Secondary English teacher
1972-75: Grand Centre High, Grand Centre, AB (now Cold Lake)–Bonnyville School Division. At that time there were no jobs in the city and I taught ‘in the country’ to build up my credentials. I was offered three Edmonton jobs about the same time in June 1975 and chose Edmonton Public.
Edmonton Public Schools:
1975-84: McNally Composite High
1984-1986: J. Percy Page High
1986-2002: Strathcona Composite High
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I got into teaching English because of my interest in literature in high school (Silver Heights Collegiate, Winnipeg) and university (University of Winnipeg, University of Alberta–BA and two Grad Diplomas in Education and English). I had a second major in History. Over the years I also taught Drama and Academic Challenge courses including an original Academic Challenge Seminar and original thematic options in poetic song lyrics and literary themes.
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What I most happy to do was to introduce students to great authors and works as well as to the main themes of literature and life. My approach was idea-centered and seminar style quite often. I also did 1970s pioneering work in teaching general/diploma/non-academic students which led to three rounds/editions of textbooks: one for each grade. My 50 + student textbooks and teacher’s guides were used and authorized in every Canadian province over the years beginning in 1980. They are still used today and I continue to receive royalties several times a year.
(with student band, noonhour live performance of the songs of Bob Dylan, the late 70’s at McNally)