Ryan Clarke
I put this website together (with the help of my wife) to act as a snapshot of who I am and to give you an overview of my career experience. I have also included images below that highlight some of my experience working with students in Elementary, Jr. and Sr. High School -- as well as some other community involvement. I am a passionate teacher and I am confident that I would be a valuable part of your school.
My name is Ryan Clarke, and I am Metis. I am a husband and a proud father of two small children. My son is 7 years old, and my daughter is 4 years old. In the summer of 2019 my family and I moved to St Albert to create a forever home. I have worked the past 2 school years at Paul Kane High School as an academic (dash 1 and AP) Social Studies teacher. I have also taught CALM and Legal Studies at Paul Kane.
The administration at Paul Kane originally hired me with the intent to transition me to Department Head after gaining my permanent contract; however, with the government cuts to education it made it impossible to gain a permanent contract. The administration at Paul Kane really want to keep me on staff, but unfortunately with the shortfalls in funding and internal transfers of staff, I am now looking for alternative employment. Most of my recent experience is teaching Jr/Sr High Students; however, I do have experience educating younger students and really like the idea of working in an Elementary School. Before moving to St Albert I worked at a Jr/Sr High School in Elk Point as the sole Academic Social Studies Teacher for grades 8 to 12.
I originally got into teaching because I wanted to make a difference in the world; to educate and be a good role model for my students. That reason still stands. I strive to have a positive influence on kids, help them develop strong critical thinking skills, and become open-minded to the many complexities in the world. One of my greatest strengths as a teacher is the ability to self-reflect, receive constructive criticism, and ultimately improve my teaching practice.
If you scroll through this webpage you'll find details about my teaching experience, my portfolio (with details of my experience in teaching young kids), my resume, some references, and a recent teacher evaluation. I really appreciate your time in browsing this website and I hope that I am chosen to be part of your team.
Ryan has a great attitude toward teaching and is certainly dedicated to the profession. He is a flexible and creative teacher who connects well with his students. He is an enthusiastic, passionate person with a perpetually positive attitude. Ryan is always open to guidance and is focused on improvement. In short, Ryan is a great role model for both our students and staff members. I am confident Ryan will be successful in any future endeavor he chooses.
Portfolio
Teaching Kids about the Fur Trade
Click here to view close up.
Facilitating Interactive Educational Program
Click here to view close up.
Facilitating Interactive Educational Program
Click here to view close up.
Performing in Educational Play for Kids
Click here to view close up.
My Grade 2 Class
Click here to view close up.
Teaching Younger Ages
I have had a few opportunties to work with younger aged students. I taught Grade 2 during one of my practicums, and I really enjoyed it. I also worked with elementary students when I was employed at the Fort Museum. Some of the responsibilities I had at the Fort Museum included:
- Leading educational school group tours of the museum
- Acting in an educational play for elementary students
- Facilitating interactive educational programs for elementary students
Engaging Lessons
These photos show debates, student presentations, and the Model UN activity in my classroom. I strive to have an engaging classroom. I do this by:
- Using varied instruction.
- Allowing for open-ended projects.
- Doing varied activities: Inquiry-based projects, debates, simulations (Model UN, Mock Parliament, etc)
- Making connections to real-world situations that kids can relate to
Remembrance Day Assembly
Click here to view full yearbook page.
Yearbook Committee
Click here to view full yearbook page.
Karaoke Tuesdays
Click here to view close up.
Remembrance Day Assembly
Click here to view full yearbook page.
"Rock Bottom" - Staff Band
Click here to view close up.
School Participation
These photos show examples of my participation in the school community, outside of my classroom. I have partaken in many aspects of the school, including:
- Remembrance Day Assembly Organization
- Being Head Yearbook Coordinator
- Coaching Curling
- Participating in Tuesday Karaoke
- Participating in Intramurals
- Taking Part in Teacher Band
- Being the Teacher Welfare Rep
Community Involvement
These photos show examples of my participation in the community (Elk Point). I have taken part in a lot of events and aspects of my community, including:
- Volunteering with Children's Theatre
- Performing in Community Theatre
- Moderating Town Election Debate Forums
Student Vote
I am always looking for ways to get my students interested in real world applications of the things I teach in class. One of the ways I do that with my students is by organizing the CIVIX student vote during elections. Here are some photos of one (out of four) I have done during my career at FG Miller. There is also information about a field trip tour of a residential school that I have taken my students on a couple of times.
Ryan exudes compassion, respect, and empathy. He is a diligent teacher who genuinely cares about the well-being of his students. He is always willing to go the extra mile. He is approachable and personable, and his students appreciate his kind demeanor in the classroom. Ryan is a very conscientious teacher who works hard to build positive rapport with his students.
Experience
Social Studies Teacher
Social Studies 10-1, 10AP, 20-1, 30-1, Legal Studies, CALM
- uses strategies to foster critical thinking skills & media literacy
- fosters inquiry-based learning through open-ended projects
- strives to create an inclusive & student-centered classroom
- integrates active learning strategies in the classroom
- achieves high results on 30-1 Diplomas
- collaborates with department on assessments and lessons
- plans engaging lessons with debates, simulations, & projects
- integrates technology in classroom
Social Studies Teacher
Social Studies 8, 9, 10-1, 20-1, 30-1
- sole academic social studies teacher
- had high level of individual autonomy in program planning
- used strategies to foster critical thinking skills & media literacy
- fostered inquiry-based learning through open-ended projects
- strived to create an inclusive & student-centered classroom
- differentiated programs for grade 8 and 9 K&E students
- created cross-curricular lessons through collaboration
- planned engaging lessons with debates, simulations, and projects
- integrated technology in classroom (e.g. Google Classroom)
- has consistent high results on PATs and Diplomas
- was a mentor teacher for U of A student's practicum in 2016
Practicum - Social Studies Teacher
Social Studies 10-1, 10-2
Practicum - Social Studies Teacher
Social Studies 9, 20-1
Practicum - All Subjects
Grade 2
Practicum - Social Studies & Biology Teacher
Biology 20, 30; Social Studies 30-3
In June, 2019, I was involved in the hiring process that brought Ryan Clarke to Paul Kane, and our decision was both unanimous and enthused! He has not disappointed us in any way. Ryan has proved himself to be a most competent professional, a dedicated teacher, and a valued colleague. [...] Given the current Alberta Education budget constraints coupled with the closure of schools to students due to the coronavirus, teaching positions are at risk, Ryan Clarke has been everything we had expected of him- and more- so would likely be moving toward a continuous contract in our Division. While that may possibly be at risk due to circumstances beyond our control, it by no means diminishes the role Ryan has played during this academic year at Paul Kane nor the value of the educational experiences he has offered.
Volunteer & Non-Teaching Experience
Mixed Curling Staff Supervisor
FNMI & Friends Club
Teacher Welfare Representative
CIVIX Student Vote Organizer
Remembrance Day Assembly Organizer
Staff Advisor for School Yearbook
Junior Mixed Curling Coach
Election Forum Moderator
Screened and moderated questions for candidates
Elk Point Theatre Project
Helped fundraise for Youth Drama Club and worked as backstage crew with sets and scene changes
Community Choir Dinner Theatre
Performed in 3 musicals to help fundraise for community choir
Mixed Curling Club President
Organized club events, fundraised for club