My ideal classroom is a creative celebration that we can all learn from one another’s diversity. It is a safe place to explore and share. Various learning strategies, when experienced through learning styles, join understanding and retention like a magnet. Visual aids, tactile and kinesthetic opportunities are interwoven into lessons. I utilize routine as much as possible, while stretching students by upsetting the apple cart every now and then. Collaboration with staff and EA Supports create the best inclusive learning environment for everyone.

I assist students to learn to be good citizens of the class and the world. This is achieved through sharing the common goal of making music together. In Social Studies, the process of self reflection challenges students to take risks, and develops wisdom when to use restraint. It is key to understanding how students connect and contribute to the world around them. I am not only a teacher but a facilitator of these meaningful interactions. Students are encouraged to grapple with Social Injustices and feel like they are a part of something greater than themselves to impact change around them. Specific goals of Treaty Education include helping students learn about treaty relationships and the spirit and intent of treaties within their historical context. It is important to understand the treaty promises and their provisions to correct the perspective and the narrative moving forward in Truth and Reconciliation or Reconcili-action - a term coined by Stan Wesley who is an amazing and inspiring Anishnabe mentor from Ontario. "Decolonizing beauty reintroduces us to our authentic selves." (Sasha Sarago, @10:15)

https://youtu.be/DZEzUC4QW54

I Believe in…

creating an inclusive environment for all students by providing access to learning

celebrating diversity through ethnic and cultural learning opportunities

collaborating with peers and parents to support the learning of all students

encouraging the development of self-directed learners in life-long learning

inspiring creativity through various teaching strategies and learning styles (in the broadest sense of the term - 71 ideas in existence!)

Do You Know the 5 Elements of a Learning Style? | by Love2Learn Idaho | Love2LearnIdaho | Medium

My name is Katherine (Gruell) Deak.  I was born and raised in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, which is located on Treaty 4 territory by many Indigenous tribes. My Ukrainian ancestors while invited immigrants to this land by the Government of Canada, were also initially uninvited guests because this land was legitimately, and rightfully owned by Indigenous peoples. As guests to this Native land, my ancestral families made peace with the Indigenous peoples through mutual respect of their culture and beliefs.  My Ukrainian Grandmother had a trap line at the age of 6, and we know her older sister was taught by Indigenous women how to make clothing and jewelry, which story is told the items were given to a museum to be preserved. 

My Scottish Grandmother was born on an Indigenous reservation. We wish we had similar stories for her family as we do with my Ukrainian ancestors. But we do know that they all lived peacefully with one another. My ancestors were thankful to learn from the Indigenous people whose land they graciously shared and where they made their home.  In many ways they had fundamental beliefs in common - to be one with the Earth, to hold onto culture at all costs, and to exercise caution with the government because of social injustice.  They bonded for many reasons.  This gives me a peaceful feeling how much my ancestors were made to feel welcome.

I have received my Bachelor of Science in Music Education degree from Warner Pacific College (now University) in 1994. I have since taught 8.5 years in total - 7.5 in International schools and a year in Bloodvein, Manitoba in an Indigenous community. I have enjoyed teaching in the United States, Portugal, and Saudi Arabia as well as traveling many countries around the world while learning about their cultures

I enjoy genealogy, animals, reading, music, the outdoors, and family!