When David Butler first saw a job posting that would bring him back to Vancouver Island, he had no idea it would shape both his career and his path as a learner. What began as a teaching position grew into a 22-year career and later, a return to the classroom as a student in VIU’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership program. He also gives back every chance he gets to the Mariners athletics program after spending eight years coaching the women’s basketball team. Here, David reflects on his journey, his career and his time as a student.
How did your time at VIU shape your career path?
VIU brought me back to Vancouver Island and afforded me the opportunity to grow as an educator. I finished my undergrad and teacher training in 1987, at Lakehead University in Ontario, and started teaching right away. In August of 2000, while visiting my parents in Parksville, my mother showed me an ad for a position at Malaspina International High School, which was on VIU’s Nanaimo campus. I taught there for 22 years.
In 2013, I started a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. The cohort was a great group, very diverse with people from both public and independent schools. I was the oldest by far, but that didn't seem to matter, we meshed right away.
The program allowed me to explore topics I would have otherwise not really explored, but informed my philosophy of educational leadership. I started the program with the expressed purpose of applying for the principal’s job when he retired but did not end up going that route. I do feel that I was better prepared after completing the program than I was beforehand, even though I already had more than 20 years’ experience as a classroom teacher and 12 as a part-time administrator prior to starting the program.
What challenges did you face when transitioning from university to the workforce?
As I walked into the classroom that was “mine” for the first time, I felt like I had no idea what it really meant to be a teacher. Luckily, I was taken under the wing of three veteran teachers who provided me with endless suggestions and generally directed me on my path to becoming a “real” teacher.
What advice would you give to students who want to follow a similar career path?
The best piece of advice I can give is to ask for help. I was so lucky to have people who were looking out for me. I would never have approached them and admitted I was over my head in those first couple of years. Look for and develop a relationship with a sympathetic and constructively critical mentor.
Were there any specific skills or experiences from university that have been particularly valuable in your career?
I learned how to learn. I had coasted through high school and university hit me hard. I had no idea how to organize my self-learning, how to research, make useful notes, synthesize ideas and opinions, the list could go on. As a result, it took me seven years to complete my education. The upside is that when I began teaching, I had a long list of skills I wanted to make sure my students had opportunities to try, fail at, try again and eventually master if they wanted to.
What was the most important lesson you learned at VIU that still impacts you today?
VIU provides a wonderful space for students of all sorts. Students and instructors can interact in ways that are not possible at larger institutions. I think this give students opportunities they could never get elsewhere.
Was there a particular professor who had a lasting impact on you?
The former Dean of Education, Harry Janzen. I walked into his office without an appointment to ask about the Master of Education program. I left 20 minutes later with a spot in the program feeling like that step was meant to be. He really had a way about him that resonated with me. He also taught the introductory course for the program that first summer, which I really enjoyed.
If you could give one piece of advice to current students, what would it be?
Find your passion and follow it. Alternatively, find something that will pay the bills while you pursue your passion. I was lucky enough to find a career that I loved. I never really felt like I was going to work.
How can students make the most of their university experience to prepare for the real world?
Take personal responsibility for every decision you make and every action you take. The world desperately needs people who are willing to do this.
Why do you give to VIU?
VIU was a great place to work and I give back because my experiences at VIU were so fulfilling.
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