ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Brian
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
I have the educational background, professional experience, and proven record to continue standing up for teachers. I have worked to promote teacher well-being, professionalism, and respect, while building collaboration and a shared vision with members. I bring the leadership, adaptability, and judgment needed to respond to the many internal and external pressures teachers face today. I have demonstrated that I can defend and strengthen teachers’ rights, increase member engagement in our union, and I am ready to continue doing that work.
WHAT QUALIFIES YOU FOR THE POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF PEDAGOGICAL AFFAIRS?
I am seeking re-election on the strength of my experience, my academic background, and my long-standing commitment to LTU teachers. For more than a decade, I have served at LTU, including on the Board of Directors and as Secretary-Treasurer, always working to represent teachers strongly and effectively.
I have taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, across multiple subject areas, as well as undergraduate and graduate courses. I also have the privilege of teaching future and current teachers how to better meet the needs of all students. This matters deeply: someone in this position must understand the realities of the classroom at every level and must never forget that teachers are not the problem - too often, the system is stacked against them.
I also bring significant experience working with students with special needs, as well as experience as a pedagogical consultant in special needs education, an area that is increasingly important for teachers today. With graduate degrees and a PhD in Education, and with experience connecting theory to practice in university classrooms, I am committed to preparing teachers for the real challenges of the profession, not just what is written in textbooks. I have also been recognized for my teaching through nominations and teaching awards, and I am ready to continue putting that experience to work for LTU teachers.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING AGAIN FOR THE POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF PEDAGOGICAL AFFAIRS?
I believe my experience has prepared me well to continue serving in this role. My work at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, with both regular and special needs students, has given me a strong understanding of teachers’ realities across the system. Combined with my academic background and ongoing advocacy for teachers, this experience has equipped me to meet the demands of the position. I have also remained actively involved on committees directly related to this role in my schools, within the LTU, and at QPAT.
MISSION STATEMENT
Theory and Practice
Unions exist to serve their membership, and I have always believed that strong teacher working conditions improve student learning conditions. As Director of Pedagogical Affairs, I have consistently advocated for LTU teachers both case by case and across the membership, always working to ensure that teachers are heard, respected, and supported. Since being elected, I have helped deliver concrete results for teachers, including defending professional autonomy, raising cooperating teacher stipends, maintaining PIC sub costs despite inflation, supporting mentoring, expanding access to telemedicine, opening additional special needs classes, and carrying out school visits to hear teachers’ concerns directly.
I also bring theory and practice together. Alongside my union work, I have continued teaching practicing teachers, graduate students, and pre-service teachers, while serving on key committees related to pedagogy, labour relations, special needs, professional learning, equity, and social justice. That experience has strengthened my ability to connect educational stakeholders, build relationships, and respond effectively to the pedagogical and leadership issues facing teachers today.