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Michelle Doyle went into teaching because she thought it was a profession that could take her around the world. She couldn’t have been more correct in her assumption.  In her twenty-six year career, she has taught in Alberta, Japan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Powell River. According to Michelle everyone that she has connected with throughout her travels and teaching have left a mark.  

These varied teaching experiences make Michelle is a perfect match for her current assignment at Brooks Secondary as Coordinator of the International Student Program. When she left Brooks nine years ago to teach abroad, the school had twenty-five International students. When she returned in 2019 there were 104 International students. As a result of COVID the numbers were down to 24 at the beginning of this school year and have since risen to 41. “I love being involved with the ISP because I understand the students’ experience of living in a foreign country. Being involved with International students at Brooks gives me a taste of the world, from within the walls of the school.”   

Before becoming a teacher, Michelle learned to scuba dive in Australia. She eventually earned a Divemaster Certificate. Previously Michelle and her husband Dan owned a dive company teaching open water diving and as well as facilitating children’s scuba camps. Michelle loves nature, in particular, skiing, kayaking, swimming, camping and hiking. This past year she started surfing lessons in Tofino. 

Since getting her B.Ed. (Secondary) degree in 1993, Michelle has taught every grade from Kindergarten to Grade 12. She has continued her learning by obtaining a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Certificate and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Management degree from Royal Roads University. 

At some point in Michelle’s career she is interested in becoming a school administrator. “I have a wide range of skills and experiences to bring to a school. Being able to see all sides of a situation would help me in this role.” 

Her advice to all students is: “To make the most of your education, you need to attend class, do the assignments to the best of your ability and try to find some connection to the school which makes it a positive environment for you.”