Teacher Profile: Michael Owen
Year(s) and Subject(s) Taught Teaching a range of subjects from English, Social Science, Business, and Technology at the High School level (Grades 9-12).
How long have you been teaching? 10 years.
What do you do in your free time? I enjoy reading and film whether it is traditional or new media (internet/social media). I also enjoy exploring new technologies and how they can be applied to make my life more efficient and comfortable.
Why did you become a teacher? Why did you choose teaching as a profession? I was inspired by my Grade 10 English teacher, Mr. Robert Aymar. Previously, I found school unexciting and dull, he brought life and energy to teaching and learning. It also revealed to me that perhaps I can be as excellent teacher as him. As a profession, I choose education as it provided many opportunities to give back to the community whether it was my local community or communities around the world. There are endless possibilities and exciting adventures to be had in the world of teaching.
Tell us about your own education journey. I started an undergraduate program at Brock University near Niagara Falls Ontario, from there I moved to Australia and earned a Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Wollongong, in New South Wales. I am a certified by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) Canada as a teacher.
What is the most memorable moment in your teaching career so far? One of my favourite memories is running an actual taste test in Marketing class. Students are expected to prepare a few food choices and invite other students, teachers and staff to taste and feedback. It is always exciting and informing to see the choices of products students bring to the test and how they interpret the data that they collect.
What do you like most about teaching? I enjoy most the sense of giving and sharing in a good school environment. When all parts are working together for a common goal and there is joy, anything can be possible.
What is the best thing about teaching at your school? I believe the staff are the best thing about my school. They are young, vibrant, energetic, and willing to explore, share, and discover along with their students. They demonstrate the best qualities modern teachers should possess.
Who or what inspires you? Aside from my English teacher, Mr. Aymar. I am inspired by great leaders and thinkers such as Chris Hadfield (ex-Commander of the International Space Station) and Margaret Atwood.