Denise La Prairie
Summary
Accomplished educator with over 20 years mentoring teacher candidates at North Vancouver SD 44 and had the important role of a Faculty Advisor for the Faculty of Education at UBC, specializing in integrating Indigenous knowledge and leveraging technology in curriculum development. Adjunct Teaching Professor and Faculty Advisor for the University of British Columbia. Renowned for exceptional communication and collaborative skills, significantly enhancing student engagement and academic success.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher
North Vancouver SD 44
09.1989 - 04.2021
- Coached and mentored teacher candidates from UBC for several years, including students from the Indigenous Education cohort and the Fine Arts and Media Education cohort.
- Incorporated Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into all curriculum subjects.
- Worked to build on the momentum of increased student engagement and participation (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) students in their education by ensuring Aboriginal content and culture was infused in the weekly and daily learning opportunities.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Utilized Aboriginal Education workers' knowledge of resources, connections to the community, the traditions and history to help infuse their teaching with Aboriginal content.
- Enhanced student knowledge of technology by integrating various web-based applications for research and assignments.
- Reviewed curriculum and devised alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding.
- Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals.
- Attended and facilitated IEP meetings for students and families.
- Implemented creative ways to foster curiosity for complex principles through hands-on learning and planned activities.
Adjunct Professor and Faculty Advisor
University of British Columbia
08.2007 - 08.2011
- Collaborated with faculty members in designing Communication, Classroom Management, Art Education, and Social Emotional Learning theories in the curriculum and for departmental courses.
- Collaborated with department head to create dynamic, ongoing curriculum development and instruction.
- Organized, prepared and revised FAME (Fine Arts Media Education) cohort curriculum material and applied technological options for practicum teaching opportunities.
- Managed development of Fine Arts Media and Children in Art cohort for use in expansion of curriculum delivery options for teacher candidates and graduate students.
- Advised students in academic matters to improve successful course completion.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching and academic advising to teacher candidates.
- Completed Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education diploma from UBC.
AARO Additional Assistant Returning Officer
Elections Canada
09.2021 - 10.2021
- Maintained a professional demeanor and exercised professional judgment and tact.
- Greeted voting public, including candidates at the voting office.
- Provided online assistance to voters .
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Actively listened to voters' requests, confirming full understanding before addressing concerns.
Adult Education Instructor
Squamish Nation, Eshlahan Learning Centre
08.2022 - 05.2024
- Recommended curriculum choices and created lesson plans to maximize effectiveness of instruction.
- Used positive reinforcement and provided clear feedback to help students succeed.
- Utilized multimedia strategies to facilitate learning and increase student engagement.
- Curriculum focused on the First Peoples Principles of Learning
Education
SoTL - Higher Education Administration And Leadership
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC03.2010
Master of Education - Narrative Research
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC11.2007
Bachelor's of Education - Science Education
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC05.1989
Skills
- Mentor Teacher Candidates for 20 years
- Proficient in tech support and keen to learn new systems
- Passion for learning and being a collaborative team member
- Volunteer coach for all extra curricular sports
- Treasurer and Secretary of North Vancouver Elementary Athletic Association
- Social-Emotional Learning training
- Student-Centered Learning
- Differentiated Instruction
- Professional development workshops
- Academic counseling
- Higher education practices knowledge
Current Education Courses
Currently enrolled in the course Indigenous Canada by the University of Alberta, taught by Dr. Paul L. Gareau.
Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations.
Also presently participating in the course Aboriginal Worldviews and Education. It is heavily focused on examples from Canada. Topics include historical, social, and political issues in Aboriginal education; terminology; cultural, spiritual and philosophical themes in Aboriginal worldviews; and how Aboriginal worldviews can inform professional programs and practices, including but not limited to the field of education.
Timeline
Adult Education Instructor
Squamish Nation, Eshlahan Learning Centre
08.2022 - 05.2024
AARO Additional Assistant Returning Officer
Elections Canada
09.2021 - 10.2021
Adjunct Professor and Faculty Advisor
University of British Columbia
08.2007 - 08.2011
Teacher
North Vancouver SD 44
09.1989 - 04.2021
SoTL - Higher Education Administration And Leadership
University of British Columbia
Master of Education - Narrative Research
University of British Columbia
Bachelor's of Education - Science Education
University of British Columbia
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