Educator of the Month - Liana Tilt

We're excited to share the next Educator of the Month with you - Liana Tilt. Here's how she answered our questions (hint: the best advice she ever received is priceless!)

Mrs. Tilt, we're thrilled to have you as our Educator of the Month for March. Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Liana Jule Tilt and my maiden name was Greiner but my family calls me L.J.,Geaner, or Mule. I was born in Matsqui, B.C. near Abbotsford and moved around to Loon Lake, Yarrow, and eventually to Summerland in the Okanagan where I spent most of my life.

How long have you been a teacher at SCIDES?

This is my fourth year as a teacher as SCIDES although I was away on maternity leave in 2016/2017.

Why did you become a teacher?

I enjoy learning and get excited about curiosities like how much weight an ant can lift relative to its body size and why the sky looks blue during the day but red at dawn and before dusk. I also have an appreciation for the physical beauty of our planet and the interconnectedness of the world around us. I became a teacher because I wanted to share my passion for learning and my love of the outdoors with other people. I initially trained as a Science and PE teacher but consider myself blessed to have taught a great variety of subjects throughout my career. I have never had the same course listing for any one year and am appreciative of the learning that this career path has allowed me to continue to do because of this variability. 

Wow, that's a great answer. How can anyone not want to be a teacher after reading this?! What's your favourite aspect of being a teacher?

My favourite part is seeing the personal growth in students as they progress in their academic studies. While learning facts is useful, the skills that they develop as a part of the learning process like how to relate with others, problem solve, and think critically are more important. I especially like seeing students become more aware of who they are as an individual and their confidence grow in themselves.

What's your least favourite aspect of being a teacher?

The administrative work is definitely my least favourite part! I would much rather spend my time connecting with students and helping them with their learning than completing paper or electronic records to verify that I'm connecting with students and helping them with their learning.

You're certainly not alone with your dislike for administrative work! What's your best advice for students who want to figure out their career path and calling?

Get involved in your community and try new things! There may be an untapped passion that awaits you. 

Great advice! What's your favourite book and why?

My favourite book is hard to nail down but I have a favourite author: Wilbur Smith. I enjoy the general genre of historical fiction but especially appreciate his descriptive imagery. My dad introduced me to his work and my husband and I started our dating relationship by meeting up to read a book of his together. My favourite series is the third sequence of The Courteny Novels.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

The best advice I've ever received is "remember who you are". My family used to say this to me when I was leaving the house as a teen. It took me a long time for it to really sink in, but I understand now that it is important to stay true to your beliefs and ideals and to not compromise yourself for the approval of others.

That is fantastic advice for anyone! What do you still want to learn?

So much! The more I learn the more I understand how much I do not know. Right now I am completing a Home Economics Diploma as I want to learn more about family life and food and nutrition.

When you're not busy helping your students and marking assignments, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially time outdoors. I like to go fishing, camping, and am learning about gardening. My favourite sport is softball and I've been playing it for over 20 years. Our staff has a recreational team that we put together for fun and I also usually attend a provincial and/or national tournament each summer with the all-ladies team that I play on. I do like to have some quiet time to myself every now and then although the occurrence has been much less frequent since the birth of my daughter. But when I do, I like to sit on the beach, on the couch, or in a hot bath and read a good book.

A good book is always a good idea! Thanks so much for taking the time, and for your insights, Mrs. Tilt!

Do you have questions about how we can help you take charge of your education? Connect with us via our website, where you can also browse course and program options, and find study tips for elementary and secondary students.