STEVEN NORTHCOTT

Being a teacher is one of the many hats that I wear and aside from being husband and father of two incredible daughters, my most important.

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I have been fortunate to have many roles during my 22-year teaching career, but my emphasis and passions are focused on the visual arts and health and physical education. I have taught visual arts across elementary school straight up through middle school and right up to high school. Challenging kids creatively has given me purpose and drive and has allowed me to live one of my passions in the hopes of communicating to kids that a presence of art in their lives is an authentic demonstration of a life well lived. 

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This past year, I reflected on my next chapter in education, my next personal challenge, I looked to how I could continue leading in something I am passionate about while at the same time, continuously evolve, learn and grow as an educator. I recently completed my Intermediate Qualification in Health and Physical Education at Trent University. Alongside the arts, a lifelong commitment to being active and healthy was the logical next step in my teaching career. Growing up, it was the P.E classes that brought me the joyful pockets in my day. I was able to be myself, to be active, to be free. I often connected most closely to my P.E teachers and I am excited to grow as a Health and Physical Education teacher. I have always maintained a connection to Physical Education as a teacher throughout my commitment to coaching as I have been an assistant or head varsity coach for Soccer, Basketball, Track and Field and Softball.

I have experience in visual arts curriculum creation and design, have enjoyed time as a visual arts team leader, worked as a visual arts facilitator for ISB’s unique and innovative Future’s Academy program and have presented/exhibited at numerous teaching and art conferences around the world. I look forward to being immersed into the inspiring community of Physical Education teachers.  In 2023, I had the pleasure of attending the Thailand PHASE conference for outdoor and physical education teachers and was consistently inspired by the enthusiasm and passion for their subject.

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In my classrooms, there is a focus on skill development and student center learning.  Driven by process, I communicate to students the power of art as a communication tool and that the journey through inquiry and development is just as important, if not more important than the final piece.  When teaching emerging artists, I aim to instill a sense of bravery and courage, commitment to exploration, and development of personal skills. Focusing on themes and student choice philosophies allows students of varying skills to create art at their own pace and personal interests.

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A healthy art department should be evidenced throughout the entire school. My willingness to collaborate across divisions and subject matter ensures that I am a go-to-teacher for advice and consultation on all things creative. As a middle school art teacher, I have lent my expertise to high school students who still need support, middle school drama productions through the painting of sets and props, and creating school-wide exhibitions for beautification and wonder within the school. 

These philosophies transfer effortlessly to health and physical education. Teaching Games for Understanding (TGFU) allows students from all skill levels and abilities the opportunity to learn the skills and strategies necessary to be successful in their physical education journey. Additionally, a school that is committed to physical education is demonstrated through its sports and activities programs, intramural programs, sport and activity days and through its active students.

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One of the best pieces of professional advice I ever received was from a friend who was a general manager at some of the best 5-star hotels in the world.  I asked him how he was able to satisfy the needs of so many guests who expect nothing but excellence all the time.  He responded that when someone comes to him and asks if they can ask him a question, he’ll always reply, “the answer is yes, what’s the question?”

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When it comes to teaching, that is the answer.