Meet Gary, a Canadian history and social studies teacher for grades 9-12. He has 24 years of teaching experience, has led four tours with Explorica and is bringing his students to Vimy 100, a commemorative event hosted by the Canadian government marking the 100thanniversary of the First World War and the Battle of Vimy Ridge at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. Gary’s deep appreciation of history inspired him to become a teacher so he could share that passion with future generations. He sat down with us to discuss his extensive experience with educational travel and teaching Canadian history.
What inspired you to take your students on international Canadian history tours?
I don’t think I truly understood what it meant to be Canadian until I visited the important Canadian history sites across Europe. As an educator, I feel a responsibility to bring students overseas to see these places and feel what they represent for themselves, so they can have the opportunity to discover their Canadian identity as I did. There is no substitute for first-hand experience.
Do you have any personal connections to the Canadian Armed Forces? If so, how have those relationships enhanced the significance of the Canadian commemorative events?
Yes, my wife, Cindy, is an RCMP officer. It means a lot to be able to share these moments with those who serve our country. I know it must mean a great deal to them to see this country’s youth paying such respect to them and those who came before them.
What are you looking forward to most at the Vimy 100 commemorative event?
It will be so exciting to be a part of history, a moment in time. I am sure it will be an event that my students will never forget and that they will be able to share with their children and grandchildren as well. It is moments like these that keeps history alive—I think being a part of that is what I am looking forward to the most.
As an experienced Explorica group leader, do you have any advice for teachers planning educational history tours?
One of my favourite Louis Pasteur quotes is, “Chance favours the prepared mind.” It pays to do your research and discuss your goals with your Explorica program consultant as there are so many things to do and see—it’s important to prioritize them in terms of your academic goals. But, when you are on tour it is still important to be flexible and trust your tour director to maximize the experience for your students. Sometimes unexpected opportunities come up that you can’t pass up!
Which Canadian history landmark should all high school students visit?
There are so many it is hard to pick just one; Vimy, Juno Beach, Dieppe, Beaumont-Hamel, and any Canadian war graves cemetery. You can’t go wrong taking students to any of these sites because they hold special meaning to each individual. You never know which location will be the one that changes how a student identifies with their personal history.
What is your most memorable moment on an Explorica tour?
There have been so many! I think each tour has those “ah-ha” moments and they are always unique. For me, it was standing at Tyne Cot cemetery in Belgium for the first time. I was overcome with emotion at the thought that one of my sons could be buried in an Unknown grave—a lesson that resonated with everyone on the tour, and I’m sure those students won’t easily forget it.
So is it safe to say that you would recommend travelling with students to teachers who haven’t tried it yet?
Absolutely. Taking Canadian history students to Europe has been the highlight of my teaching career. The rewards are worth the preparation and planning because the lessons learned last a lifetime and beyond. As a teacher, it just doesn’t get any better than that.
You can take your students on a history-themed tour with Explorica! Take a look out our Canadian history tour collection or give us a call at 1.888.378.8845.