Pam Cook
- Home Community:
Peguis - Cultural Identity:
Ojibway/Cree - Current Position:
Director/Teacher at the Peguis Adult Education Learning Centre - Education/Training:
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degree at Brandon University and 1 year post graduate at University of Manitoba.
- Roles/Responsibilities:
Recruiting Students, testing and intake of students as well as creating Education Plans. Teaching courses and making sure students are meeting their educational goals. I also monitor attendance, complete monthly reports, and statistical returns. I also complete the Annual Application Renewal process for the Adult Learning Centre to continue to run.
“I encourage all learners to continue with their education, no matter how old they are.”
What obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
The main obstacle has been attendance issues on a regular basis. The secondary issue has been lack of transportation.
What or who inspired you to really go after the profession you are in now?
My mother inspired me to continue my education after I graduated. She was a teacher and I always knew that I wanted to further my education and make a good life for my daughter. When I started my education I did not think I wanted to be a teacher, but it was a teacher training program that I first started with. I lost my Treaty status through marriage and I didn’t think I could afford to pay for my own education. However, I was accepted and later received my status back.
What critical choices or decisions did you make that helped you get where you are today?
My inspiration has been to create a better life for me and my daughter. I later had three more children and I wanted a better life for them as well. I continued with my teaching career. I loved working with adults, which I quickly realized was a privilege to work with during my first year of teaching. I also had a lot of support from my parents who would help me out both financially and emotionally. They would also babysit until my daughter got into a daycare. It has now been 34 years working as an educator in the Adult Education field. I am now retiring this year.
Message of Encouragement:
I encourage all learners to continue with their education, no matter how old they are. If students have the determination and motivation to complete, as well as support of their family, they will accomplish anything they set their mind to.
