Background and Journey to Teaching

I am Lucas Johnson, a fifth-year student at the University of Calgary, pursuing two degrees: a Bachelor of Education in Elementary and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with an Embedded Certificate in Canadian Studies. My career path has been somewhat of a rollercoaster. I initially began in business, but it didn't quite align with my aspirations. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I realized I wanted a career that truly mattered to me so I returned to university as a mature student. Five years later, here I am, more mature and ready to teach.

Personal Values and Identity

My identity as an educator is deeply rooted in my personal values of compassion, empathy, and cultural awareness. I believe that understanding and appreciating diversity is fundamental to creating inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive.

Beliefs Shaping My Perception of Learning and Teaching

My educational philosophy is shaped by Kieran Egan's imaginative education. Imaginative education focuses on engaging students emotionally through storytelling and narrative, making learning more memorable and meaningful. This approach aligns with my belief that education should connect students' emotions with their intellect, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation. For example, using stories and metaphors can help students understand complex language concepts by linking them to familiar experience. This is how I teach second language and literacy.

I am also inspired by Peter Liljedahl's concept of building thinking classrooms. This approach focuses on creating environments where students are encouraged to think deeply and independently about mathematical concepts. It involves using innovative teaching practices such as starting lessons with challenging "thinking tasks," promoting group collaboration through randomized group work, and using non-permanent vertical surfaces to facilitate problem-solving.

Integrating Human-Centered Design

If there is one concept I bring from business, it is human-centered design. In the context of education, human-centered design creates environments that prioritize the holistic needs of students, enhancing their academic experience by meeting them where they are.

By integrating human-centered design principles such as empathy and interactive design, I aim to create learning environments that inspire curiosity and foster lifelong learning. This approach aligns with my vision of schools as communities that celebrate diversity, encourage collaboration, and support the development of critical thinking skills.

Perception of School Culture

I envision school culture as a nurturing community that supports students' cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Compassion and empathy are central to my teaching practice, aligning with the ethic of care emphasized in educational settings. Building trust with students is crucial, and I strive to create an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported.

As I continue my journey toward becoming an educator, I am committed to creating a classroom environment that reflects my beliefs in imaginative education, critical thinking, and human-centered design. By drawing on my experiences and educational background, I aim to inspire students to become open-minded, culturally aware lifelong learners who are prepared to navigate an increasingly complex world.