Learning from Eco-social Approaches to Public Health
Christine is an Assistant Professor at the UNBC School of Education as a full-time term faculty member and identifies as “she/her.” She teaches in the teacher education, undergraduate, and graduate programs. Her areas of interest are in educational leadership in K-12 education, teacher professional development for out-of-field teachers, and identity development with respect to teacher education, mathematics education, and climate change education. Christine is a former secondary mathematics teacher in the BC Public School System and achieved her undergraduate degrees from UBC in chemistry and secondary education, and graduate degrees from SFU in curriculum & instruction and educational leadership. She is also a former school trustee in BC Schools with contributions in the local and provincial boards. Her research interests include teacher professional development, mathematics education, ethnic identity, teacher identity, and program evaluation in teacher education. She currently serves on the UNBC Senate, two senate committees, and Two Rivers Art Gallery Board of Directors, in addition to being active with BCTEN (BC Teacher Education Network) and CAARE (Canadian Association on Action Research in Education). Christine enjoys teaching and learning as well as curling, being near the ocean, and hugging her kid and her cat.
What is your main in relation to the LEAPH-Lab?
I joined the Koh-Learning group when I joined UNBC School of Education. My colleague and friend was active in Koh-Learning and being a part of this group as a faculty member and new to the Central Interior, was an opportunity to learn more about the land, the waterways, and the people. I enjoyed participating in the planning sessions, professional development days, and retreats on the land and place in collaboration with School District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes). My contribution to Koh was more of a LEARNER and hope to continue our relationship in the future.
How are you committing to reconciliation/upholding Indigenous sovereignty?
Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are integrated and embedded in BC’s Curriculum and the Professional Standards for BC Educators. As a teacher educator, a certified BC teacher, and learner, I have a role and obligation to Truth and Reconciliation by decolonizing my teaching and research practices, teaching the First Peoples Principles of Learning alongside BC’s Curriculum, and demonstrating the core values articulated in the professional standards. In every course I teach, I invite local Indigenous scholars and educators as guest speakers, I select books and articles by Indigenous scholars and authors, and I try my best to facilitate, integrate, and demonstrate the First Peoples Principles of Learning in my practice. I am truly the learner, and I will continue to delve in different ways that work towards reconciliation.
What is the most inspiring part of your work?
The students. I learn so much about, from, and with students. They are the best part of my job.
Secret Superpower: Connection and Community
