Devon Ross
Year: 2008 – Province: British Columbia
Certificate of Excellence Recipients
School: Vancouver Technical Secondary School
2600 East Broadway
Vancouver, British Columbia
V5M 1Y5
Principal: Dave Derpak
School Telephone: 604-713-8215
School Fax: 604-713-8214
School Email: scott.wouters@lpsd.ca
School Website: http://vantech.vsb.bc.ca
Subjects and Grades Taught: Science in Grade 9, and chemistry
and geology in Grade 12
Teaching Approach
- How can I help all students be successful?
- Student success depends on a strong relationship between students and teachers, a strong work ethic and a culture of high yet realistic expectations.
- Back up high expectations with instruction on specific skills and precise technique, tutoring, support outside class and a significant amount of hands-on practice. Students are not only taught the subject matter but they are also taught to communicate it to others and are expected to do so.
- Believes strongly in providing all students to take part in field experiences and informal learning experiences that enrich their knowledge and appreciation of the science in the world.
Outstanding Achievements
- Teaching at Vancouver's largest inner-city school, which has the highest percentage of ESL students in Canada, Mrs. Ross has inspired her students to achieve provincial exam marks significantly above provincial and district averages in both Chemistry and Geology for every year she has taught.
- When Mrs. Ross arrived not only was there no science fair but students also struggled to finish projects for science fairs held at other schools. Vancouver Technical Secondary now hosts the largest science fair in the city, with more than 600 students participating. Mrs. Ross also chairs the science fairs at the District and Regional levels. She provides support to teachers, parents, and students in 11 public school districts and many independent schools.
- Began the Geology 12 program at Vancouver Technical so that students of all abilities would have the opportunity to excel in a science course. This course is project based with a large emphasis on field experiences including a 5 day trip studying the Geology of BC and Alberta. Through grants, all students are able to attend regardless of their financial situation.
- Implemented computer technology that allows students to have access to virtual chemicals and equipment to safely explore concepts and conduct experiments. This technology has also allowed students to conduct experiments that would otherwise be well beyond the resources of the school. Mrs. Ross also facilitates class discussions and extra help sessions in an online classroom website.
Rave Reviews
"Mrs. Ross is a teacher who really knows what she is teaching every day and sets a goal. There is always something to do in her Science 9 class, and we do not waste a second of class time. Even though she is tough on us with the work we do, she is a nice teacher." Student
"She carries her enthusiasm into every situation, every chance encounter, and infects everyone she meets with curiosity and an eagerness to learn. She is generous with what she knows and shares her knowledge easily and thoughtfully. She makes your brain cells stand on end." Executive Director, H. R. MacMillan Space Centre "She has been my volleyball coach for all 5 years at Van Tech. Mrs. Ross is dedicated and an extremely hard worker. She always makes sure her players are all keeping up in school while being able to participate and have fun playing volleyball. During volleyball tournaments, Mrs. Ross tells us to bring homework to do during our breaks and she offers to help us with any questions. Our volleyball team is very lucky to have a teacher/coach like Mrs. Ross as she puts in countless hours of her own time to make our highschool lives more enjoyable and successful. Mrs. Ross always finds ways to make learning Geology (a relatively boring subject) more fun. She cracks geeky jokes, allowing us to have a better time in class when learning. Mrs. Ross, in my opinion drives students to come to school." Student
"Mrs. Ross is an amazingly passionate person who extends her love of science into her teaching. This is what makes her classes so meaningful to me. I love Chemistry and this is my second year with Mrs. Ross. Her concise, clear lessons and no nonsense approach makes learning the course more approachable. I hardly ever find myself confused or lost in her notes. Her passion for Chemistry is very contagious and makes me want to exceed in class so I don't disappoint her. Not that my performance would ever disappoint her because she is usually available for help at lunch or other times of the day. She is a teacher who loves to watch her students' success, regardless of their abilities in Chemistry." Caroline Cheng, student