Andrew Bullen | Enseignant de sciences

Andrew Bullen

Science Teacher

Paul Rowe Jr/Sr. High School

Created On: September 2, 2016
Sector:
Education and Training
Education Pathway: University
Related School Subjects:
Biology,  Science

Learn About My Career

Andrew Bullen is a science teacher at Paul Rowe Jr/Sr. High School.

I was born/grew up in: Boxey, Newfoundland

I now live in: Manning, Alberta

I completed my training/education at: B.Sc., M.Sc, B.Ed. at Memorial University of Newfoundland

As a teacher I do a lot of public speaking and managing students but what does not get as much attention is the amount of planning and organization that goes into making good lesson plans, tests, assignments and such. If you walk in without a plan everything will fall to pieces really quickly. My background in research has really helped me know how to deal with situations when things don't go as planned and work out the cause and effect of a variety of actions.

Teaching also involves a lot more technology than it used to, both in delivering lessons and in the general lives of our students outside the classroom. Being aware of technology and the way things are moving in the outside world can really help keep you in touch with your students and make my lessons more meaningful in a lot of ways as well.

I got to teaching in a very roundabout way. I did a degree in marine biology and genetics and then did a 2 year MSc. in human genetics. I was on track to become a genetic counselor but I did not think that I could handle that job emotionally. My now wife was a teacher at the time and I had always been interested in teaching. I tried spending some time in a classroom and now I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

Teaching is really the biggest chance I have to make an impact on the world long after I'm gone. If I can help make someone a better or more well-rounded person I am happy with the work I did at the end of the day. Along those lines my favorite part of being a teacher are the ah-ha moments when a student just "gets" something or does something in their personal lives that makes me proud. It's those moments when my students really shine that makes all the hard days and long nights worth it. I really can't imagine doing anything else, the variety, spontaneity, and all around unpredictable nature of teaching really makes me tick.

I know it sounds corny but I really think teaching is one of the more important jobs out there today. The material is one thing that needs to be taught but in a lot of ways the stuff in the book is less important than the other big picture things like how to treat people and how to behave in a workplace. Without good teachers things start to fall apart in a hurry in our society.

I enjoy target shooting, hiking, curling, softball, yoga, and pilates.

At the same time I love reading comic books, playing video and board games, and I have a special love for Magic the Gathering.

It's a bit of an odd mix in some ways but I like to just go with the weirdness.

It's important to remember that you don't have to teach the way you were taught.

What I do at work

As a teacher I do a lot of public speaking and managing students but what does not get as much attention is the amount of planning and organization that goes into making good lesson plans, tests, assignments and such. If you walk in without a plan everything will fall to pieces really quickly. My background in research has really helped me know how to deal with situations when things don't go as planned and work out the cause and effect of a variety of actions.

Teaching also involves a lot more technology than it used to, both in delivering lessons and in the general lives of our students outside the classroom. Being aware of technology and the way things are moving in the outside world can really help keep you in touch with your students and make my lessons more meaningful in a lot of ways as well.

My career path is

I got to teaching in a very roundabout way. I did a degree in marine biology and genetics and then did a 2 year MSc. in human genetics. I was on track to become a genetic counselor but I did not think that I could handle that job emotionally. My now wife was a teacher at the time and I had always been interested in teaching. I tried spending some time in a classroom and now I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

I am motivated by

Teaching is really the biggest chance I have to make an impact on the world long after I'm gone. If I can help make someone a better or more well-rounded person I am happy with the work I did at the end of the day. Along those lines my favorite part of being a teacher are the ah-ha moments when a student just "gets" something or does something in their personal lives that makes me proud. It's those moments when my students really shine that makes all the hard days and long nights worth it. I really can't imagine doing anything else, the variety, spontaneity, and all around unpredictable nature of teaching really makes me tick.

How I affect peoples’ lives

I know it sounds corny but I really think teaching is one of the more important jobs out there today. The material is one thing that needs to be taught but in a lot of ways the stuff in the book is less important than the other big picture things like how to treat people and how to behave in a workplace. Without good teachers things start to fall apart in a hurry in our society.

Outside of work I

I enjoy target shooting, hiking, curling, softball, yoga, and pilates.

At the same time I love reading comic books, playing video and board games, and I have a special love for Magic the Gathering.

It's a bit of an odd mix in some ways but I like to just go with the weirdness.

My advice to others

It's important to remember that you don't have to teach the way you were taught.

When I was a student I enjoyed:

  • Computer Science
  • Foods and Nutrition
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Other: Public Speaking

When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:

  • Liked helping people
  • Was motivated by success
  • Liked reading
  • Played video games
  • Wasn't sure what I wanted to do
  • Liked to take things apart to see how they worked
  • Other: I was very much an inside kid

Related Topics

Careers Genomics Teaching

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