Kianna Lindsay: Paw-some Classroom Connections
Thursday, July 18th, 2024
Kianna Lindsay and registered therapy dog, Sadie
Meet Kianna Lindsay, an inspiring Northwestern Polytechnic alumna who has successfully combined her love for teaching and therapy dogs to create a dynamic learning environment.
Kianna's post-secondary journey began when she enrolled in NWP’s Teacher Education North program. She diligently worked through her courses, earning her Bachelor of Education in 2019. But what sets Kianna apart is her unique teaching approach, which involves her four-legged friends.
Her love for dogs has been a lifelong affair. "I started doing pet therapy in junior high," Kianna recalls fondly. "I got my first dog registered to do pet therapy, and we spent a lot of time reading in schools." This early experience became a stepping stone towards incorporating pet therapy into her teaching methods and creating an innovative approach to classroom learning.
There is a creature comfort in her method that has been embraced by her young students. The animal presence helps to establish a therapeutic environment and promote confidence. Students have a chance to practice their reading in a non-judgmental setting, making the entire process more pleasant.
"I have always enjoyed being in the classroom and working with kids," Kianna shares. "The connections the kids make with the dogs are just wonderful to see and to hear."
But her work doesn't stop in the classroom. Kianna and her registered therapy dogs are actively involved in Reading University, a summer program hosted by NWP that helps children improve their literacy skills.
"I still read with my dogs at every Reading University," she says, proudly. "It just seems like something that would be a good fit. It combines my two passions."
Kianna is grateful for the opportunity to embrace her passion for teaching, her love of dogs, and her commitment to the community. She finds joy in being able to incorporate her teaching career with her therapy dog volunteer work. "I truly love what I do and am passionate about it," she explains.
Kianna Lindsay's career is proof of her dedication, passion, and the power of unconventional teaching methods. Her story serves as an inspiration for educators and dog lovers alike, illustrating how the things we love can truly shape our lives and the lives of those around us. Through her work, she continues to touch the lives of many students, creating a lasting impact and setting an example for future educators.
