Meeting Ms. Green and Ms. Spencer

Over the next few weeks, I'll be profiling new teachers and staff in the Howl. These first two staff members, however, aren't exactly new: Ms. Shannon Green started at WPGA last November (but never received a proper introduction!) and Ms. Lindsay Spencer graduated from WPGA in 2006 (technically making this year her 11th at the school!). However, regardless of when they officially started, they're still new to most of us, and I was eager to learn more about them and how they feel about WPGA.    

Ms. Green returns to WPGA as Skills Centre specialist, providing literacy, executive functioning skills (time management, task initiation, organization) and curricular support to students in our Skills Centre. She loves working with students one-on-one and in small groups, and really enjoys being part of the team at WPGA. "Everyone here is so enthusiastic about their jobs, and it's exciting to be part of that enthusiasm. There's a camaraderie and buoyancy at WPGA that's unique."

An Ontario native, Ms. Green grew up in Alberta. She did her undergraduate degree at Simon Fraser University and obtained a Master of Education in England. Prior to joining WPGA last fall, Ms. Green taught in Kuwait, Cairo and the U.K. for eight years ("a phenomenal experience"). She has also taught at Surrey College, owned a learning centre and tutored privately. As much as she loves to travel, she is thrilled to be settled at WPGA. When she's not working (or commuting to her home in Port Coquitlam), Ms. Green spends time with her children (Taylor, 18, plays in the Western Hockey League for the Brandon Wheat Kings; Anika, 16, is in grade 12 and is a talented equestrian). She also likes to practise yoga; in fact, Ms. Green is a certified yoga teacher who specializes in yin and hatha styles and teaches for the City of Coquitlam.   

Ms. Lindsay Spencer
Having started at WPGA in 1996 as a student, Ms. Spencer returns to her alma mater to teach English 8 and 9, creative writing and persuasive writing. Yet although the student body has grown since her student days, Ms. Spencer notes WPGA hasn't lost its close-knit feel. "The community grows stronger each year. People are aware of and proud of WPGA's family culture, which shapes our identity as a school."

While a student at WPGA, Ms. Spencer was very involved in debate. The cocaptain of the competitive debate team in grade 12, she travelled to Boston and New York City for Model United Nations conferences and to the U.K. for the Oxford University Debates and Durham University Debates. She credits debate with not only helping her find her niche in life (she continues to volunteer for the B.C. Debate and Speech Association, which helps to grow debate throughout B.C.), but also for her career choice. "Getting involved in debate at WPGA changed my life. It's why I became a teacher: to keep being involved in debate and to encourage others to do so." 

She will get her chance now; as the coach of the junior debate team (grades 4-7), she will also assist Ms. Lee with the senior debate program. 

When she's not debating or dining out (Fable and Lupo are favourites), the recent UBC graduate likes to catch up with her siblings, Robyn ('11) and Brian ('13), also WPGA alumni. 

Thank you, Ms. Green and Ms. Spencer, for giving us some insight into your personal and professional lives. We are lucky to have you both at WPGA!