Curtis Keller

I’m currently teaching full-time as a Permanent ESL Instructor for Thames Valley District School Board, in London, Ontario. After graduating from Carleton with my English degree, I went to the UK to do my teacher training: a one-year course where I earned my Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE). When I returned to Canada, I worked at a private school teaching high-school English, but I switched to my current job because it offered better pay and benefits.

How has your Carleton English degree informed your professional and/or creative path?

My career is directly linked to the knowledge and experience I gained while earning my degree. I apply my studying, organizational, and critical-thinking skills on a daily basis as I create lessons for my classes. While I was teaching high-school English, my subject knowledge informed all my lessons and helped me navigate the provincial curriculum efficiently. In my current job, these transferable skills allow me to teach structured and effective classes.

Why Carleton? What specific experiences or opportunities did you benefit from while studying English at Carleton?

I was able to study a broad range of topics in a friendly and calm environment. I felt supported by my professors. I was able to study a broad range of topics and I feel that my subject knowledge improved because of this.