By Pat Trottier
Working Together as a Learning Community
Abstract
In her paper Pat Trottier shares many school projects and initiatives where relationship building had a very positive impact on teaching and learning. Teachers and students built stronger connections and parents and other community members were important partners in learning to understand and appreciate each other. Trottier relates how her diverse school community came together, over a two year period, as a culturally responsive learning community with the Library Learning Commons central to all programs.
Pat Trottier, M.Ed., has been actively involved in education in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for more than thirty years. Pat has worked with students in the early, middle, and senior years as a teacher, resource specialist, and administrator. Her extensive support of students in and outside the classroom includes leading volunteer programs, preparing students for the work force, student council leadership, and helping parents with issues around child development and study skills. She recognizes the important role of physical activity and has coordinated a girl’s hockey team and Irish dancing classes. Committed to the professional development of teachers, Pat has been involved in developing a writing curriculum with early year’s teachers and an award-winning video, “To Do The Same Thing.” Author of Relationships Make The Difference (2016) Pembroke Publishing.