick up tournaments on the weekend. In addition to playing sports work as a casual in a small options home in Bedford NS, where I take care of three gentlemen with different disabilities. It’s different work, but I enjoy spending time with those gentlemen.
When I found out about this opportunity I was instantly intrigued. The Nova Scotia grade 8 curriculum focuses on Canadian Identity and a large part of that is how Canada found itself in the Second World War. I found that even though I taught my students to the best of my knowledge, I feel as though I could have taught them more and expanded on certain things. I feel as though this opportunity will help me become more organized in the way that I teach WWII to my students. My end goal is to continue to teach grade 8, it really is an interesting year to teach. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself the past two years teaching at the junior high level.
That is it from me, any questions feel free to ask. I can’t wait to meet everyone and experience this opportunity we have been given!
This is my fourth year as a teacher. I am 27 years old and grew up just slightly outside of Halifax. I did my BA in History with minors in Psychology, Sociology, and Family Studies and my Secondary Education all at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax. I stay pretty local, so this is bound to be quite the adventure for me.
In my spare time, I play volleyball on Sunday nights which I picked up this year after coaching it. I have been playing softball since I was a teenager and currently play on two teams full time and I spare in two others throughout the week and pick up tournaments on the weekend. In addition to playing sports work as a casual in a small options home in Bedford NS, where I take care of three gentlemen with different disabilities. It’s different work, but I enjoy spending time with those gentlemen.
When I found out about this opportunity I was instantly intrigued. The Nova Scotia grade 8 curriculum focuses on Canadian Identity and a large part of that is how Canada found itself in the Second World War. I found that even though I taught my students to the best of my knowledge, I feel as though I could have taught them more and expanded on certain things. I feel as though this opportunity will help me become more organized in the way that I teach WWII to my students. My end goal is to continue to teach grade 8, it really is an interesting year to teach. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself the past two years teaching at the junior high level.
That is it from me, any questions feel free to ask. I can’t wait to meet everyone and experience this opportunity we have been given!
Joel
I am a Masters Student at the University of New Brunswick. My research area is on veteran transition between the military and the civilian economy. A secondary related research area is on the societal and military impact of the Canadian Militia (“Reserves”).
At various times, I have been a soldier and a lawyer in both the private and government sectors. I remain at all times a father of two children: Alex (18) who will be joining me on this trip, and Abby (16) who looks forward to future trips.
At various times, I have been a soldier and a lawyer in both the private and government sectors. I remain at all times a father of two children: Alex (18) who will be joining me on this trip, and Abby (16) who looks forward to future trips.
Karen
Hi! I’m Karen Porterfield, and I am thrilled to be part of the War and the Canadian Experience PD Tour this year! I graduated from the University of Lethbridge in 2003 with my BA (Major: English, Minors: History and Drama)/B.Ed degrees. I now live in Calgary, AB, and have been a dedicated and passionate educator for 13 years. I have always been profoundly interested in World War I and World War II history, and the important role that Canada played in these conflicts. I also have a personal connection to World War II, as my Grandfather and Great Grandfather both served overseas during this conflict. I believe it is essential that we honor and remember all those involved in the world wars, and I am always looking for new and exciting ways to present this information to my students. I am very excited about the tour and cannot wait to learn more about this important part of history, meet new people, and discover new ways to improve my teaching.
Kathryn
My name is Kathryn Chapman. I became a teacher in 1997. I taught High School History at the beginning of my career. I took time off to stay home with my children until they went to school and then went back to teaching. I presently teach grade four at a private Christian school Franktown, Ontario. I love having the opportunity to explore and develop faith in education. It's really important to me, as an educator, to help children develop critical thinking skills that will set them up for success in learning at whatever level they choose to pursue. With that said, my capacity on this trip is as a mother! My son Marshall was given the opportunity to come on this trip. I'm so incredibly thankful to have the opportunity to experience this with him and to feel anew the awe and wonder of the battle grounds of WWI and WWII through his eyes.
Lee (Dr. Windsor)
I research and teach history at the University of New Brunswick and am part of the crew at the Gregg Centre for the Study of War and Society. I served in the Canadian Armed Forces and stay closely connected through joint projects between The Gregg Centre and the nearby Canadian Army Combat Training Centre and 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment at 5th Division Support Base, Gagetown.
My research interests include Canadian overseas military operations from the Great War through to Afghanistan and Iraq. The projects closest to my heart and most active include Canada’s 1943-45 Italian Campaign, the evolution of the modern Royal Canadian Artillery, and the conflict in Afghanistan.
I come from old New Brunswick, Newfoundland stock mixed with recent Polish immigrants – a recipe for culinary disaster! The twisted family tree is full of inspiring and heart-breaking wartime historical connections. I live with my wife Cindy and a pair of SPCA mutts in an old, beat-up bear-hunting camp next to our communal sugar-bush in Mactaquac, New Brunswick.
My research interests include Canadian overseas military operations from the Great War through to Afghanistan and Iraq. The projects closest to my heart and most active include Canada’s 1943-45 Italian Campaign, the evolution of the modern Royal Canadian Artillery, and the conflict in Afghanistan.
I come from old New Brunswick, Newfoundland stock mixed with recent Polish immigrants – a recipe for culinary disaster! The twisted family tree is full of inspiring and heart-breaking wartime historical connections. I live with my wife Cindy and a pair of SPCA mutts in an old, beat-up bear-hunting camp next to our communal sugar-bush in Mactaquac, New Brunswick.
Lorelei
I grew up in Arthurette, New Brunswick on a dairy farm. My parents and my two brothers are still living in the home that my parents built when they first married. I studied at the University of King’s College in Halifax, Dalhousie University, St. Thomas University, and the University of New Brunswick. I completed a Bachelor of Arts in French (with a minor in History), followed by a Bachelor of Education. I have taught in Quebec, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. I teach mostly French as a Second Language, but I have also taught other Humanities subjects such as World Issues, Social Studies, Modern History, and English. I love dogs--I have five! I currently live in a big old farmhouse in Greenfield, New Brunswick. I enjoy gardening, preserving, and cooking.
Lori
My name is Lori Dakers. I am the mother of student Janelle Richardson, who is also participating in this tour. We live just outside of Smiths Falls Ontario. I have two daughters: Janelle (18) and Kori (15).
I am a Family Home Visitor in Public Health with the Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program. I have done this for 11 years but my previous employment and education was in Gerontology.
I have to be honest: In high school, I hated History. I am sure if my History teacher taught the subject the way that Blake teaches it, I would have been a lot more interested. I had a ton of fun researching my soldier and look forward to all the new learning on the tour.
I am a Family Home Visitor in Public Health with the Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program. I have done this for 11 years but my previous employment and education was in Gerontology.
I have to be honest: In high school, I hated History. I am sure if my History teacher taught the subject the way that Blake teaches it, I would have been a lot more interested. I had a ton of fun researching my soldier and look forward to all the new learning on the tour.
Lynzee
My name is Lynzee MacNeil. I am a Grade 2 teacher from Sydney, Nova Scotia. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Francis Xavier and my Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Maine at Fort Kent. I have a passion for travel and culture. My first teaching position was at an international school in Kuwait. This was a very rewarding learning experience. After living in the Middle East I travelled throughout Australia and New Zealand. I teach with the Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board and currently work at John Bernard Croak VC Memorial in Glace Bay, NS. I am my school's liason for Race Relations, Cross Cultural Understanding and Human Rights. I enjoy skiing, swimming, and a good sense of humour, and I am always up for an adventure.
Marshall
My name is Marshall Chapman. I am 16 year old, grade 10 student from Smiths Falls, Ontario. After taking a grade 10 History course with Blake Seward my love for History has grown. He extended the opportunity of this trip to me and I was thrilled to attend. I have loved researching primary sources to learn more about Canadian soldiers in WWI and WWII. I have been fascinated by the details of the lives of soldiers who were not much older than me: they left their homes as boys and quickly became men with what they saw and experienced in battle. I am most looking forward to being humbled as I stand before the grave of the soldier I researched - Private James Burnett of the Royal Regiment of Canada. I am ecstatic to think that I will get to visit the battlegrounds that have shaped my nation and pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the country who's freedoms I enjoy. God with them. Lest we Forget.
Mike
I am really excited to be joining you all this summer for The War and the Canadian Experience PD Tour in France and Belgium. I am 39 years old and live in British Columbia. I am married and have two kids: Elias (13) and Livia (10). A dog, a cat, and a guinea pig also live in my house. This is a pretty good collection considering that I only returned to Canada last year after 6 years of living in Brunei.
We live in a tiny town in the Kootenay area of BC called Nakusp. I have just accepted a principal position at an elementary school, which is a long way from where I started my teaching career. I studied for my BA in History and Classics at UVIC and then determined to be first a forestry worker and then a geotech in hard rock mining. I loved both these jobs but when Elias came along it seemed like a good idea to spend more time at home. So I took a BEd through UBC that focussed on Social Studies and PE.
I started my career at a small First Nations independent school, where I taught Outdoor Rec, Social Studies, and PE. This was a great job but it isolated us. The grandparents wanted us to bring their grandkids closer. I moved to another small town in BC and took a job teaching Secondary PE and Social Studies.
Due to shrinking enrolment I was transferred to my first elementary position as a grade 6/7 class teacher. The following year I was again bumped so I decided to travel and teach in South-East Asia. Brunei was a great choice for our family as it is safe, pays well, and both my wife and I spoke some Malay. We loved Brunei much more than we thought we would and were able to take our kids on all kinds of adventures around Asia.
However, after six years of travelling and living abroad we again returned to be closer to family and so arrived in Nakusp. I took a teaching vice principal job last year and was surprised to be transferred to a principal position this spring.
Personally, I love to travel, fish and hunt, spend time outdoors with my family, and play and coach soccer. I have a lifelong passion for learning and this will be my last course as part of my M Ed in Curriculum Studies through UNB. I am really excited to take part in this course and meet you all as we experience some exciting learning through this course.
We live in a tiny town in the Kootenay area of BC called Nakusp. I have just accepted a principal position at an elementary school, which is a long way from where I started my teaching career. I studied for my BA in History and Classics at UVIC and then determined to be first a forestry worker and then a geotech in hard rock mining. I loved both these jobs but when Elias came along it seemed like a good idea to spend more time at home. So I took a BEd through UBC that focussed on Social Studies and PE.
I started my career at a small First Nations independent school, where I taught Outdoor Rec, Social Studies, and PE. This was a great job but it isolated us. The grandparents wanted us to bring their grandkids closer. I moved to another small town in BC and took a job teaching Secondary PE and Social Studies.
Due to shrinking enrolment I was transferred to my first elementary position as a grade 6/7 class teacher. The following year I was again bumped so I decided to travel and teach in South-East Asia. Brunei was a great choice for our family as it is safe, pays well, and both my wife and I spoke some Malay. We loved Brunei much more than we thought we would and were able to take our kids on all kinds of adventures around Asia.
However, after six years of travelling and living abroad we again returned to be closer to family and so arrived in Nakusp. I took a teaching vice principal job last year and was surprised to be transferred to a principal position this spring.
Personally, I love to travel, fish and hunt, spend time outdoors with my family, and play and coach soccer. I have a lifelong passion for learning and this will be my last course as part of my M Ed in Curriculum Studies through UNB. I am really excited to take part in this course and meet you all as we experience some exciting learning through this course.
Riley
I am a history teacher and instructional leader at Swift Current Comprehensive High School, which is coincidentally my hometown! I graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2013 with a major in History; however, my interest in the past extends all the way back to my early childhood. My grandfather and great-grandfather served in the First World War and Second World War respectively. They probably are the single greatest factor that led me to join the tour. In my spare time, I travel. I am also heavily involved in my school's theatre program.
Robert
I am forty eight year old and am from the beautiful Cape Breton Island. I reflect a varied personality including ambition, and the qualities of generosity and thoughtfulness. I am also a well-determined and vigorous individual, yet pleasantly calm. I encourage fighting for what you desire and believe in, and to never give up.
I have been a full-time teacher with the Strait Regional School Board since 2004. I am motivated by my enthusiasm of learning and succeeding as I strive to become an outstanding and successful teacher. I have been teaching for 24 years in Nova Scotia. I currently teach Social Studies at the middle school and grade 11 Canadian History. This fall, I plan to enrol at UNB to complete my Masters in Education in Administration and Leadership. A goal of mine before retirement is to pursue a role in leadership within my school board or with the Department of Education.
I grew up in a small community of Cheticamp on the western side of Cape Breton. Growing up in Acadia was a motivator for me to study history. After high school, I continued my studies at the Nova Scotia Teachers' College (1987 to 1990). Following graduation, the Halifax County School Board hired me as a French Immersion teacher for Science and Social Studies. Since 2004, I have been teaching in Inverness.
I love sports, especially hockey and golf. I grew up with a family that was highly involved in sports. Today I play and caddy a lot of golf in Inverness and Cheticamp. I love to sit down on Saturday nights or any night to watch the Montreal Canadians with my two sons.
I am married too my high school sweetheart. We are celebrating our 25th anniversary this coming July. We have two boys, Brendon (age 23) and Ryan (age 18). Brendon is a graduate of STFX and is working as a Financial Advisor in Halifax and Ryan will be attending Holland College in the fall as a second year student. I’m very lucky to have such great boys.
Teaching has always been a passion of mine, especially in History. I love talking about history with my students and try very hard to keep them interested. As a History teacher, I want my students to make connections. On one hand, I want them to develop and articulate a clear and coherent historical narrative: to make connections between events and people and institutions, to understand the forces of cause-and-effect and a change-over- time. Sometimes the simplest teaching techniques can work the best. I use charts, diagrams, and other visual representations to show relationships. My students routinely mention that the timelines we produce in class are their most valuable learning tools.
I have been a full-time teacher with the Strait Regional School Board since 2004. I am motivated by my enthusiasm of learning and succeeding as I strive to become an outstanding and successful teacher. I have been teaching for 24 years in Nova Scotia. I currently teach Social Studies at the middle school and grade 11 Canadian History. This fall, I plan to enrol at UNB to complete my Masters in Education in Administration and Leadership. A goal of mine before retirement is to pursue a role in leadership within my school board or with the Department of Education.
I grew up in a small community of Cheticamp on the western side of Cape Breton. Growing up in Acadia was a motivator for me to study history. After high school, I continued my studies at the Nova Scotia Teachers' College (1987 to 1990). Following graduation, the Halifax County School Board hired me as a French Immersion teacher for Science and Social Studies. Since 2004, I have been teaching in Inverness.
I love sports, especially hockey and golf. I grew up with a family that was highly involved in sports. Today I play and caddy a lot of golf in Inverness and Cheticamp. I love to sit down on Saturday nights or any night to watch the Montreal Canadians with my two sons.
I am married too my high school sweetheart. We are celebrating our 25th anniversary this coming July. We have two boys, Brendon (age 23) and Ryan (age 18). Brendon is a graduate of STFX and is working as a Financial Advisor in Halifax and Ryan will be attending Holland College in the fall as a second year student. I’m very lucky to have such great boys.
Teaching has always been a passion of mine, especially in History. I love talking about history with my students and try very hard to keep them interested. As a History teacher, I want my students to make connections. On one hand, I want them to develop and articulate a clear and coherent historical narrative: to make connections between events and people and institutions, to understand the forces of cause-and-effect and a change-over- time. Sometimes the simplest teaching techniques can work the best. I use charts, diagrams, and other visual representations to show relationships. My students routinely mention that the timelines we produce in class are their most valuable learning tools.
Ronda
Hi! My name is Ronda. I am a teacher in Red Deer, Alberta. I came to teaching in a round-about way. I always liked history and learning about other people and I was introduced to Anthropology when I started college. I ended up doing my degree in Anthro with a specialization in Archaeology. I then did an after-degree in Archaeology and had great dreams of doing graduate work. I worked in non-related fields and, when I finally got into grad school, realized I didn't want to go. I had been working as an educational assistant in a residential school program for at-risk youth and was loving the kids and the academics. I eventually went back and did my BEd, intending to work mainstream. My first job, however, was in a different residential school program for at-risk youth and there I stayed. I like the variety of students I get to work with. They are ages 14-17 and have varied abilities and personalities.
I like travelling, reading, learning about other people, and being active. I am a reluctant runner--I do it because I can, not because I love it--and am quite slow at it. I like being outside and gardening. I have a cat but she doesn't like me all that much; I am just a food-providing door-opener (although I suppose that is like most cats!). Although I have lived in various parts of Alberta, I now live 30 minutes from where I grew up.... I wish I had more exciting things to add!
Although my major for my BEd was History, I have been a generalist and haven't had the opportunity to use much of my History teaching skills. I am excited to learn more and introduce new ideas and life into my classroom! I look forward to meeting everyone on this exciting adventure!
I like travelling, reading, learning about other people, and being active. I am a reluctant runner--I do it because I can, not because I love it--and am quite slow at it. I like being outside and gardening. I have a cat but she doesn't like me all that much; I am just a food-providing door-opener (although I suppose that is like most cats!). Although I have lived in various parts of Alberta, I now live 30 minutes from where I grew up.... I wish I had more exciting things to add!
Although my major for my BEd was History, I have been a generalist and haven't had the opportunity to use much of my History teaching skills. I am excited to learn more and introduce new ideas and life into my classroom! I look forward to meeting everyone on this exciting adventure!
Simon
My name is Simon Pagé (Sam). I was born in Montréal and I have been living in Alberta since 1985. I am bilingual and am very proud of the fact I can express myself in either of Canada’s official languages. I studied at the University of Alberta’s Faculté (now Campus) Saint-Jean in Edmonton where I received a Bachelor of Education (1988) and a Master of Education (1998). I have been teaching for almost 30 years now. My domains of expertise are Social Studies (Études Sociales) and Français / French Language Arts. I now teach Social Studies 8 and 9 at École Sir George Simpson School, a French Immersion Junior High school in St. Albert (a suburb of Edmonton). I am a proud papa of two lovely teenage girls: Gemma and Leah.
I was a school principal for three years at École du Sommet, a K-12 Francophone school in St. Paul, Alberta, from 2003-2006. As well, I was seconded to Campus Saint-Jean of the University of Alberta (2006-2010) where I taught courses in the Education program, including "Introduction to Educational Strategies" and "Curriculum and Methodology in Social Studies".
Recently, I was chosen to accompany the Canadian Youth delegation to Vimy, France, during the 100th anniversary of the commemoration of the battle, last April. As a former Vimy guide and bilingual Social Studies teacher, I was deeply honored to be part of the official Canadian delegation.
I am very excited to be part of this team and I am convinced we will learn lots from our group leaders, but also from each other. It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel, to learn, and to experience Europe’s battlefields where so many Canadians gave their lives. As a Social Studies teacher, there is no better way to learn while traveling in the footsteps of Canadian heroes!
I was a school principal for three years at École du Sommet, a K-12 Francophone school in St. Paul, Alberta, from 2003-2006. As well, I was seconded to Campus Saint-Jean of the University of Alberta (2006-2010) where I taught courses in the Education program, including "Introduction to Educational Strategies" and "Curriculum and Methodology in Social Studies".
Recently, I was chosen to accompany the Canadian Youth delegation to Vimy, France, during the 100th anniversary of the commemoration of the battle, last April. As a former Vimy guide and bilingual Social Studies teacher, I was deeply honored to be part of the official Canadian delegation.
I am very excited to be part of this team and I am convinced we will learn lots from our group leaders, but also from each other. It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel, to learn, and to experience Europe’s battlefields where so many Canadians gave their lives. As a Social Studies teacher, there is no better way to learn while traveling in the footsteps of Canadian heroes!
Vanessa
I work as an early education teacher with Edmonton Public Schools and ABC Head Start. I am a graduate of the University of Alberta's Faculty of Arts (Majors: French and Spanish) and Faculty of Education (Major: French Language Instruction, Minor: Spanish Language Instruction).
In 2012, I had the privilege of working at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial and the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France as a bilingual interpretive guide. It was while giving tours at these commemorative sites that I developed a passion for educating Canadians about Canada's military history. Since 2012, I have been involved in a number of initiatives centred around educating the public about the First World War and Remembrance. I have conducted history presentations to Social Studies classes, have curated and installed temporary museum exhibits, and have been involved in school Remembrance Day ceremonies.
I had the privilege of participating in War and the Canadian Experience in France and Flanders last year. The knowledge and skills that I gained on the tour inspired me to apply to UNB's M.Ed. program. My application was successful, so I will be moving to Fredericton in late August to begin thesis-based graduate studies. My research will focus on the Newfoundland Regiment's participation in the Great War.
When I am not working, I enjoy singing. I have sung in choirs at the University of Alberta and at All Saints’ Anglican Cathedral. As well, I love cooking, baking, and treating my family and friends to their favourite desserts. Fortunately, I love to exercise as much as I love to cook and eat. I am an avid walker and cyclist, and I enjoy working out at the local gym.
In 2012, I had the privilege of working at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial and the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France as a bilingual interpretive guide. It was while giving tours at these commemorative sites that I developed a passion for educating Canadians about Canada's military history. Since 2012, I have been involved in a number of initiatives centred around educating the public about the First World War and Remembrance. I have conducted history presentations to Social Studies classes, have curated and installed temporary museum exhibits, and have been involved in school Remembrance Day ceremonies.
I had the privilege of participating in War and the Canadian Experience in France and Flanders last year. The knowledge and skills that I gained on the tour inspired me to apply to UNB's M.Ed. program. My application was successful, so I will be moving to Fredericton in late August to begin thesis-based graduate studies. My research will focus on the Newfoundland Regiment's participation in the Great War.
When I am not working, I enjoy singing. I have sung in choirs at the University of Alberta and at All Saints’ Anglican Cathedral. As well, I love cooking, baking, and treating my family and friends to their favourite desserts. Fortunately, I love to exercise as much as I love to cook and eat. I am an avid walker and cyclist, and I enjoy working out at the local gym.
Zakk
Hello, my name is Zakk McCoy. I am 25 years old, and I am a recent graduate of the University of New Brunswick, where I spent many years sporadically studying under the tutelage of various professors, especially Cindy Brown and Lee Windsor (with whom I travelled to Italy in May 2012). I spent 5 years of my young life in service to the Crown as a Combat Engineer in Her Majesty’s Canadian Primary Reserve, and I come from a family that is largely made up of air force personnel who have/had made the military a lifelong career. This month I have been afforded the opportunity to study one of my absolute favourite historical periods: that of the two world wars (specifically on the Western Front). As part of my ongoing goal of breaking into the sphere of professional education, I am exceptionally excited to be accompanying Cindy, Lee, Blake (Oddball), et al. to France and Flanders to study the Canadian experience through the lens of teachers’ professional development. After the tour concludes, I shall be applying to teach English in South Korea for a year, and thereafter hopefully returning to school to pursue a Masters of Education; though, I will unfortunately not be taking this study tour for credit. Otherwise, I have a considerable love for wine, cheese, and spreadable meats, as well as European culture and history; thus, it should be noted that if you do not see me with a face full of the foods just mentioned, something must be terribly wrong.
