Nicole Birkeland
Hidden Valley Elementary School
Whitehorse, Yukon
I'm Nicole Birkeland, and I teach grades 4-6 at Hidden Valley Elementary School. I'm
passionate about fostering community-centered learning for students and have
spent eight years in education in the Yukon, working first in the small community of
Old Crow and now in Whitehorse. I've been at Hidden Valley for the past three years.
The Yukon is relatively isolated, and our school is in a more rural part of the city. The
Connected North program has supported our students in broadening their horizons,
celebrating their interests and strengths, and opening doors to potential future
options. Our school values, rooted in learning, project-based approaches, and
student-driven initiatives, align well with the Connected North program.
Introduction
Connecting to Curriculum
Connected North not only provides content that
aligns with our curriculum but also serves to
introduce our students to the wider Canadian and
Northern context. This exposure allows them to
compare and contrast their experiences, fostering a
deeper understanding of their place in the world
and the territory.
In a time when physical visits to our school may be
limited because of various factors, including the
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Connected
North offers support by bringing experts and
resources directly to our students.
C o n n e c t e d N o r t h i n O u r C l a s s r o o m
Nicole Birkeland - Connected North in Our Classroom
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