exGrowing up in Canada, my childhood was probably what most would identify as 'typical'. Born in Drumheller, Alberta I began playing soccer which I continued to play for 10 more years. Later, like many Canadian boys, the dream of being in the NHL was one of my earliest memories. I began my career as an Okotoks Oiler before moving to Ontario, where as a Whitby Wildcat I played 'AAA' for a number of years throughout high school. High School was when I first fell in love with rugby and later, football. When my hockey days ended I committed myself full time to playing club rugby with the Ajax Wanderers.
In 2007 I pursued a Bachelor of Physical Education at Brock University where I also able to continue my rugby career. In 2010 I was named as the captain of the team and would serve in that role for two years leading up to my graduation. I graduated Brock with honors and a First Class Standing while being selected as OUA Academic All Star for my academic achievement while participating in sport. After completing my Bachelor of Education (also at Brock), I was eager to begin my teaching career. Unexpectedly, an opportunity to teach HPE in Hong Kong became available and I haven't looked back since.
Teaching internationally has afforded me many opportunities. From hiking to Mt. Everest Base Camp, the Andes, New Zealand to ice-climbing in Japan or cycling around Jeju, I have had the opportunity to pursue physical activity all over the world. These world experiences have not only provided me with unique cultural perspectives but also encouraged me to reconsider the place health & wellness play in the lives of different cultures. As Canada is a proud, multicultural nation, teachers who are able to think flexibly and adapt teaching & learning to the students in their classes with respect to their individual personal experiences and cultural narratives in an asset in today's educational climate.
After moving to South Korea, where I've continued to my journey as a leader in Health & Physical Education for the past four years, I enrolled in a blended Master's Program at the University of Alberta. This MEd program was the first of its kind, where a cohort of Physical Educators was assembled from across Canada. This two year program involved an in-depth study of Comprehensive School Health models, Inclusive Education and Nature & Play Based learning, to name a few. During this program, I met my current girlfriend Michelle Alberts, who is currently a HPE Teacher & Athletic Director in the Foothills School Division. As such, I've returned from 8 years abroad on the international scene, excited ready to start our lives together in Alberta.
In 2007 I pursued a Bachelor of Physical Education at Brock University where I also able to continue my rugby career. In 2010 I was named as the captain of the team and would serve in that role for two years leading up to my graduation. I graduated Brock with honors and a First Class Standing while being selected as OUA Academic All Star for my academic achievement while participating in sport. After completing my Bachelor of Education (also at Brock), I was eager to begin my teaching career. Unexpectedly, an opportunity to teach HPE in Hong Kong became available and I haven't looked back since.
Teaching internationally has afforded me many opportunities. From hiking to Mt. Everest Base Camp, the Andes, New Zealand to ice-climbing in Japan or cycling around Jeju, I have had the opportunity to pursue physical activity all over the world. These world experiences have not only provided me with unique cultural perspectives but also encouraged me to reconsider the place health & wellness play in the lives of different cultures. As Canada is a proud, multicultural nation, teachers who are able to think flexibly and adapt teaching & learning to the students in their classes with respect to their individual personal experiences and cultural narratives in an asset in today's educational climate.
After moving to South Korea, where I've continued to my journey as a leader in Health & Physical Education for the past four years, I enrolled in a blended Master's Program at the University of Alberta. This MEd program was the first of its kind, where a cohort of Physical Educators was assembled from across Canada. This two year program involved an in-depth study of Comprehensive School Health models, Inclusive Education and Nature & Play Based learning, to name a few. During this program, I met my current girlfriend Michelle Alberts, who is currently a HPE Teacher & Athletic Director in the Foothills School Division. As such, I've returned from 8 years abroad on the international scene, excited ready to start our lives together in Alberta.