Alumna: Courtney Davies
Graduating Year: 2015
Occupation: Elementary school teacher
1) What is your occupation?
I am currently in my 6th year of teaching and taking my M.A. in Educational Leadership. I am teaching grade 5 at Vancouver Christian School, and previously I spent three years teaching Years 5 and 6 in London, U.K. I have also had the opportunity to write for my school’s alumni publication. In the next few years, I hope to apply for Vice Principal roles and work toward getting published in either an educational research journal or to self-publish as a children’s author.
2) How did you end up in that vocation?
After completing my English degree, I took a few years off to attend Bible school and work. I wavered back and forth between pursuing my M.A. in English or pursuing teaching. After much deliberation and several years spent working with children in different formats (play therapy, full time nannying, supporting children with autism), I decided to pursue teaching as a career. I attended Ambrose University in Calgary, where I obtained my B.Ed. From there, I was recruited by an agency in the U.K. to go and interview with schools for a full-time classroom position, one of which I eventually accepted.
3) How did your English degree help you get to where you are today?
My English degree helped me in a variety of ways. First of all, it gave me the subject knowledge and specialization needed to pursue a career in teaching. I was able to fund most of my schooling through tutoring high school essay writing. My ability to write well and to critically analyze a text also allowed me to complete my B.Ed at a high level, earning honours and opening the path for pursuing my Master’s. During my time teaching in England, there was an extensive focus on teaching grammar, and I was grateful for already having some knowledge in this area. I was able to serve as a literacy coordinator in my school there, supporting other teachers with teaching reading and writing, as well as helping them to improve their subject knowledge of grammar if needed. I also attended meetings to help the school district determine standards for writing and assessment.
On a personal level, I also host a successful book club that enjoys literature together each month. Our latest read was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I strongly encourage anyone who is considering taking a B.A. in English that not only will it expand your mind and your view of the world, teach you to think critically and creatively, and be a great deal of fun, it will unfurl before you unlimited career options and uncharted dreams.