Oh Canada Eh!! My name is Stephanie Ray and I am from Ottawa, Ontario Canada. We all don’t actually say, “Eh”!! I am considered an international student even though it doesn't seem so international! I am currently a part-time professor at Algonquin College in Ottawa teaching many different courses in the Early Childhood Education program. I began my career in Early Childhood working in a variety of programs and with diverse age groups, toddlers being one the age groups I really enjoy.  I love listening to their language blossom each day, watching their sense of self grow along with their curiosity and count how many times they actually say the word, “No”. I have had lots of opportunities to work with many different educators who share my passion and some who do not have the same passion. I wanted to take this passion and turn it into something positive that could hopefully make a difference. This is when I changed my career path from children to adults. We all have had teachers who have crossed our paths who have been unforgettable for different reasons. Some reasons being negative and some who have made a difference and made us feel good about ourselves. I wanted the chance to teach my students how to be one of those “unforgettable” educators. To become educators who make a difference and make a positive impact on children’s development.  I bring my humor, experience and stories to class to help them learn effectively. Many of my students share with me how much they enjoy coming to class and how I make learning fun. I hope that I am one of their teachers who are “unforgettable” as well.

I am very excited and nervous to begin this new journey. I have my experiences to share which is one of my strengths.  I am not savvy in the technology department and that is what I feel will be one of my challenges. I never give up, so I will figure things out (it just may take me longer)!! I am also a wife, a mom of two school children and a puppy!! Learning how to manage and divide my time will be a task that I will have to learn to divide and conquer.

I look forward to hearing from all of you and finding out about your strengths and challenges. Maybe we will find out that we have many similarities and learn from each other’s strengths.