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ABOUT
ME
Great Teaching Is What I Inspire
After leaving York University I put together a program for students who had finished high school but did not know what they wanted to do-called The Transitions Progrram. Running that Program solidified my ideas about the importance of blending personal understanding with our educational goals.
My experience in that program led me to write my book: The Power of the Circle, as well as led me to start an independent high school, in doing that I learned alot about curriculum, and the ability to be creative with how we deliver it.
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I started a high school with those ideas in mind. It is still running and it is based in Toronto; it is called AVRO Academy.
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I put programs together for international schools, in Morocco, and in Bangladesh. I have learned quite a bit of the value of the Canadian education system, and how it is different from programs around the world.
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I have run a variety of teacher training programs. From 3 hour afternoon workshops to a 5 day residential program in Costa Rica.
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I wrote a book Eco Leadership: The Power of the Circle for which The National Post called me "A Modern Day Socrates"
Education
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Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy
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Masters in Environmental Studies in Environmental Philosophy
Qualifications
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Train the Trainer Certification - Peak Potentials
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Work History
2010-2023
Cofounder, Director & Principal AVRO Academy
Responsible for the academic programming, staffing training and recruiting, and ministry of education inspection requirements.
1997-2018
Director of Spiritfest
I have been intricately involved in all aspects of running this interdisciplinary festival, organizing volunteers, programming and food. Site infrastructure, etc.
2006-2014
Director Living Education Institute
Programmed, and run courses in a variety of educational settings. Completed, and marketed our new book – Living Education: The Power of the Circle. It has received excellent reviews. The Living Education Institute has created, and run the Transitions™ program for 4 years, as both a part time and full time course.
2001-2009
Instructor-Fleming College
Responsible for all aspects of course design, course delivery, and grading. These courses entail a wide variety of teaching components including creative educational techniques, machinery, materials, and hand drumming techniques. The Art & Spirit of Teaching; Drum Making & Drumming.
1992-1997
York University McLaughlin & Calumet College - Professor
Designed, and taught courses within the mandate of the critical skills curriculum. Responsible for all aspects of lecturing, material preparation, examination, and evaluation. As the course director I worked with the Academic Coordinator.
Courses Taught:
Environmental Thought & Literature
Technology, Magic, & Ritual
Critical Television;
1991-1995
York University- Centre for Academic Writing - Course Director
Responsibilities included all aspects of assisting students to understand assignments, to think through required research, and to write essays, papers, and research projects.