1. B.A., B.Ed. WELCOME TO THE PERSONAL PROFILE OF KELLY WILSON

2. About Me I was born and raised in Nanaimo, British Columbia and currently reside in Burnaby, BC. I have a large family that stretches from Parksville, BC, to Seoul, South Korea. I am passionate about history and current events. I love to know what is happening locally and around the world. I feel to be an informed global citizen and mentor to young people, it is my responsibility to be as current and knowledgeable as possible. I have been involved in the sport of Taekwondo for sixteen years, either through coaching or attending classes myself. Taekwondo has been integral to my academic achievements and has guided me through difficult times in my life. I have been married to my wonderful partner, Ian, for five years. He has been my biggest champion and supporter throughout my academic career.

3. My Education In 2004, I graduated from John Barsby Community School. I attended Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina- University College) from 2004 to 2008, where I completed the first two years of my Bachelor of Arts degree with a History major. I moved to Burnaby, BC in 2008 and completed my degree at Simon Fraser University in 2010. While attending SFU, I completed several classes focusing on Canadian Aboriginal issues. After graduation, I moved back to Nanaimo and enrolled in the post baccalaureate Bachelor of Education program at Vancouver Island University. I completed the program in December, 2012.

4. Field Experience I have had the wonderful opportunity to teach Social Studies 9 and 10 at Ballenas Secondary School in Parksville, British Columbia. Under the mentorship of Judy Stewart, we explored Canada’s dynamic history and how events of the past still affect us today. I also taught Life Skills under the guidance of Terry Kent and Pippa Olivier. I have recently completed my long practicum at L.A. Matheson Secondary School in Surrey, British Columbia. With the help of my sponsor teacher, Kirsten Natsuhara, I taught Humanities 8 and Socials 11. I am fortunate, as my field experience afforded me the opportunity to teach all grades of Social Studies and to work with students various special needs.

5. Philosophy of Teaching “I want to become a teacher because I want to feel a sense of pride in what I do everyday. I want to know that what I do makes a difference in my community. I want to connect with students on an intellectual level and challenge their preconceived notions of how the world operates. I want to show my students that there is a world that exists outside of their textbooks and the narrow curriculum that has guided their academic endeavours thus far. I believe the purpose of education is to give students the opportunity to develop their sense of identity through learning, and to facilitate this growth in a safe environment. My experience of teaching in the classroom is limited. My teaching aspirations are just that; aspirations. I know that it is going to take time and commitment to turn my goals into reality. I am prepared for the challenge and I look forward to learning and growing myself in the process.” Excerpted from my Frame of Reference

6. Taekwondo I joined taekwondo at the age of 8 and received my black belt at the age of 12. Taekwondo has been an significant influence throughout my academic career. Courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self- control and indomitable spirit are the tenants of taekwondo. These tenants have inspired me to push my limits and be the best person I can be. Without the discipline of taekwondo, I do not believe I would be where I am today. I have had the amazing opportunity to guide students of all ages and abilities through their journey to achieve their black belt. Watching students transform before my eyes has been an extremely rewarding experience.

7. Para-Taekwondo In the summer of 2012, my brothers, Master Brett and Brock Fee, and I piloted the first ever Para-Taekwondo program on Vancouver Island. Para-Taekwondo is a method of teaching Taekwondo designed specifically for students with intellectual and physical disabilities. Our mission of the program is to foster a love of Taekwondo for students with diverse learning needs in a safe and structured environment.

8. Professional Development/Personal Interest Over the course of the Bachelor of Education program, I have attended several professional development days and various workshops. In 2011 and 2012, I attended the British Columbia Social Studies Teachers’ Association Pro-D days. In 2012, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Lieutenant- General Romeo Dallaire before he gave the keynote speech at the BCSSTA conference. After having spent several practicums in the Life Skills class at Ballenas Secondary, I became greatly interested in special needs. I completed an action research project exploring the possibilities of holistic teaching methods for students with individualized education plans in a regular classroom. I intend to continue exploring special needs education in the future.

9. Where to Next? This journey has just begun. At this point in time, I am completely open to any opportunity that presents itself. I plan to travel around the world with my husband, Ian, who also has a Bachelor of Arts with an Anthropology major. I will take what I have learned about other cultures and bring my new experiences into the classroom. I am so thankful for the opportunities the Bachelor of Education program has given me.

10. Contact Me Email: wilson.kelly86@gmail.com wilson.kelly86@gmail.com Phone: (250) 714-3402