Andrew Culberson
“Schools should be places where impact is the focus. What will your impact be?”
Q: Name | Location | Years in Education
Andrew Culberson / Fredericton, NB, Canada/ 20 Years in education
Q: Tell us the story of your journey to becoming an educator. What are the significant waypoints along that path?
I decided to become an educator when I realized that some of my superpowers were helping, making learning fun, and connecting with others. This lead me through a journey of becoming a biology teacher (my first dream job), then a school counsellor (2nd dream job), and most recently a learning specialist at the New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. This was not a dream job or one that I initially considered. A good friend encouraged me to apply to work in my current role because they saw the leadership and ideas I had, which needed to be shared more broadly in our system.
Q: Who inspired you (friend, family, coach, mentor, guide, sponsor, advisor) to become an educator, and/or get involved in education?
I come from a long line of educators in my family. When I met my wife at university, this was a path we chose together. We are both educators in the New Brunswick school system. Funny enough, we are both education support services focused as I am a trained school counsellor, and my wife is a resource specialist.
Q: When (and where) do you feel you are most likely to succeed as you practice your educational art, and your educational craft?
“When I can be creative and break down barriers is where I am most likely to succeed. I have a gift for helping others see the possibilities and reach for the stars.”
Q: What are the skills you feel most confident using in your life, and work in education?
I am an ideator, communicator, and maximizer. When I leverage these skills, I help the people around me see the best versions of themselves become realized. I quickly see others strengths and I try to create opportunities for them to thrive.
Q: What are the most significant challenges you are working to overcome as you define what school could be?
“Change is always a challenge and that is not a bad thing. Identifying what needs to change and working to deliver change where needed is satisfying. I love bringing others on board!”
Q: Describe some of the most rewarding moments in your time in education; those crazy days when you knew you were having an impact...and it felt really good.
I have had the privilege of leading high school reform/renewal/advancements here in New Brunswick. I did not do this alone, but being chosen to lead such an important and impactful initiative has been a very rewarding experience that has continued to shape me to this day.
Q: What do you most want to learn from this global online community of your fellow educator-leaders?
I love to learn! I do not have all the answers and hearing and seeing what others are doing brings me joy. I also love to iterate and riff on others' ideas. Just like a musician who is creating a new song. Taking what other leaders have done and making it my own is a very fun process.
Q: What is something quirky that you love about yourself and would help other community members to get to know you?
Quirky. Hmmm. Quirky is a word that just defines me. I am a little quirky. I also have the ability to connect with people and make them feel at ease rather quickly.
Q: Ben Franklin supposedly said, "Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." You might think Ben was full of baloney, but we are wondering when YOU are most awake, alive, productive, creative, and/or reflective. Early morning, late at night, some other time?
This question largely depends on my coffee intake for the day. I would say that I am most productive in the AM.
Q: Cold night, snow out, warm fire, hot beverage, or hot day, white sand beach, shorts and slippers, cold beverage?
This question largely depends on my coffee intake for the day. I would say that I am most productive in the AM.
Q: The coolest thing that happened to me today (the day I am filling out this form) was…
I got to wish my oldest child and only daughter her last first day of high school! I took a picture of my three kids on the doorstep reenacting Annaclare's first day of school 12 years ago.
Q: Putting on your futurist cap: What might your school/learning spaces (or “schools” in general) look and sound and feel like in 25 or 50 years?
Choice. Voice of the students. Flexible. Creative. Innovative. Collaborative. Promoting well-being. Not just learning but solving problems.
“Schools should be places where impact is the focus. What will your impact be?”
Q: And finally, what do you think is the purpose of education? (Clearly not a small question, but we hope you enjoy responding!)
Education is about providing our youth hope for their futures. Helping learners understand their possibilities and explore their preferred futures will help lead them down a path that is hopefully as fulfilling as possible, just like mine!