Instructor Bios

Continuing & Distance Education

Meet...

I teach in the Education Photography program. I developed and teach courses in scenic and wildlife photography, nature close-ups, landscape and sports photography.

Industry Expertise:

I ran my own photography business specializing in sports and nature for eight years. My work has been published in numerous publications including magazines, calendars and books.

Education and Credentials:

After graduating from SAIT in 1978, I became an instructor here in 1981. I am a Red Seal Journeyman and have a Bachelor of Education ('88). I taught high school for 24 years.

Favourite moments in class:

I like it when students "see the light" that lets them capture better images and then come back for more classes in different areas of the photographic arts. The challenge of photography is both technical and artistic, and both are a passion of mine. Taking students on field trips during my courses gives them a real-life experience in photography. This helps build confidence and release their photographic vision.

Spare Time:

I like photography, hiking, skiing, camping, travelling Canada, and nature watching (I love anything wild: flowers, birds, mammals, geology and the list goes on.)

What I like best about job/industry:

Teaching is my passion and my industry allows me to be outside taking pictures.

 

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Meet

I teach Computer Programming and Instrumentation Software as well as distance education courses for the Instrumentation Technology program.

Industry Expertise:

I have worked in the reservoir management and oil and gas industries for eight years in various roles such as software and database design, programming, maintaining and managing automated control systems.  I have also worked for a real-time IT company writing, upgrading, maintaining and supporting protocols for various petroleum companies both in North America and internationally.  Those opportunities enabled me to acquire an expertise status with protocols and gas management applications world-wide.  The customer support experience I have has enabled me to excel within the industry where I earned the respect of my customers; one example of which included working for six months in Colombia to train and assist a customer with specific expertise on their petroleum control system.

Education and Credentials:

I have a Computer Technologies diploma from SAIT specializing in Information Systems.

Favourite moments in class:

I love the “ah-ha” moments when students put the big picture together at the end of the term.

Spare Time:

I love to play piano and am studying for my ARCT in performance with the Royal Conservatory of Music Canada. On the weekends I am known as “DX Zone” - you might just find me on the roller derby track putting members of the opposing team in their place. I also enjoy spending time with my husband and two boys.

What I like best about job/industry:

What I love about teaching is the same thing I loved about working in industry - I love helping people!

Students weigh in:

“Dawn manages to keep just about every subject fun and upbeat while still keeping students focused on the subject matter. By far the most fun class in my program.”

“Dawn is a competent and caring instructor whose presentation of course material exceeds my expectations. One of her best attributes is putting students’ needs first when it comes to helping them in and out of the classroom.”

“She is the kind of woman who takes responsibility for her students and shows the greatest interest in their continued success. As an instructor she is compassionate, kind, and good at communicating on a level that her students can relate to.”

“Dawn Kuechle has been one of the most available and supportive teachers in this highly challenging program. She builds challenging assignments which enable us to learn by both retention and synthesis of the concepts she teaches.”

 

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Meet...

During my six years at SAIT, I have taught NET Continuing Education and the Fast Track programs for Object Oriented Design, Business Intelligence, Database Administration, and Technology Management.

Industry Expertise:

I have 20 years of experience with building IT systems for airlines, banks, retail firms, and transportation firms.

Education and Credentials:

I have a PhD in Computer Science. I am also a Microsoft Certified Trainer.

Favourite moments in class:

Many of my students have gone on to become senior experts within two years of joining major consulting firms. This is due to SAIT’s focus on applied learning and the use of relevant industry examples in the classroom.

Spare Time:

I like hiking, horseback riding, golfing, and flying helicopters and airplanes.

What I like best about job/industry:

I work in a very challenging and rewarding field that has the ability to make a difference in helping businesses run efficiently.

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Meet...

Since March 2011, I have taught English Language Foundations (ELF) Level 1 and 2 with the Centre for Academic Learner Services (CALS). I also developed the curriculum for ENGL 101 with the assistance of fellow instructors Christine Horgan, Pamela Heath and Tom Kozma. I was an instructor for the ENGL 101 class from September to December, 2011.

Learning a language can be challenging but is made easier with a positive learning environment, well-prepared instructors and practice and perseverance on the part of the learner.

I am excited to be teaching here at SAIT in the ELF program! I hope you will find success in your studies at SAIT!

Industry Expertise:

For over 14 years, I have been working as an ESL assessor at Immigrant Services Calgary, Immigrant Language and Vocational Referral Centre (ILVARC). For five years I taught English Language Foundations in Shanghai and Harbin, China. I have also taught English classes here in Calgary.

I am training and certified to use the following English assessment tools: CLBA, CLBLA, CLBPT, ELTPA and CELBAN. I was also a trainer for the CLB Exit Assessment Tasks 5 to 10.

Education and Credentials:

After graduating from Camrose Composite High School in 1978, I went on to receive many different degrees and certifications from schools in Canada and the United States including a Bachelor of Theology, Certificate for Teaching English as a Second Language, and diplomas in Adult Education and Post-Secondary Education.

Favorite moments in class:

The best part of teaching is when I see my students smiling in response to my instruction. When I clarify a problem or a question I see the light bulb turn on and they "get it". That makes my day!

Spare Time:

Hiking, camping, photography, travelling, and learning about other cultures. I also like listening to music - in particular classical, gospel and jazz. I used to play the tenor saxophone and I would like to pull it out of the "dust" and start playing it again.

What I like best about job/industry:

I feel great when students persevere, learn, and succeed. After class is over it is a privilege to hear students say; "Thank you teacher, I like the way you teach us." It truly makes me happy to see a student succeed and those who are motivated and put in the work always do.

Student weighs in:
"Dany, I would like to say many good things about your amazing performance. Simply, you are not an excellent instructor only, you are also a wonderful father for me and for the all your students too. It has been great privilege learning from you. In addition, you are a very organized person, who likes and respects his students and his job. No one can get both at the same time. Briefly, I can say you are the owner of a very good heart. Please keep this wonderful personality forever. Many thanks!!!"

- Tekeste Woldegiorgis

 

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Meet...

I teach in the English Language Foundations program focusing on helping immigrants adjust to Western culture. I have taught business communications programs and international projects.

Industry Expertise:

I have been a teacher for more than a decade. My career started in Korea as a kindergarten teacher and from there I became a High School teacher in New Zealand. Before that, I worked as a tutor in the British education system.

Education and Credentials:

I have two Bachelor degrees; an Education degree from the University of Auckland and an English Literature degree from the University of Calgary. Additionally, I have an ESL teaching diploma from Mount Royal University.

Favorite moments in class:

I really enjoy running into my students after they have graduated or completed my class. I love to hear that the skills I have taught them have positively affected their life. One specific student of mine told me that the presentation skills he had learned really boosted his skills and confidence in his SAIT program. He mentioned that he had received much applause in his business class following an important presentation. I walked tall that day.

Spare Time:

Gardening! I am trying to grow squash for the first time - I call sprouting butternut squash an accomplishment. They are growing beside too much lettuce, spinach and carrots to eat myself!

Additionally, I love cycling. I try to bike to work every day.

What I like best about job/industry:

The people, students and staff of ELF make it a great place to work and study. My colleagues are some of the most upbeat and capable teachers I have known. Collaborating with them makes us much more capable of teaching others.

My students are always a pleasure, even if they push my limits sometimes. I remember a student who asked me questions every day, some of which I had a very hard time answering. Some days she left my ELF class with a smile and others with a frown. Yet, on the last day of class she came up to me after a semester of difficulty and said that mine was the first class that she had never fallen asleep in. And as a result she thought the last two months had been the best learning opportunity she had ever had. That is what I like most about my job, helping people.

Student weighs in:

"I have known Mr. Jonathon Himann from past two months as a student in COMM-184-C and SPCH-184-C.

Mr. Jonathon Himann is extremely knowledgeable in his teaching areas. I was always amazed by the interest he shows to acquire more knowledge and leverage it in teaching. I have not seen any situation he does not have proper answer whenever I asked any questions regarding lectures and my assignments.

Mr. Himann has got very good communication skills to explain the lecture in a simple and systematic way, which will make any student comfortable and confident about the lecture. Besides, Mr. Himann is inherently fair-minded. He assesses students on the basis of performance, not on the students' personal qualities, background or culture.

Mr. Himann is patient and friendly to help our needs as ELF students. He displays a genuine concern for the advancement of his students. He arranges students to participate in different groups to discuss topics and encourage students to practice cooperative learning. Hence, I am not only learning English in class, but also learning the useful skills for future study and work.

In a nutshell, Mr. Jonathon Himann is one of the best teachers I had in my life."

- Xiaohong Chen
 

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