Hello, and thanks for dropping by.
Hello, my name is Laura Beal and I am an English and FNMI Studies teacher at Erin District High School (located in Erin, a very small town about halfway between Guelph and Orangeville) in the Upper Grand DSB. During my 20 year career I’ve taught English, history, law, civics, careers, and Indigenous Studies. I worked as a Curriculum/ Literacy Coordinator in my school board for three years, which was educational, rewarding, and challenging. I have also worked with ELAN (the English Language Arts Network) and am currently my school’s OSSTF Branch President.
I have many hobbies and interests outside of school, such as reading, coaching volleyball, curling, crocheting, and travelling. As an English teacher, I am usually reading a book, but I also have to admit that I love watching TV (hey, the programs are narratives!). I love doing epic trips and have travelled through Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia, along the Trans-Mongolian railway, across the USA by train, and through Scandinavia. I’m looking forward to once again travelling when we are able. I also love canoe tripping and annually go on our school’s Outdoor Ed trips.
I currently teach in the Upper Grand District School Board, which serves more than 35,000 students through 65 elementary schools and 11 secondary schools in the City of Guelph, County of Wellington and County of Dufferin (UGDSB website). I am privileged to have started my career teaching in 1999 at Erin District High School, which is an unique facility as we are a shared facility. In 2000, EDHS opened at our new site after being built attached to the existing Community Centre. We share some facilities – the theatre, cafeteria, and library – and the school has access to the arena, tennis courts, and a skate park (although we don’t use the skate park!). This school-community partnership has created many unique opportunities for students and staff over the years.
LB's Learning Blog 