Stephanie MacKay
My name is Stephanie MacKay. I am privileged to be your presenter today. Although this is my first year as an Association Instructor, I am thrilled to be a part of this incredible learning community. Having just completed my Masters in April of this year with a focus on English as a second language and second language learning, I am excited to put this new knowledge to good use. The past 3 years were tough as I was a full-time student while also being a full-time teacher teaching grade 6.
I have been a classroom teacher for 11 years having graduated from the TEN program in 2008. Since then, I've covered a variety of grades in a variety of different schools. I started teaching PE in Rycroft school from Kindergarten to grade 8 as well as working half time in a group home for junior high and high school students. This environment really opened my eyes to the struggles and needs of some of our most vulnerable students. After my first year in Rycroft, I moved to Fairview which meant no more commuting, and spent the next 5 years in the Catholic district teaching grade 5 for one year and then grade 7 and grade 9 for 4 years. I really love this age group! Sadly, a tragedy at the school made my husband and I rethink priorities and we then transferred to Grande Prairie where we've been since 2013. I was moved into a grade 6 classroom and there I suspect I will stay.
When I'm not teaching or instructing workshops, I love spending time outdoors. I really enjoy hiking and travelling and was able to spend some time in Nepal last summer and Ireland this summer (and yes, you can hike in Ireland). Additionally, I enjoy my sailboat/kayak, running as well as spending time with my 2 adult children and extended family. I guess I should mention my husband, Peter, who also happens to be your DR. It's fun to juggle our schedules now as we're both working with teachers across the north. I look forward to working with you!