Contact Information
- Town: Prince George
- City/region: B.C.
- Email address: sfoster@sd57.bc.ca
About me
I graduated from the Faculty of Education at the University of Victoria in May 2017. I received a Bachelor of Education Degree, majoring in Physical Education and minoring in Social Studies.
Whenever I am not teaching, I am writing or exploring the outdoors. Recently I have published three novels in a series called: Timeline. The series is geared towards teens and young adults, and is classified as science-fiction and fantasy. When I need a break from writing, I enjoy walking, running, hiking, biking, really any form of physical activity. I am always willing to try something new, a trait I hope to pass onto future students. Two activities I have come to love: ballroom dance and Wing Chun (martial arts) were actually introduced to me by my wife.
In the realm of education, I am constantly trying to find new, innovative ways of teaching or introducing technology into the classroom. I believe in developing a classroom that reaches every student where they are at, and provides opportunities to succeed. I hope to inspire my students to reach their full potential, realizing that teaching is not just about the subjects, but the students as well.
After moving to Prince George I will be searching for a continuing contract in the education profession. Further down the road I will work towards my Master's Degree. My wife and I got married on August 8th, 2015, and are beginning our journey together full of kids, cats, and puppies.
Thoughts on Quidditch
Quidditch is perhaps the most intriguing sport there is. It can appeal to so many different types of people, and I think that's why I like it so much. It is a competitive sport that everyone can play. The various positions demand something different from each player. One person may be weak as a chaser, but strong as a beater.
Quidditch is also a full contact sport, only above the level of High School, which allows the game to be easily incorporated into a P.E. class. With the risk of contact removed, the game presents new and groundbreaking ways to change P.E., and more importantly, ensure everyone can play and have fun.
As a new game and experience for many students, Quidditch can bring kids back into P.E. The mandatory gender rule, also ensures the game is balanced between genders. It is well-known that many girls drop out of P.E. once it becomes optional, but Quidditch has the potential to encourage them to stick with it. I believe Quidditch can revolutionize P.E. and physical activity if given the chance.
Thoughts on Kid President's video
This video is perfect in so many ways. It never fails to make me look on the bright side of being a teacher. This heartwarming video demonstrates how incredible children can be (and also how silly). It also makes me think and smile at how much we, as teachers, influence the students we teach. This is one reason why I am striving to incorporate innovative ways of teaching that break from tradition, such as the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) model. See its applications in the Quidditch section.
While encouraging and funny, the video also presents a deep question: What are you teaching the world? This question is a major reality check. Am I teaching students to be a better person? A smarter person? Am I inspiring my students? Or am I inadvertently pushing them away? Being a great and inspiring teacher is no small feat, but I am up to the challenge. I want my students to be inspired, to think outside the box, to not be afraid of asking questions or failing. I want to change the world, do you?
To This Day Reflection
There is so much I can say about this video. It is so powerful, moving, and heart-wrenching. As teachers, we must be there for our students. We are the role models, advocates, and super-heroes to our students. Bullying is a serious problem, and the stories in this video are despicable. The sad thing is, all of them can potentially be prevented.
One of the great things about my experience with Quidditch is how diverse the players are. There were people from all walks of life and beliefs. Quidditch is meant to be an open environment and sport for the 'nerds' and 'athletes'. It is one of the reasons I established the motto of 'Family' for our team. All players treated each other like family, and respected everyone no matter who they were or what their ability is.
I am a teacher that will make a connection with each and every one of my students. I will know them, and know when something is wrong in their lives. I will shelter and protect them. I will shut down any bullying in my class or school. Teachers can be shelter from the storm that is adolescence, but we can also be super-heroes. We can be there for our students. We can put an end to bullying.
Volunteering
Helping others has always been a part of who I am. I love working with youth, and seeing their potential, as well as helping them through hard times. The gallery on the left contains some pictures from my time as a youth leader, as well as volunteering for a Short Term Mission trip to Mexico City. Much of what I did there was not photographed, but the experiences are something I will never forget. Visiting and feeding homeless youth, in abandoned and condemned buildings really showed me how lucky we are. I feel for those children still to this day. An aspect of my teaching will always be helping my students with any issues, so they can live long and happy lives. It is truly heart-breaking to see kids so young on the streets, but we touched many lives during that trip. Even now I still stay in touch with some of people we volunteered with and met there.