News

DTI Instructor Spotlight: Jeannine & Jolene

By Tracy LaPrise, DTI Program Coordinator

Jan 16, 2023

Posted in: Adult Basic Education, DTI, Education, La Loche

Since 2020, Dumont Technical Institute (DTI) instructors have had to quickly adapt to the ever-changing delivery methods in our programs across the province. All instructors have shown utmost flexibility and adaptability when it comes to supporting and teaching our students. This month, I would like to take the opportunity to highlight two of our northern Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program instructors; Jeannie and Jolene.

Without their dedication and perseverance throughout a pandemic, there would have been significantly less opportunities for people in the north to obtain an education. These instructors became overnight online teachers, learning the technology as they were using it. Not only were they focused on teaching the curriculum objectives, but they were also focused on providing mental heath support for the many struggles our students were facing. For months of the pandemic, the north was isolated from the rest of the province, with barricades along the highway. This created struggles for food security and access to basic needs such as medical care. Keeping students motivated and successful—in an uncertain world was not an easy task. The weight of the student struggles sat on the shoulders of these instructors for a long period of time.

Jeannie and Jolene are two instructors who stepped up and kept the ABE program running. Their years of experience helped to guide them in this unprecedented academic environment. DTI is very fortunate to have such experienced and caring instructors. Our students are very lucky to have Jeannie and Jolene as their mentors, educators, counselors, cheerleaders, and caregivers.

Jeannie Murray

Jeannie Murray is the ABE Level Three instructor at our DTI La Loche campus. Jeannie’s first language is Dene and she is able to communicate with our Dene students in their first language. This is not only an asset to create better communication and understanding of the curriculum objectives, but it also helps to keep the Dene language strong and thriving. Below is a short interview with Jeannie about her experience as an Instructor: 

• How long have you been teaching? I’ve been working for DTI at La Loche for over 18 years. When I got the opportunity, I started with the level one and two ABE programs. As time progressed, I eventually ended up teaching the level three ABE program.

• What is the best part of your day? The best part of the day is all day every day. I enjoy the moments the students have learned something new and could relate the new knowledge and make some sort of connection.
• What is a challenge you are facing? There are a few challenges but I learned to overcome them as they develop. The qualms of working in the north are the lack of services most take for granted. Most of us have to drive at least three hours away for a regular oil change. So, this is just an example of the general challenges all would face living here. I have a unique group of students this year. What makes them unique is the fact they are undergoing challenges with the new funding like most students are experiencing this academic year.  The transition hasn’t been mild.  It really is an unfortunate situation dealing with personal matters while trying to pay bills when funding is hampered. Most of my students come to school frustrated and days become a challenge.
• What does student success mean to you? Success is growth for each and every one of the students I have encountered.
• What is the best part about living in northern Sask? The family atmosphere we create as a staff and students.  We have our traditional knowledge which we thrive on, especially our traditional lifestyle and foods. We take pride in our building as well and continue to reinforce this with hopes to keep DTI here for a long time.
• What advice do you have for new instructors? Be open to new ventures and unique challenges with open-mindedness. Not everything is as it appears. Get to know us and ask if unsure.

Jolene Roy:

Jolene Roy is the ABE Level 3 instructor in Ile a la Crosse. Jolene’s wealth of experience and knowledge extends far beyond the ABE world, Jolene is a very active community member, involved with the local school board, Friendship Center, soccer coach, and too many others to mention. Jolene is a proud Métis woman who is fluent in Cree and promotes the Michif language in her day-to-day teachings. Below is a short interview with Jolene about her experience as an Instructor:

• How long have you been teaching? I graduated from NORTEP in 1999 and started my first teaching year that fall. After a year, my path led me into the world of adult education. Twenty plus years later, I am very honoured to be with DTI as an instructor.
• What is the best part of your day? The best part of the day is first thing each morning. I love greeting the students, smelling the coffee, and hearing the everyday chatter in the classroom. This interaction feels welcoming and helps structure our day.
• What is a challenge you are facing? The past two years have been quite challenging when it comes to retention rates and learning to be adaptable with technology. One important thing I have learned is to not let challenges define you, rather use them as a teaching tool for improvement.
• What does student success mean to you? Student success encompasses many facets such as graduation rates, retention, and a sense of belonging. Success starts with building genuine relationships with our learners, relationships where the environment supports the outcomes needed for achievement. Our learner-based approaches build confidence, help shape worldviews, and provides ideas of what success can look like beyond the learning environment.
• What is the best part about living in northern Sask? Northern Saskatchewan has always been my homeland. From the lush forests, to the many rivers and lakes, it offers the ideal space for raising a family and staying connected to one’s environment. Those small-town feelings of interconnectedness and family, and shorter commute times are a huge plus as well.
• What advice do you have for new instructors? As a new instructor, venture out into your new community or space. Get to know the community people and what the community has to offer. Build meaningful relationships with your learners by allowing yourself to break down some of your barriers. Get involved in the classroom learning each day, create an environment where your learners are engaged and bring and abundance of enthusiasm into your role.

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