Hadih, my name is Emily Anderson. I am originally from Houston BC which is situated on the traditional territory of the Wet’suwet’en Peoples. I first learned that I wanted to be a teacher while volunteering for a reading program that focused on providing support for students who struggled with literacy. It was inspiring watching the students’ persistence and from that point on I knew that I wanted to go into teaching. I also have my incredible teachers that I have had the pleasure of learning from over the years that have inspired me to become an educator and to bring that same amount of passion and care to the table with my students. My experience comes from working with the Houston Link to Learning over the past 2 years and substituted briefly in School District 54 prior to becoming a teacher candidate at UNBC.

I am passionate about all things outdoors, specifically gardening, hiking, kayaking, and fishing. I would love to pass these passions on to my future students. Outdoor learning reminds us that there are multiple ways for us to learn and a variety of settings in which the learning process can take place. In addition to this idea, sustainability is something that is near and dear to my heart. I do my best to ensure that I am living as sustainably as possible and working towards minimizing my footprint and I think that outdoor learning supplements this well. Learning about our environment motivates us to take on responsibility for preserving the land and the natural environment. My passions go hand in hand with the importance of place-based learning – respecting the land and being aware of the culture that calls the land home.

Coming from a small community has shaped my understanding of teaching and learning. Many of my teachers went to extra mile to help me and there was authenticity in that, in turn motivating me to put forward my best efforts and strive for improvement. This established a sense of reciprocity and respect among teachers and students. I am so fortunate to have been a part of this community and look forward to creating this community throughout my career.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I look forward to building a relationship together in the future.

Mussi,

-Emily Anderson