Monique Corno

I had the pleasure of mentoring students in grades 8 through 12 while I was a teacher at this small-town high school. Although most of my time at this school was concurrent with the COVID pandemic, I focused my time, talent, and energy on building positive relationships with students and strengthening school spirit. I revived the drama program and was able to bring two full-length productions to the stage. I reinvigorated the student leadership program and was the primary force helping youth develop a school culture in which students felt empowered to share their talents and celebrate the talents of others. I also ran a strong visual arts program and created meaningful projects that allowed students to express their unique perspectives. I was the grad teacher sponsor in 2022, managing and mentoring the elected grad executive, and bringing their vision for their prom and grad to fruition.

During my time in this district, I taught courses in multiple grades and disciplines. Although I truly enjoy teaching all ages, much of my work throughout my teaching career has been centered around the creation, development, and growth of programs in the visual arts and theatre performance departments for senior high students. Annual student productions became a widely anticipated community event, and student art exhibits gave young artists the necessary exposure and confidence to develop as artists. Many of my students went on to continue their training and pursue careers in these fields. I was one-half of a creative and energetic duo, mentoring youth in student leadership at our high school. This partnership was likely the most influential in my own skill development in event planning and administration, for not only school events, but also those in which students had the opportunity to mesh with larger-scale community and provincial events.

One of three teachers at this school, I taught grades 4 through 6, and also taught science to the senior class (grades 7 through 9). I also worked closely with elders in the development of their Sekani culture class curriculum. As I lived in the heart of this vibrant, yet remote, First Nations community, I became heavily involved in local events and traditional practices. Rarely bestowed on those from outside the community, I was given a Sekani name by the village elders before I left and I have tried to honour this name even to this day.

FURTHER WORK EXPERIENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.