TFS - Canada's International School

THRIVING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM In order to thrive at TFS, an educator needs more than just teaching skills and subject expertise—they must also have an open mind, a global mindset and embrace the school's commitment to bilingualism, diversity and innovation. Having a variety of experiences, whether through international teaching, interdisciplinary projects or diverse life paths, brings depth and perspective to the classroom. It's not unusual, therefore, to find TFS teachers with a variety of interests and expertise that extend beyond the classroom, and that are often woven into the fabric of their teaching. Ruth Tate-Campbell is among a growing group of TFS educators who have or are working on completing higher education. Tate-Campbell is in her fourth and final year of an EdD degree (the equivalent of a PhD in education). At TFS, she's a Grade 4 homeroom teacher. She came to the school in 2011 having worked and taught in the UK, Singapore, Egypt and Thailand. In her research, Tate-Campbell is examining how equity is defined and conceptualized in IB documents. Her thesis has led her to participate in professional development opportunities, including a recent IB workshop on inclusion. She's also joined the TFS EDIJ Steering Committee to further her research. "TFS has been incredibly supportive of my academic pursuits and has given me the space and time I need to focus on my teaching as well as my learning," she says. Pursuing a passion beyond teaching can often influence an educator's work in the classroom. For Brian Wickers, a Level IV and V IB English teacher who has worked at TFS since 1998, a successful writing career has augmented his teaching credibility and provided him with real-life examples he can share with his students. Beyond his long- standing career as an educator, Wickers is a published poet. "I've always written poetry. I started in high school and when I realized it was something I was good at, I never stopped," he says. "At 23 years old I had my work published in The Atlantic, which was a really big deal. I have one published book of poetry and another that I'm looking for a publisher." Through his success in the field, Wickers is able to inspire students to channel their own creativity. "I've had some extraordinarily-gifted student writers over the years and some of them have gone on to careers in journalism and writing. Beyond that, I've had students win prizes for their writing. But even for those who pursue other disciplines, that creative outlet will broaden their life, will become something that they can carry with them, something that can restore to them a sense of their full selves," he says. When families talk about their TFS experience, it's often the educators they mention first. Providing children with access to teachers who genuinely care goes a long way towards ensuring a successful academic journey. That's why supporting educators in their pursuit of learning, growth and development is fundamental to the TFS mandate. It's also why nurturing an inclusive, team- based culture with a focus on celebrating a variety of perspectives contributes to a thriving learning environment. In every classroom, the impact of passionate educators is felt—and it's a legacy that extends far beyond the school walls. Ruth Tate-Campbell, Grade 4 Homeroom Teacher Brian Wickers, IB English Teacher 21 TFS

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