b'Back in the Building: Returning to Greenwood to TeachThe students have becomep KARA GANI 15the teachers! Meet twoKara earned her BPHE from Queens University Greenwood alumni whoand her MEd from OISE. She completed a teaching placement at Greenwood in Spring 2022 before have joined our full-timejoining the staff as a full-time Health and Physical teaching staff. Education and Science teacher in September 2022. When did you know you wanted to become a teacher?I knew I wanted to become a teacher about halfway through my undergraduate degree. I volunteered in schools coaching and leading rugby workshops and that definitely sparked my interest. I began seeking more opportunities in education and tutoring, which solidified my decision to work in education.What drew you back to Greenwood to teach?Ive always known Greenwood to be an incredibly unique and top-tier school. When I spoke to my university friends about their high school experiences, they said they wouldnt do it over againbut I felt the exact opposite way! Ive always had such an incredible connection to the school and as soon as I knew I wanted to become a teacher, it was a no-brainer that I would pursue Greenwood. The individualized learning and teaching philosophies here are one aspect that I love, but the community feel and Outdoor Education programs are so brilliantly special and truly unmatched. How has Greenwood changed since you were a student? How has it stayed the same?Other than there being an entirely new half of the building, it honestly feels like I never left! Even when I was in university, I felt so connected to the community that coming back as a teacher was seamless. Greenwood continues to deliberately work to improve the student experience, which in turn has incredibly positive impacts on the staff experience. I admire how much work goes into diversity, equity, and inclusion for every person in the building, which shows how much the school cares about every individual who enters the community.Even when I was in university, I felt so connected to the community that coming back as a teacher was seamless, says Kara,What has it been like working with staff members seen here on the rugby pitch in 2015. from your student days?It has been so rewarding to work with staff members who were a part of my fantastic experience as a student! I feel so privileged to continue to learn from each staff member, old and new. As this is my first year teaching at Greenwood, I have some incredible mentors and people who have helped me and I feel so thankful to have this experience.Greenwood continues to deliberately work to improve the student experience, which in turn has incredibly positive impacts on the staff experience, Kara says.10 evergreen Dec. 2022GRWD211_Evergreen_2022 r4.indd 10 2023-01-12 11:49 AM'