"The only way to be totally free is through education" - Jose Marti
ABOUT ME
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The motto of my elementary school was “be the best you can be”. Throughout my life, I’ve often reflected on that mantra, with the understanding that my schooling experience was focused on becoming a conscientious global citizen and leader. I aim to create similar opportunities for my future students to discover not only a world of knowledge and potential passions, but also to define the best version of themselves.
I am making the transition into teaching after a successful career as an exploration geologist. I have a deep respect for science and outdoor pursuits, but education has consistently been the undercurrent to my life. As the daughter of a school librarian, I was privileged to observe and befriend teachers both inside and outside of the classroom. I witnessed them constantly striving to better themselves and their practice in order to reach the margins of their classrooms. I have never met a group of professionals that I hold in such high esteem as I do teachers.
My love of sciences led me to instruct the Grade Six science review program twelve years ago, and I have been teaching informally ever since. I have worked as a tutor, teaching assistant, science programs instructor, and youth programs recreation leader. Whenever I was unable to work in the field of education I found volunteer opportunities that would bring me back to teaching. I created a technology education program while on a geology contract in Jicaro, Nicaragua, I volunteered as a classroom assistant at Spruce Avenue School, and since 2013 I have been volunteering as a leader for the Junior Forest Wardens. Through these pursuits I recognize that the ideal classroom exists in relation to the student - wherever that student may be and whatever that student may need to succeed.
Every person fails in some aspect of life from time to time, and I am no exception. It is the recovery - the resiliency - that enriches eventual success. I am particularly interested in the struggle many students face in the field of mathematics. My early failure in post-secondary calculus later evolved into defiance-driven acquisition of a first-class mathematics degree. I recognize the feelings of helplessness, shame, and bewilderment that often accompany failure, and I know the power that a well-fostered growth mindset can wield. I want to change the stigma surrounding mathematics to one of an approachable, artistic, and enjoyable science by providing my students with positive mathematical experiences and specific, measurable achievements.
In May of 2017, I spoke at the Alberta Mathematics Dialogue Conference about my valuable experiences with growth mindset practices, collaborative teaching, and early intervention strategies during my advanced practicum at Esther Starkman School. My practicum reinforced my belief that given opportunity, support, and time, every student will be able to master any task, and that classrooms cannot operate as islands. The best teachers and students are willing to use the help and knowledge of those around them to improve their practice. Through supportive collaboration my future students and I will persevere in being the best we can be.
Please feel free to contact me at agarrett@ualberta.ca or by filling out the form on the contact page.
TEACHING INTERESTS
Mathematics
Algebra, Calculus, Geometry, Graph Theory, Proofs
Science
Biology, Earth Science, Sustainability
Spanish
Beginner, Intermediate, Grammar, Vocabulary
EDUCATION
University of Alberta 2003 - 2008
B.Sc. Earth and Atmospheric Sciences with Specialization in Geology
MacEwan University 2013 - 2015
B.Sc. Mathematics
University of Alberta 2015 - 2017
B.Ed. Secondary Education, with Distinction