Take 5

TAKE 5 INTERVIEW AND INTRODUCTION BY CAILEY PATTERSON | BRILLIANT LABS, CO-OP STUDENT, NBCC-SAINT JOHN

Take 5 is a regular feature of Brilliant Labs Magazine that focuses on an inspiring, innovative, and has shown entrepreneurial spirit. In this issue we were excited to interview Scott Legge, St. Stephen High School, New Brunswick.

Scott is has been a teacher for 17 years, his career in teaching started from his passion for soccer. He is now learning from his students and is passionate about what motivates them. Let’s Take 5 to learn more about him!

Why did you become a teacher?

Through a love of soccer and wanting to be around the sport as much as I could, I began coaching when I was in High School. It was not on my radar to teach at first even though I did my co-op in my grad year at a Middle School teaching Phys.Ed. I was more interested in sport and coaching. In university, I had a education professor ask why I was not going into the education program. He quipped, “you do know how similar coaching and teaching is, right?”. With that he set up a directed study course where I had to compare the two. The conclusion I guess is history.

What is the most memorable moment as a teacher?

To be honest, it is so hard to pick one. I have been apart of so many amazing experiences. I have been very fortunate. I think it is not so much about the moment, but rather the people I got to share that moment with. I recently had a group graduate who I was with for three years when they were in middle school, and then I moved to High School with them for their last two years. Together, we won major awards with sports, though volunteerism at ‘We Day’, we were featured on CBC, Global and CTV for our Middle School TV show, traveled several countries in Europe, and even had a special visit from the premier. That group had a special place. With them we did and achieved many remarkable things. I currently have another group in grade 11 with whom I have developed a strong connection with. Our latest adventure is a High School TV show that has already made history, being is a High School TV show that has already made history, being the first news group in NB to interview Dr. Tam, which aired on our April show. You can watch all our episodes on CHCO TV, and also by visiting St. Stephen High School’s website.

TAKE 1: Sometimes building those life skills and ‘ah-ha’ moments are years in the making (and mixed with a little luck). Teaching in middle school and then high school, in a rural town, could give you the opportunity to work with the same passionate students over several years. If you get the chance, take it and be amazed at what can be done!

Scott Legge, St.Stephen High School Teacher

Photography: Spartan TV crew

Has a student ever inspired you?

Every student inspires me. I love trying to unlock student passion and interest. Some arrive at their destination sooner then others, but I love the process.

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

Photography: Spartan TV crew

Take 2: Students have passion. It’s a journey. Some arrive at their destination sooner then others, but I love the process.

I think it is more about my vision for students tapping into life skills that is a focal point. For me, that ensures most projects are meaningful. Creating the TV shows has perhaps had the largest impact on the students I have worked with. The responsibility to write, film and edit a segment offers many life lessons along the way.

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

For me, I think the concept of being the ‘expert’ in my subject area is no longer an essential need. I have students who are learning computer programming that is well above my head, sewing and performing in a way I could never truly teach. I am simply helping them connect to the materials and learning they need for those ‘next steps’ in high school and beyond. Tapping into their passions and interests and then challenging them to develop a sound body of knowledge around the concept, getting them in contact with the ‘expects’.

Take 3: Creating the projects and giving responsibility over to the students offers incredible life lessons.

Other closing thoughts?

Photography: Spartan TV crew

Take 4: Don’t be the expert. It’s impossible to be an expert to all students in all subjects/topics/functions. Instead, help them connect to the materials and learning they need for those ‘next steps’ in high school or beyond.

Education is moving in a direction that is meeting the needs of our digital and technical society. No matter the field, we need problem solvers. Those who do not just bring an issue, but those who look for solutions. As we become more global in our thinking, I am hopeful our students will have more chances to travel around the province, Canada and globally through their school years. Travel can inspire, open eyes and teach empathy. It is something I feel is vital to help ensure our kids ready for the challenges of life.

You never know when that ‘eye-opening’ moment will happen, but when it does it can change the course of a person’s life. This is an import part of the solution maker’s mix and schools can be a vital part of that.

Take 5: Make connections through travel. When we can, when it’s safe, let’s work to encourage travel. Exploring other communities and cultures is paramount to creating empathy.