Know Your Profs is an ongoing series of profiles on the instructors at Camosun College. Every issue we ask a different instructor at Camosun the same 10 questions in an attempt to get to know them better.
Do you have an instructor that you want to see interviewed in the paper? Maybe you want to know more about one of your teachers, but you’re too busy, or shy, to ask? Email editor@nexusnewspaper.com and we’ll get on it.
This issue we talked to Indigenous Studies instructor Tommy Happynook about connections, applied learning, and the importance of being on time.
1. What do you teach and how long have you been at Camosun?
I have been teaching at Camosun for about seven years within the Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Family Support, and Indigenous College Prep programs. I specifically teach courses related to Indigenous ways of knowing, Indigenous health, understanding Indigenous people, Indigenous ways of wellness, and Indigenous identity.
2. What do you personally get out of teaching?
I feel a sense of responsibility to share my experience and knowledge as an Indigenous person in the courses that I teach.
3. What’s one thing you wish your students knew about you?
My teaching principles are guided by and grounded in my culture. Relationships are foundational to my teaching practice. I believe in engaging students in a way that encourages them to better understand their knowledge and experience in relation to the course’s content. I like to teach from an applied learning/experiential approach. My teaching principles draw on theories and methodologies developed through my culture, Indigenous studies, and anthropology.
4. What is one thing you wish they didn’t know about you?
I can be diverted from a lecture by good questions and the resulting discussions.
5. What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you as a teacher here?
I got to see the first students I ever taught graduate from Camosun. Seeing students make the connection between course content and their own lives.
6. What’s the worst thing that’s happened to you as a teacher here?
Generally, when I am unable to get technology working. Specifically, when a newly written lecture does not go well or as planned.
7. What do you see in the future of post-secondary education?
A deeper understanding of the importance of Indigenization. Also, applied learning to ensure student success college-wide. This is already happening, mind you, and I am really excited by the future prospects of what this looks like outside my own department.
8. What do you do to relax on the weekends?
Play with my six-year-old son. I also really enjoy being outdoors, even though I do not get out as much as I would like.
9. What’s your favourite meal?
Fish and rice.
10. What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Lateness.