Toronto Maple Leafs Teacher Highlight and Most Valuable Teacher February Nominee!
Name:
Gary Braid
School:
ELIZABETH B. PHIN from the DURHAM DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Classroom Team:
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Teaching found me. I was always involved in helping people with academics and coaching and then one day the light went on and teaching presented itself as a career.
What has been your most memorable moment as a teacher?
Any time a child has a fixed mindset, or believes that they cannot do something, and I help them achieve what they were convinced they could not. Those moments are PRICELESS!
What is your favorite part of Future Goals and how are you using it in your classroom?
We are using Future Goals as an ‘out of the box’ type learning activity. It provides children an opportunity to learn through sports stories and analogies. We like that it does not really feel like work!
What was your student’s reaction to the program?
Students have been using these courses for the past few years. Each year is different. I think that this year we are a little more successful than years’ past.
Who is your favorite player?
Having seen John Tavares play for the Oshawa Generals several times (I taught in South Oshawa for several years), I would say that he is my favourite player. The reason why I cheer and follow his career is because he feels ‘local’ and he has succeeded for every team, in every country, that he has played in. Watching him play in the World Juniors was a surreal experience as well as a fan.