Miguel Borges
Teacher, Fort McMurray Public School Division
CLASS OF 2021
, AGE 49
Hailing from Praia de Mira, Portugal, Miguel Borges found his way to being a teacher with the Fort McMurray Public School Division after an education journey that found him at the University of British Columbia, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and Memorial University in Newfoundland.
He gives of his time volunteering at Startup YMM/Makerspace, and volunteers with Youth Computing Community Code Days, and recently chatted with YMM about computer skills, teaching, and what he’s most grateful for.
YMM: What’s the best advice you have ever received?
MB:
Professionally speaking, as a young, beginner teacher, a colleague once told me that “lesson plans” and “long term planning and organization” aren’t really as important as we think. The best teachers think of their “lesson plans” as they approach their classroom doors. That’s because they teach topics and subjects for which they have passion.
I’ve taken this to heart, and I can teach technology and computer science courses with very little preparation, but a lot of expertise and passion. But ask me to teach biology or math, then it will be a mediocre experience for everyone involved.
YMM: What’s the biggest risk you have ever taken?
MB:
Leaving a job and uprooting a young family to move to Fort McMurray. We planned the move as a transition, not something permanent. That was almost 10 years ago. The risk paid off!
YMM: For what are you most grateful?
MB:
I’m grateful for the risk that my father took in emigrating to Canada in the 1970s. Growing up in Canada has given me opportunities and experiences that have made me who I am.
