Take 5: Shaun Doyle Graham, Creighton Junior High

You've been a teacher for how many years?

It is with great pleasure to introduce you to Mr. Shaun Doyle, Grade 9 Teacher at Graham Creighton Junior High in Dartmouth, NS. January 2019, Shaun contacted Brilliant Labs' Sarah Ryan, Nova Scotia Program Director, to begin projects to support his Grade 9 Class with digital literacy opportunities. He received a Micro:Bit Inventors Kits through the Brilliant Labs Project Fund. Sarah visited his classroom to deliver several in-person coding sessions for his class over the past two years. Last year, his class participated in Bio Innovation Challenge workshops and today they continue learning through virtual sessions. Together, Shaun and Brilliant Labs, are helping his students with their projects and digital literacy skills. We are happy to share our Take 5 interview with you as Shaun continues to go the extra mile to bring opportunities to his students whether it be in person or virtually.

I am in my 16th year teaching. I have spent that entire time teaching at Graham Creighton Jr High School in Cherrybrook, NS. I am deeply proud to call the GCJH community my home.

Why did you become a teacher?

I became a teacher because I had one very special teacher in Grade 1. Mrs. Drake showed me the impact one person can have on so many others. She set an example for combining a caring and compassionate personality with the belief that all students have amazing potential and can achieve anything with the right support. Everyday, I strive to live up to that standard and it is my goal to have even half the impact she did.

Has a student ever inspired you? If so, how has that changed your teaching methods?

I have been blessed to be surrounded by excellent colleagues who have been a source of inspiration. When things are challenging or difficult, it is so helpful to know that there are people who you can lean on. Similarly, my students have been a source of inspiration and their ability to make me laugh while rising to meet expectations provides me with the energy and motivation to power through obstacles or frustrations.

Take 1: Combining caring and compassion with the belief that all students have potential is an impactful professional perspective, that can transform learning outcomes.

Shaun Doyle, Creighton Junior High School Teacher, Grade 9

Photo submitted

What is the most memorable moment as a teacher?

I have had many memorable moments as a teacher. I’ll never forget trips I’ve taken with students, trips that allow me to see them outside of the classroom setting and make connections with them get to know them as people. However, one of the most memorable moments happened a few years ago when a student was terrified of presenting. Through coaching and supporting them, they were able to present with whispers and tears. By the end of the year, this student stood up and delivered a comfortable, confident presentation with smiles. Any teacher will tell you that watching a student who struggles and then overcomes is the single greatest feeling there is and I have had many of these, but this student stands out.

Take 2: During challenging times, remember your colleagues. Even during a pandemic, you can connect to share triumphs and concerns. We are not alone.

Tell us about a project or challenge that helped students improve their learning? How did that make you feel?

I teach the Discovering Opportunities program and every year, we take on a project around the school. The first year I did this, I led the activity and had students help design an outdoor learning space. The students had a lukewarm reception to an idea I thought they would really love. The next year, I allowed the class complete control over the entire project. From the idea phase through to construction and completion, I was merely a guide for their collaboration and innovation. By shifting the focus of the project from me to them, students learned so much about project creation, about collaboration and about themselves. I was so proud of them for the work they did. It was a much more rewarding experience.

Take 3: Remember your ‘memorable’ teaching moments. Consider the student who was fearful of public speaking. Did they overcome their fear with coaching and your support? New methods for teaching, like using technology and remote learning tools, can be intimidatingly, but like your student, overtime it will get easier and the befits will be worth it. Embrace the unknown.

Creighton Junior High Student working with the Micro:Bit for a project.

Photo submitted

Since March we've seen incredible changes in our world and its effects on education. What is your perspective on virtual learning and how can we prepare for a possible return to "learning at home"?

Learning virtually has its benefits. Under a global pandemic, things cannot run the way they are used to. There are so many adjustments that both teachers and students have to make. I am deeply proud of my colleagues as they navigated such a monumental shift in their practice and did so on the fly. I am also impressed by how well students adapted to all of this. That said, nothing can replace the personal interactions of a classroom. While there were opportunities to examine teaching practice and learn new tools, it created a lot of stress for students and teachers alike. My advice would be to embrace the unknown, but understand that it is a learning experience. To try and completely recreate the classroom experience is impossible. Prepare as best you can for the scenario and execute to the best of your abilities. Be proud of the steps you’ve taken. Trying to rebuild an aircraft mid flight is not an easy task.

Take 4: Let go! Become the guide for student collaboration and innovation. When you do this you’ll find their shelf-confidence and learning will exceed expectations. It will be a much more rewarding experience for you and your students.

How has your classroom experience changed? How do you inspire your students?

My classroom experience has changed in that students and I take time to enjoy the little conversations and day to day interactions. We missed that when we were not together in school. I would also say that the experience of transitioning to an online offering has forced me to lean on technology in a much different and thorough way. Embracing the electronic component of learning has led to increased engagement and success. I wouldn’t say that I inspire my students, so much as they inspire me.

Student working on coding project.

Photo submitted

Take 5: The global pandemic is stressful. We can’t fully recreate the classroom on-line. Be prepared as best as you can and know it’s ok to feel the way you do. Be proud of the steps you have taken. You’re doing great!

Brilliant Labs Magazine | Revue Labos Créatifs | A quarterly magazine to share the stories of youth, teachers and community. Read more or to share your story, visit www.brilliantlabs.ca/magazine