Context: Peterborough Alternative and Continuing Education 2012-Present

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Since 2012 I have been the Visual Art teacher at Peterborough Alternative and Continuing Education at Peterborough Collegiate and Vocational School (PACE@PCVS). It is an inner city alternative day school serving students from 16 plus years of age earning credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diplomas (O.S.S.D.). My classes include adults not previously successful in secondary school, who may face the complex challenges of a low income and the resulting trauma, instability, mental and physical health issues, marginalization and homelessness. A big part of what I do here is creating a safe and welcoming space.

Celebrating and documenting our students has been a fun way to build community. Students are included in all aspects of the process. This is especially important to help students become comfortable with technology as many cannot afford cell phones and computers.

METHODOLOGY
 This is what a flipped classroom looks like at PACE. Everyone is working on different projects. It is a very creative and supportive environment. Learners are supported one on one or in small groups. 

BEYOND THE CLASS ROOM
Working together to create a welcoming and supportive school community is important when many of our learners feel disenfranchised and perhaps have felt intimidated by the educational system in the past.