Biography
My name is Andrea Hounslow, and I am a Bachelor of Education (Bed) teacher candidate, with over 15 years of experience as a Certified Education Assistant (CEA), in School District 73. I grew up in Kamloops BC, and am now raising my family here as well. My journey in education has been rooted in a deep commitment to inclusive practices, student support, and lifelong learning. I have had the privilege of working one-on-one with students have a variety of learning, behavioral, and physical needs. These experiences have shaped my belief that every student deserves to feel valued, supported, and empowered in their learning journey.
Throughout my career I have worked in district resource rooms, collaborated with classroom teachers and learning assistant staff, and developed adaptive strategies to meet students needs where they are. I have supported learners with autism, ADHD, anxiety, medical complexities, and trauma backgrounds. My approach is student centred, and I strive to create learning in environments where all students feel safe, included, and capable of success. I hold certifications in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), seizure management, and CPR which have equipment the skills to respond confidently to emergency situations and ensure student well-being.
Currently, I am proud to be on the Deans list in the BEd program, a recognition of my academic dedication and reflective teaching practice. My goal is to bridge my extensive hands-on experience as a CEA with pedagogical knowledge and curriculum design as I transition into a teaching role. I believe in the importance of balancing structure and expectations with empathy and compassion. I aim to create learning environments that are respectful, positive, and rooted in equity.
My educational philosophy is shaped by the belief that education should be inclusive, equitable, and diverse. Every student brings unique strengths, perspectives, and needs, and it is essential to recognize and celebrate those differences in the classroom. I value the importance of maintaining clear expectations while fostering student voice and choice. I believe that structure creates safely, and within that structure, students thrive when they feel heard, understood, and respected.
Outside my professional life, I enjoy playing soccer, golfing, spending time with my family, and hiking. I often bring these interests into the classroom through literacy-based activities, visual storytelling, and opportunities for student expression. I also participate in ongoing professional development to grow as an educator and stay current in best practices related to inclusion, trauma informed teaching, and assessment.
I am deeply committed to the values of the BC Curriculum in the First Peoples Principles of Learning, which emphasize holistic, experiential, and relational learning. As a future teacher, I strive to be a positive role model and lifelong learner who cultivates curiosity, community, and critical thinking. With every step of this journey, my goal remains the same: to empower students to become confident, compassionate, and capable individuals to see themselves as successful learners and valued members of their school community.