Sam Sampson

I received my Bachelor of Arts and my Bachelor of Education at St. Francis Xavier University in 2015 and 2017 respectively. Upon graduating I moved across the country to begin my teaching career in the prairies, substituting in Saskatchewan for one year before moving to Fort McMurray permanently. Since 2018, I have been teaching predominantly middle years in the region. After teaching Grade 6 for 4 years at Sister Mary Phillips School I decided to move to Grade 9 at Elsie Fabian School in Fort McKay. I took this opportunity to learn more about indigenous education and how we can enhance the curriculum with traditional teachings, which has since become a passion of mine. I have learned a great deal in this time, from tipi teachings, to harvesting practices and protocol, to skinning and prepping hide, and various forms of art. Beading quickly became my favourite hobby and has allowed me to create options classes to pass on the art form to the next generation. Working with students who struggled in their academic and personal lives proved to be a challenge, but brought with it great rewards. Throughout my teaching career I have become very accustomed to the writing of ISPs/IPPs and executing those plans in the classroom, as well as working with parents to provide the best for their children. I have experience working with students from all backgrounds and abilities, modifying programming from the kindergarten level to enrichment of advanced students. One of my favourite strategies to engage students is to tie curricular outcomes to student interests and show them how their learning can be used in the real world, which is often difficult for students to see and understand in traditional classrooms. 

McMurray Métis Local 1935, Fort McMurray, AB: April 2024—Present

Cultural Programs Coordinator.

Elsie Fabian School, Fort McKay, AB: September 2022—March 2024

Teaching grades 7, 8, 9 Science, Grade 9 Social Studies, Grade 9 Health, Film Studies, and Beading.

Fort McMurray Catholic School Division, Fort McMurray, AB: September 2018—June 2022

Grade 6 Teacher at Sister Mary Phillips Elementary School, All Subjects.

Prairie Spirit School Division, Warman, SK: November 2017—May 2018

Substituting Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, All Subjects.

Guysborough Academy, Guysborough, NS: November 2016—April 2017

Student Teacher of Grades 7, 8, 9 Social Studies, and Grade 12 Global History, and Healthy Living 9.

East Antigonish Academy, Monastery, NS: November 2015—April 2016

Student Teacher of Grades 7, 8, and 11 English.

St. Francis Xavier University:                              

Bachelor of Education: September 2015—May 2017

• Middle/Secondary school teacher in English and Social Studies
• Additional methods course specializing in teaching Diverse Cultures in Social Studies
• Positive Space I and II
• Electives in Guidance, Mental Health, and Middle School Science

Bachelor of Arts: September 2011—May 2015

• Major in English with a Minor in Religious Studies
• Graduated on the Dean’s List