In my life, I value five main concepts that have played a significant role in my personal development: home, play, work, education, and love. I give credit to each of these core values in how they have helped me grow and develop as a person and an educator. Each of them have influenced my personal teaching philosophy in diverse ways, and continue to do so as I develop as an educated citizen.
Home
I was born and raised in Ladysmith, BC - where I still live today. Being raised in a small town and community has played a significant role in who I have grown up to become. This small, but big-hearted community has always been a home to me, and will always have a place in my heart. Living in this type of community has helped shape my own teaching philosophy and how I establish a strong community in my own classroom. Like Ladysmith, my classroom facilitates sense of belonging that allows each individual to feel important, respected, and cared for.
This town's sense of community is something that I am very proud to be a part of. A strong community is a value that I find extremely important in both towns and classrooms. Ladysmith is constantly running community events that bring people together. I have found that this town has fostered such a strong sense of belonging, and is always welcoming to others that desire to be a part of it - a quality that I am extremely proud of, and eager to bring into my own classroom.
The photo in this section on Home is of downtown Ladysmith. It was captured by a friend of mine, Sydney Smith, and she has provided me with her approval of using this photo in my ePortfolio.
This town's sense of community is something that I am very proud to be a part of. A strong community is a value that I find extremely important in both towns and classrooms. Ladysmith is constantly running community events that bring people together. I have found that this town has fostered such a strong sense of belonging, and is always welcoming to others that desire to be a part of it - a quality that I am extremely proud of, and eager to bring into my own classroom.
The photo in this section on Home is of downtown Ladysmith. It was captured by a friend of mine, Sydney Smith, and she has provided me with her approval of using this photo in my ePortfolio.
Play
Growing up in Ladysmith, my hobbies including playing sports, spending time with friends and family, and playing more sports!. I found my passion when I was four years old - playing baseball. My dad and older brother first introduced me to the game and I haven't looked back since. I played ball in the Mid-Island area on Vancouver Island throughout my youth which led me to an opportunity to play baseball at a University level. After graduating from high school, I decided to accept the offer to play baseball with the VIU Mariners.
Deciding to play baseball with Vancouver Island University was one of the greatest decisions of my life. This led me to achieving a childhood goal of playing University baseball, creating lifelong friendships, and finding a passion in leading and coaching. Throughout four years of University baseball, I had the opportunity to become a leader for our team, and eventually a role as a youth camp coach that provided me with my first opportunity to lead others in the game that I love.
Coaching others and helping them achieve their own playing goals was an extremely enriching experience. I found a real passion in coaching, and this has led to more coaching and managing opportunities in my own community. Since playing for VIU, I have become extremely involved in Ladysmith's own Baseball Association (LBA). I now coordinate the Rally-Cap division (ages 4-6), and am head of Player Development - in which I assist other coaches in our association in how they manage their own teams, and provide practice plans and individual instruction for players that are looking to get to the next level.
Aside from being involved in youth baseball, my passion to continue playing into my adult life has contributed to starting Ladysmith's very own Men's Baseball team in 2017 - the Ladysmith Pilots. Our local team is made up of lifelong friends that have played together in some capacity throughout our many youth baseball experiences. We have experienced a tremendous amount of success thus far as an organization, and I look forward to many years of playing together as a team and for our community.
The photo within this section on Play, is of myself at the PWB BC Senior Baseball Championships in Victoria, BC. This moment was captured by Tim Britton-Foster, and his approval was given to me to include this photo within my ePortfolio.
Deciding to play baseball with Vancouver Island University was one of the greatest decisions of my life. This led me to achieving a childhood goal of playing University baseball, creating lifelong friendships, and finding a passion in leading and coaching. Throughout four years of University baseball, I had the opportunity to become a leader for our team, and eventually a role as a youth camp coach that provided me with my first opportunity to lead others in the game that I love.
Coaching others and helping them achieve their own playing goals was an extremely enriching experience. I found a real passion in coaching, and this has led to more coaching and managing opportunities in my own community. Since playing for VIU, I have become extremely involved in Ladysmith's own Baseball Association (LBA). I now coordinate the Rally-Cap division (ages 4-6), and am head of Player Development - in which I assist other coaches in our association in how they manage their own teams, and provide practice plans and individual instruction for players that are looking to get to the next level.
Aside from being involved in youth baseball, my passion to continue playing into my adult life has contributed to starting Ladysmith's very own Men's Baseball team in 2017 - the Ladysmith Pilots. Our local team is made up of lifelong friends that have played together in some capacity throughout our many youth baseball experiences. We have experienced a tremendous amount of success thus far as an organization, and I look forward to many years of playing together as a team and for our community.
The photo within this section on Play, is of myself at the PWB BC Senior Baseball Championships in Victoria, BC. This moment was captured by Tim Britton-Foster, and his approval was given to me to include this photo within my ePortfolio.
Work
My previous work experiences with the Boys & Girls Club of Central Vancouver Island (BGCCVI) has also played an important role in the person that I am today. During my second year at University, when I was seriously starting to look into teaching as a future profession, I decided to apply for a Program Leader position through the BGCCVI. Being the successful applicant for this position in 2014 has led to five years of tremendous work experience that has helped me further prepare for a career in education and leading.
The BGCCVI has provided three different work opportunities that has helped shape my personal teaching philosophy. Throughout the previous five years with the BGCCVI, I have been a Program Leader, Child Youth & Family Services (CYFS) Worker, and the organization's Jays Care Coordinator. As a Program Leader, I have been able to form positive relationships with the children that I worked with (age 5-12) and their families as well. In addition, I have also had the opportunity to create camp plans and organize activities daily for the children at our BGCCVI club. In addition to my daily duties, this organization has also allowed me to organize and run numerous organization-wide events - including the 2017 Spring Break Bash, which allowed for a day of fun which included a variety of game stations, food, and entertainment.
My work experience as a Child Youth & Family Services Worker was extremely rewarding for me, as it allowed me to work with children and youth between the ages of 6-18 years old that are also experiencing behavioural and/or social difficulties. Through this position, I had the opportunity of working with older youth and some that are requiring extra support due any behavioural, social, or family breakdown issues that they are experiencing.
My position as the Jays Care Coordinator allows me to pursue two of my passions: baseball and working with youth. The Toronto Blue Jays and Jays Care Foundation provides funding for the BGCCVI in order for us to organize and run baseball camps throughout the Spring and Summer of each year. This position has been extremely rewarding for me personally, as I have the opportunity to continue working with children and families within the Boys & Girls Club of Central Vancouver Island, while getting to coach and coordinate baseball in an organization that has supported me for several years now.
The picture within this section on my Work with the BGCCVI is of myself (left) and a good friend of mine, Tim Bunnett (right), at our yearly Jays Care Wrap-Up Event in 2017. Mr. Bunnett gave me permission to include this picture within my ePortfolio. This photo was taken by Kelsey Campbell, and she has provided me with her approval of including this photo on my ePortfolio.
The BGCCVI has provided three different work opportunities that has helped shape my personal teaching philosophy. Throughout the previous five years with the BGCCVI, I have been a Program Leader, Child Youth & Family Services (CYFS) Worker, and the organization's Jays Care Coordinator. As a Program Leader, I have been able to form positive relationships with the children that I worked with (age 5-12) and their families as well. In addition, I have also had the opportunity to create camp plans and organize activities daily for the children at our BGCCVI club. In addition to my daily duties, this organization has also allowed me to organize and run numerous organization-wide events - including the 2017 Spring Break Bash, which allowed for a day of fun which included a variety of game stations, food, and entertainment.
My work experience as a Child Youth & Family Services Worker was extremely rewarding for me, as it allowed me to work with children and youth between the ages of 6-18 years old that are also experiencing behavioural and/or social difficulties. Through this position, I had the opportunity of working with older youth and some that are requiring extra support due any behavioural, social, or family breakdown issues that they are experiencing.
My position as the Jays Care Coordinator allows me to pursue two of my passions: baseball and working with youth. The Toronto Blue Jays and Jays Care Foundation provides funding for the BGCCVI in order for us to organize and run baseball camps throughout the Spring and Summer of each year. This position has been extremely rewarding for me personally, as I have the opportunity to continue working with children and families within the Boys & Girls Club of Central Vancouver Island, while getting to coach and coordinate baseball in an organization that has supported me for several years now.
The picture within this section on my Work with the BGCCVI is of myself (left) and a good friend of mine, Tim Bunnett (right), at our yearly Jays Care Wrap-Up Event in 2017. Mr. Bunnett gave me permission to include this picture within my ePortfolio. This photo was taken by Kelsey Campbell, and she has provided me with her approval of including this photo on my ePortfolio.
Education
Growing up in Ladysmith, I attended three different schools which were merely walking distance from where I lived. My first school, Ladysmith Primary, helped me learn what it means to be a student and I began to understand the value of education. Within the Primary School, I made friendships in which I still have today. Returning to this school to see my old Kindergarten to Grade 3 class pictures on the wall always brings a smile to my face.
Ladysmith Intermediate School was a place that helped me understand the importance of being an educated citizen - someone who understands that there are a variety of aspects to life and education that help make-up a well-rounded human being. This school held core values around the following aspects: Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Attitude - the Four A's. At this time in my education, I was starting to become someone who understood and appreciated that a truly educated citizen is an individual that makes a conscious effort to be diversified and well-rounded.
Ladysmith Secondary School taught me life lessons that I will never forget. This was the place where I discovered a strong passion for both Physical Education and French, made relationships with people that are still a part of my circle today, and created memories that will last for a lifetime. This school helped shape me into becoming a young man that started to discover core values, and began to create a life path that has led me to becoming a teacher.
After receiving my Dogwood Diploma in 2012, I was off to Vancouver Island University to play baseball and pursue an education. In the beginning of my University journey, I had no clear plan on which type of career I would eventually pursue; therefore, this resulted in me taking general studies in my first year at VIU. As I continued onward in my education, aspects of my life such as baseball, University, and personal experiences started to make it clear to me that I wanted to pursue a career as a teacher. My focuses in University brought me to a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physical Education and Languages & Culture. The challenges that one goes through to achieve a Post-Secondary Degree brings along many learning experiences and struggles. Personally, I found that the educational experience derived with completing my Bachelor of Arts Degree helped me learn how to have a Growth Mindset that enabled me to persevere through challenges in order to accomplish my goal of receiving a Post-Secondary Education.
In the Fall of 2017, I began my Post-Baccalaurette Degree - a Bachelor of Education. This is a year and a half learning experience that includes three different practicums. Throughout my time as a student teacher at VIU, I have met many wonderful people in my program that share the same goal as me - becoming an Elementary Teacher. This learning experience has been incomparable to any other. I have learned firsthand what it takes to be a successful educator through the incredible faculty at VIU, as well as through three practicum experiences with amazing sponsor teachers and supervisors. I am incredibly grateful to have enjoyed such a fantastic learning experience with VIU both as a Bachelor of Arts and Education student. The experiences that I have enjoyed over six years of Post-Secondary Education are ones that I hold dear to my heart, and I will forever cherish them.
The picture within this Education section contains my parents (Kip & Laurie Armstrong) and I on my convocation day in which we were able to celebrate the completion of my first degree - a stepping stone that will eventually lead me to a career in Education. This photo was taken by Hana Reinhart and she has provided me with her approval of including it on my ePortfolio
Ladysmith Intermediate School was a place that helped me understand the importance of being an educated citizen - someone who understands that there are a variety of aspects to life and education that help make-up a well-rounded human being. This school held core values around the following aspects: Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Attitude - the Four A's. At this time in my education, I was starting to become someone who understood and appreciated that a truly educated citizen is an individual that makes a conscious effort to be diversified and well-rounded.
Ladysmith Secondary School taught me life lessons that I will never forget. This was the place where I discovered a strong passion for both Physical Education and French, made relationships with people that are still a part of my circle today, and created memories that will last for a lifetime. This school helped shape me into becoming a young man that started to discover core values, and began to create a life path that has led me to becoming a teacher.
After receiving my Dogwood Diploma in 2012, I was off to Vancouver Island University to play baseball and pursue an education. In the beginning of my University journey, I had no clear plan on which type of career I would eventually pursue; therefore, this resulted in me taking general studies in my first year at VIU. As I continued onward in my education, aspects of my life such as baseball, University, and personal experiences started to make it clear to me that I wanted to pursue a career as a teacher. My focuses in University brought me to a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physical Education and Languages & Culture. The challenges that one goes through to achieve a Post-Secondary Degree brings along many learning experiences and struggles. Personally, I found that the educational experience derived with completing my Bachelor of Arts Degree helped me learn how to have a Growth Mindset that enabled me to persevere through challenges in order to accomplish my goal of receiving a Post-Secondary Education.
In the Fall of 2017, I began my Post-Baccalaurette Degree - a Bachelor of Education. This is a year and a half learning experience that includes three different practicums. Throughout my time as a student teacher at VIU, I have met many wonderful people in my program that share the same goal as me - becoming an Elementary Teacher. This learning experience has been incomparable to any other. I have learned firsthand what it takes to be a successful educator through the incredible faculty at VIU, as well as through three practicum experiences with amazing sponsor teachers and supervisors. I am incredibly grateful to have enjoyed such a fantastic learning experience with VIU both as a Bachelor of Arts and Education student. The experiences that I have enjoyed over six years of Post-Secondary Education are ones that I hold dear to my heart, and I will forever cherish them.
The picture within this Education section contains my parents (Kip & Laurie Armstrong) and I on my convocation day in which we were able to celebrate the completion of my first degree - a stepping stone that will eventually lead me to a career in Education. This photo was taken by Hana Reinhart and she has provided me with her approval of including it on my ePortfolio
Love
I consider myself extremely fortunate for having a life filled with friends, family, and loved ones that have constantly supported me in achieving my personal goals and dreams.
I have grown up with a close circle of friends that have always been there to support me in any adventure that I pursue. My close friends and I have grown up together throughout our youth and into adulthood. I consider my friends to be family. We have always supported each other through thick and thin, and have created memories together that I will never forget. My circle of friends have played a significant role on the person that I have become.
My family has been a constant support system for me throughout my life. Within my family, I have an older sister and an older brother. Both of my siblings have been there to support me through life's challenges, and have acted as role models for me as I grew up in their guidance as the youngest sibling. They are two people that I can always turn to for support, and I cherish my relationships with both my sister and my brother.
My parents are two people that have significantly shaped my life and have been my greatest role models. They are completely selfless, and are always there for each of their three children. I seek out wisdom and advice from both of my parents in an effort to be a person that holds each of their greatest qualities. Throughout my journey towards becoming an educator, they have been there to support me through the challenges that come along with chasing your dream. Through times of struggle, my parents have been there to lift me up in order to keep pushing me forward in life, and accomplishing my life goals.
My partner, Hana, is my best friend. She is a never-ending source of love and support. We first met in 2016, and have been side by side ever since. I am forever grateful to have such a tremendous, supportive partner that shares the same values as I do. Our relationship revolves around supporting each other in the adventures that we pursue as partners, as well as our own individual goals. Hana is someone that I look to for advice and support in my life, and I am constantly thankful to have someone that cares as much about me and my personal success as much as her own.
My loved ones play the greatest role in how I grow and develop throughout each day.
The picture within this Love section is of Hana and myself at a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON.
I have grown up with a close circle of friends that have always been there to support me in any adventure that I pursue. My close friends and I have grown up together throughout our youth and into adulthood. I consider my friends to be family. We have always supported each other through thick and thin, and have created memories together that I will never forget. My circle of friends have played a significant role on the person that I have become.
My family has been a constant support system for me throughout my life. Within my family, I have an older sister and an older brother. Both of my siblings have been there to support me through life's challenges, and have acted as role models for me as I grew up in their guidance as the youngest sibling. They are two people that I can always turn to for support, and I cherish my relationships with both my sister and my brother.
My parents are two people that have significantly shaped my life and have been my greatest role models. They are completely selfless, and are always there for each of their three children. I seek out wisdom and advice from both of my parents in an effort to be a person that holds each of their greatest qualities. Throughout my journey towards becoming an educator, they have been there to support me through the challenges that come along with chasing your dream. Through times of struggle, my parents have been there to lift me up in order to keep pushing me forward in life, and accomplishing my life goals.
My partner, Hana, is my best friend. She is a never-ending source of love and support. We first met in 2016, and have been side by side ever since. I am forever grateful to have such a tremendous, supportive partner that shares the same values as I do. Our relationship revolves around supporting each other in the adventures that we pursue as partners, as well as our own individual goals. Hana is someone that I look to for advice and support in my life, and I am constantly thankful to have someone that cares as much about me and my personal success as much as her own.
My loved ones play the greatest role in how I grow and develop throughout each day.
The picture within this Love section is of Hana and myself at a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON.
All images not attributed on this page are public domain.