Patti Smith
Kitwanga,Canada
Summary
Educator and program manager with over 16 years of experience, adept at creating culturally inclusive learning environments tailored for Indigenous communities. Specializes in curriculum development and online facilitation, with a strong focus on mentoring and program management to achieve high student retention and community engagement. Committed to fostering educational excellence and community development through innovative approaches and impactful program initiatives.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Grade 12 and Adult Education Teacher
Tsay Keh Dene First Nation
04.2024 - Current
- Implemented Adult Dogwood program in remote First Nation community, achieving 100% student retention and projected graduation success for initial cohort.
- Designed culturally responsive curriculum blending BC educational standards with Indigenous knowledge systems, fostering inclusive learning environment.
- Mentored middle school students through targeted academic interventions, strengthening core literacy and numeracy foundations.
- Pioneer innovative curriculum approaches that harmonize provincial standards with Indigenous teaching methods, creating inclusive learning pathways.
Program Manager
Tea Creek
03.2023 - 12.2023
- Managed and implemented programs at an Indigenous-led facility dedicated to food sovereignty and trades training.
- Provided mentorship for 200+ trainees while developing comprehensive support systems for transportation, childcare, and mental health needs.
- Developed grant proposals, and co-authored a discussion paper for BC Ministry of Agriculture.
- Orchestrated daily operations, staff supervision, and timeline management while maintaining program quality and alignment with Indigenous community values.
Primary / ESL Teacher (Remote)
Koobydoo Online Education
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Developed and delivered engaging ESL-focused curriculum for small group classes of 3-4 students maintaining high student retention rates.
- Integrated British Columbia curriculum standards with ESL methodologies to create personalized learning experiences for primary students in core subjects.
- Facilitated dynamic online learning sessions that balanced academic achievement with language development goals for international primary students.
Indigenous Program Facilitator (Remote)
Extra Ed. Inc
03.2021 - 04.2022
- Developed and delivered Indigenous-centered programs for elementary and middle school students, conducting online workshops for up to 30 students in a fun and interactive learning environment.
- Cultivated inclusive learning environments that celebrated Indigenous heritage while promoting cross-cultural understanding and student participation.
- Contributed to the creation of marketing materials, including brochures, flyers, and newsletters for future programming.
ESL Teacher
Omeida Language College
07.2018 - 11.2019
- Provided English lessons to children, university students, and adults, creating customized lesson plans for different proficiency levels.
- Organized and instructed ESL classes in both cultural and natural environments to facilitate immersive learning experiences for students.
- Hosted and emceed a variety of educational and social events, effectively engaging audiences of up to 200 students.
Digital Workshop Host / Instructor (Shipboard)
Holland America Line
04.2012 - 03.2016
- Led cruise ship guests through various Windows-themed classes using set curriculum provided by Microsoft.
- Conducted multiple daily hands-on classes for 30-50 guests, becoming one of the most popular activities of the cruise.
- Collaborated with an international team in a multicultural environment to provide a safe, fun, entertaining shipboard environment.
- Created inclusive learning environments for guests of all technical skill levels, adapting teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles.
Project Manager / Facilitator
Stoney Education Authority
01.2009 - 11.2014
- Developed and taught Visual Composition and Animation courses for Indigenous High School students following Alberta Education standards. Enabled students to explore media, create art, and present their work to the community.
- Facilitated multi-day workshops and community-based animation projects, including the award-winning 'North Peak' now in the Smithsonian Archives at the National Museum of the American Indian.
- Mentored students through multimedia projects, building technical skills while preserving cultural narratives through digital storytelling.
Education
Master of Arts - Human Security and Peacebuilding
Royal Roads University
Victoria, BC05.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Victoria
Victoria, BC05.2021
Diploma - General Studies
Mount Royal University
Calgary, AB01.2005
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Training and development
- Online Facilitation
- Public Speaking
- Program Management
- Cultural Awareness
- Land-based Education
- Grant Writing & Research
Certification
- BC Independent School Teaching Certificate, 2022
- Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2022
- TEFL - Foundations in Teaching English, BridgeTEFL, 2019
- AI for K-12 Classrooms, University of British Columbia, 2025
Timeline
Grade 12 and Adult Education Teacher
Tsay Keh Dene First Nation
04.2024 - Current
Program Manager
Tea Creek
03.2023 - 12.2023
Primary / ESL Teacher (Remote)
Koobydoo Online Education
09.2022 - 06.2023
Indigenous Program Facilitator (Remote)
Extra Ed. Inc
03.2021 - 04.2022
ESL Teacher
Omeida Language College
07.2018 - 11.2019
Digital Workshop Host / Instructor (Shipboard)
Holland America Line
04.2012 - 03.2016
Project Manager / Facilitator
Stoney Education Authority
01.2009 - 11.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Victoria
Diploma - General Studies
Mount Royal University
- BC Independent School Teaching Certificate, 2022
- Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2022
- TEFL - Foundations in Teaching English, BridgeTEFL, 2019
- AI for K-12 Classrooms, University of British Columbia, 2025
Master of Arts - Human Security and Peacebuilding
Royal Roads University
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