Bio-Back Ground

Favorite place to relax, Long Beach-Tofino

Although the years are not many in number, the changes that have occurred in my life and my career have been many. I first started my blog, my reflective writing and my entrance into the digital world roughly four years ago. In that time I have not only continued to Blog, Tweet, Pin, Facebook, Flicker and participate in a many more applications that increase my digital footprint, but I have also moved in my career. Since 2011 I have taken the plunge into school administration. This has not been without trials and tribulations. The learning curve for someone in administration is a steep if not more than that of a first year teacher.

Therefore, for the past three years I have been in many aspects a student once again, learning from the practices of peers and connecting with amazing mentors such as Carolyn Cameron, Emilie Keene, Archie Lillico, Glen Theil and as always my mentor and friend George Couros.

What pulled me to education, is what drove me to Administration, students, learning and relationships. In my time as Administration I have learned more than I did at University and look forward to continuing to learn, however my biggest enjoyment and passion is ensuring that the needs of students and the school are being met. That working with a wonderful staff have allowed me to make some great changes to how education and learning are presented at Seba Beach School.

My personality and view on education has not been transformed, but I would say that my practice and how I do things have changed. I have learned Humility not only from my students, but from my colleagues as well. As a teacher I never realized all of the tasks that are associated with school administration, but now being in the position has given me a new lens on what it is all about.

There is no doubt in my mind that education is changing, not only what we are teaching, but also how we are teaching. The movement in education is exciting and I am thrilled and inspired to be part of it and in some factors a key element in the transition towards it at my school.

My name is Shawn Ram and I am currently the Principal of Seba Beach School.

I feel strongly, that educators including myself should use the most appropriate methods to engage students, and I am always receptive to informed decisions and ideas when discussing the “best practices” to ensure student success. I believe that all individuals can impart knowledge based on their understanding and expertise. This drives my own thirst for knowledge, with the belief that knowledge, understanding and interpretation, combined with objectivity improves the ability to facilitate and influence learning.

I am a passionate and self assured individual, which is easily apparent in persona and within my teaching. It is my opinion that to be a successful educator, as individuals we should not only be innovative but also flexible, therefore constantly learning and attempting to apply what we have learned. My greatest example of this is transitioning from teaching high school students to teaching Early Years and Elementary students. This highlighted some of my other qualities such as adaptability, reflection, open mindedness and willingness to learn.

In addition to many of the qualities that I have listed above, I believe that leading a stimulating lifestyle, while being committed in all aspects of life are excellent individual characteristics.

Currently, my educational aspirations are to continue in administration and leadership. I however, hold close the belief that to be an effective leader you must not allow others to lead with you, but that to always be informed you need to, as best as possible keep one foot in the classroom. I am also a strong advocate for the idea that progression occurs as mastery of skills occurs, which to me translates that once I have participated and learned the multiple aspects of one level of administration than personally I will be ready to move on to the next.

I am from Edmonton, Alberta, even though my parents are originally from the Fiji Islands, in the South Pacific. I would interpret that my ability to influence people even exists within my family, as I am the eldest if three siblings all of whom are teachers. This does make for some interesting conversations during family functions.