Elke van BreemenMy Personal Profile

I began my studies in Biology at the University of Victoria and completed a BSc in Natural Resources Conservation in the faculty of Forest Sciences at the University of British Columbia. I worked in environmental education andresearch for wildlife conservation organizations in BC, the U.K. and the U.S. I am a self-taught wildlife artist and have exhibited work in galleries in Vancouver, Alert Bay, and Vancouver Island. I first connected with my passion for teaching through environmental education, and then began teaching art classes to children at community centres. Teaching art is a rewarding experience, as it allows me to inspire creativity, expression and a sense of freedom in young artists. I am also passionate about teaching science, especially ecology, conservation and biology.

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Education and Experience

Field ExperienceI have worked as a student teacher in intermediate elementary and middle school grade levels. My first practicum was in a grade 6/7 class at Randerson Ridge Elementary in Nanaimo, BC where I taught all subjects. My second practicum was at Oceanside Middle School in Parksville, BC, where I focused on grade 7 Art, Science, Language Arts, French and Social Studies. I have worked with younger students, including a kindergarten/grade 1 class at Beachcomber Montessori in Fanny Bay, BC. My experience in the schools has equipped me with lesson planning and classroom management skills, as well as a confidence in providing a safe, comfortable learning environment for students and fellow staff. I enjoy integrating different subject areas and providing accessible learning for students of all learning styles and abilities. The most rewarding aspect of my student teaching experiences was developing positive relationships with my students and sharing in the learning experience with them.

Environmental Education

I worked in environmental education for five years. My most recent position in this field was as outreach coordinator and educator for Cetus Research and Conservation Society, an environmental conservation charity that focuses on protecting marine life around Vancouver Island. I designed, constructed and implemented educational tools and activities used to teach children, youth and adults about marine mammals in BC. It was through this work that I realized I truly wanted to be a teacher!

Art EducationI love art! And I love teaching art. I have taught art classes at community centres in Vancouver, Nanaimo and Parksville to children of all ages. My classes involve a range of media, including drawing, painting, sculpture and tile mosaics.My art classes provide students with the opportunity to explore their creativity and express themselves through visual arts. As part of my passion for wildlife conservation, I encourage students to make connections between art and nature.

Professional Development Interests

I have participated in professional development workshops in the following areas: New Teacher’s Conference (Environmental, Science, Art Education, Graphic organizers), Restitution training, FASD Provincial Outreach, CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention and Aboriginal Education. I made an inquiry into incorporating environmental education into public education and plan on continuing to find solutions to this question throughout my practice. I am interested in enhancing my understanding and skills in the following areas: Differentiated learning/teaching, Technology in education and Inquiry-based education.

Wildlife PhotographyFrom my interest in biology and ecology came a passion for portraying wild animals in their natural element. I began by painting and drawing animals, but wanted to capture my own images to work from. Wildlife photography and film provide me with another medium through which I can educate myself and others about the creatures that we share our world with.