KATE'S OWN WORDS: I am a twenty-seven year ‘veteran’ from the teaching profession in two Ontario accredited Toronto private high schools: School of Liberal Arts and Toronto New School and two Ontario Community Colleges.  In the former school, I was a teacher, vice-principal (student liaison), and guidance counsellor. I was responsible for hiring, training and monitoring teachers; supervision of support staff; professional development; financial considerations; recruitment and marketing; a myriad of other jobs as they arose and taught courses per semester (the list of courses is on my resume). I am not new to hard work, long hours and kids who need a special word here and there to raise both their spirits and resolve.  I have worked with every 'kind' of student from those needing some basic organizational structure, to those with major setbacks in education, to those out of the gifted program but who need motivational coaching.  I have extensive experience in both academic and behavioural issues. I teach young people how to identify what they need to succeed and then, along with the student, set practical ways to go about achieving it.  We do this by finding the courage to frame the questions that make answers possible. What is vital to the end result is that young people learn how to appreciate their capabilities that lie within and remain willing to allow them to be realized. We set goals (daily, short-term and long-term) and reach them.  We set the bar high but not so high that students cannot reach it.    I am a mentor of young people and  my personal goal is to help them through the murky waters of the teenage years. I provide a safe and nurturing environment where I can be a sounding board for my young clients.  I listen, I consider in a non-judgmental manner, and then I take action.  I am results-driven.  I take the fear out of learning by teaching skills in time management, organization, motivation, and organization. I  help teens create innovative good life skills in preparation for handling "real life skills". Finding your voice which includes exploring ideas that shape a positive future. You have a right to lighten up. Assertiveness training - Say "No" and mean it. Figuring out the tricky laws of the mind by conquering self-limiting thoughts. Setting realistic goals and expectations.   I am also First Nations with tribal affiliation to Coast Tsimshian, British Columbia.  Indeed, one of the flagship courses in both schools mentioned above is a grade 12 Native Studies course I have taught since 1994.  I mention this because the course is not only academically situated, but I am also a traditional teacher and offer the cultural/ spiritual way of being that anchors the material. Over the years, I have not only worked with young people of all backgrounds and levels of academic attainment in school but I volunteer in the community to broaden peoples’ thinking regarding diversity. It has been a privilege and joy for me to be involved with Teya Peya Productions for so many years because of the vital work it does in bringing people of all ages, economies and cultural affiliations together.   "Kate Dickson has been transforming the lives of Canada's youth for nearly thirty years. She is a skilled motivator, and engages in "teen speak" with ease. She creates a safe, warm environment for young people to relax and allow the free flow of their thoughts and concerns.  I am honoured to have her as part of the Teya Peya Productions team of skilled life workshop facilitators."   (S. Thunderbird, President, Teya Peya Productions)

KATE AT VARIOUS TEYA PEYA EVENTS - HER PRINCIPAL ROLE IS THAT OF SHOW HOST/NARRATOR (Teya Peya refers to her as the "Goddess of Ceremonies"!)         From Left: GOC, Roberta Bondar PS, Dancing during opening at Bondar, GOC, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Visionfair, Stratford, York University, Kate on field trip with students to Six Nations Reserve.

From left: Posing with her kids after a fabulous performance of a comedy version of Cinderella which Kate wrote = she is very gifted comedic writer; Posing as Mother Earth at one of my Medicine Wheel presentations at her school;  Kate and I officiating at a ceremony; Kate with a student after she has been given her name; Kate in repose.

 

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