Theresa Southam
Coordinator, Teaching and Learning Institute Instructor, Peace Studies in Academic and Student Development, Administration, Mir Centre for Peace, Student Development and Registrar
Credentials:NISOD 2007
Room P 302
Direct: 250.505.1342
Tel: 250.352.6601 Ext. 342
Areas of Expertise
Communications
Tourism
Peace Studies
Bio
Theresa was born and raised in the lower mainland of British Columbia and moved to the Kootenays in 1990 to attend the Writing program at David Thompson University in Nelson B.C. After graduating from David Thompson University she began taking courses in Selkirk College's University Arts and Sciences program and eventually also graduated from its Fine Woodworking program. Acquiring a five-year, 2.5 million project to build and manage five visitor centres launched her small communications firm leading to many other interesting projects including the building a culture centre in Canada's Arctic community of Pond Inlet. Theresa continued taking courses at Simon Fraser University, eventually obtaining a degree with honours, in Communications. Theresa moved back to Nelson in 1995 when her first son was born and began teaching for Selkirk College's tourism program - running the Nature and Culture Interpretation Program for a few years and delivering a Tourism Diploma off-site for the Osoyoos Indian Band. Most recently Theresa completed a Masters Degree in Intercultural and Professional Communications at Royal Roads University with the support of a Social Sciences and Humanities Research scholarship.
Publications
- Water Stewardhip
- Kokanee Guide for Teachers
- Salmonids in the Classroom
Hobbies and Interests
Road Biking, Swimming, Hiking, Camping, Violin
Memorable Moment at Selkirk College
When I first started teaching First Nations students I remember how miserably the lecture-based model went over. The students looked like they'd rather be anywhere, but in my boring class. Over time, with more small group work, hands on learning and lots of community-based field-trips we could achieve the course learning outcomes and have fun! Since First Nations students have an oral tradition, including face-to-face student presentations, audiovisuals, and social media were important ways of improving my teaching too!
However the real breakthrough came one day when some students were completing their storytelling presentations. One student had asked for several extensions. I encouraged a videotape submission, thinking the student was afraid of a group presentation. The student was adamant that they present that day and I agreed, happy that the student would complete.
This student presentation was one of the most emotional experiences I have had in my life. The story was about such a sad incident, one that I believe I could never overcome. A few minutes in to the presentation I was too overcome with grief (upon hearing her story and thinking about what I would do if this happened to me) to continue as the "teacher". My students demonstrated how lecture-style, one-way communication from instructor to student doesn't always work. They not only helped the student tell the story but provided the necessary support in class and in the weeks to follow. A teacher is not always the leader sometimes the student do that. Teachers have to know when to allow a number of others (students, guests, families) to play a part in the learning process. This is my most memorable moment in teaching for Selkirk College!