School of Transportation - Instructor Bios

Meet...

I have the title of Project Coordinator/Instructor at the Centre for Rail Training and Technology. I have multiple functions such as co-ordinating the Railway Conductor certificate program, and SAIT’s Railway Business and Industry efforts. I also teach several courses in the Railway Conductor program.  I started in 2003 under the premise that this would be a part time commitment – somehow this looks a lot like full time now! 

Life before SAIT: 

I worked for a major Canadian railway for 35 years, retiring officially in 2003.  I was involved in Management Education and Training, as well as Executive Development. Earlier in my career I worked in operations, administration, labour relations and education.  I was able to travel extensively and gain a good overall knowledge of the railway business, as well as develop industry contacts that continue to be useful in my current role.

During all of this I also acquired Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts (Honours) degrees, specializing in transportation. 

In addition, I was certified in many internal and external training systems and programs in leadership, decision making, management skills, change management, and so forth.  I have a certificate from the University of Western Ontario (Ivy Business school) and also McGill University in Executive Development. I also have an up to date CHRP or Certified Human Resource Professional certification. I taught several courses at McGill University.  I also was a contract facilitator in Leadership Development for a Texas based company through my own consulting firm GERB Enterprises Inc. I continue to be involved in the Human Resources Institute of Alberta (HRIA) and the Human Resources Association of Calgary (HRAC) as well as the Strategic Capability Network (SCN).

Favourite moments in class:

There are many of course, but my favourite ones are the times when the “light bulbs” come on for a student that has been struggling. I also appreciate when I learn something new! 

Spare Time:

Although I am not sure about the spare time concept, I am involved as a volunteer for the Canadian Mental Health Association, have been involved with Board Development facilitations and mentoring for the Alberta government as well as volunteer for The Human Resources Associations. I read a lot, attend live theatre, and play golf.  I recently read “Highest Duty” by Captain Sully Sullenberger who made the emergency landing on the Hudson River.  The subtitle is “the search for what really matters”.  His story is very inspirational and he also talks about how his survival depended on his training and skills.  He also discusses the challenge of gaining balance in life and finding the time to do so.  

Best thing about teaching at SAIT: 

Meeting such a diverse number of students and helping at least some of them succeed in life and in the academic milieu is very satisfying. Feeling that I am able to help them to do so is great.  And it is also fun to be able to see some of my fellow instructors add value for these students and give them the benefit of our experience and mistakes! 

Student or Alumni quotes on instructor:

“Gerry is always there for his students, and he takes a personal interest in the success of each one.  As head of the Railway Conductor program he has put together a great team that provides an informative, balanced view of the two Class 1 railroads.  Gerry’s educational and railway background provided us with not just every day railway skills, but life skills that lead to great success. In each class we received a blend of history, instruction, reflection and a point to ponder.”

Meet...

I instruct in the General Motors ASEP program – a complete automotive service technician apprenticeship program, focusing on GM service procedures and tools.  It is available to GM dealer service technicians exclusively.

Life before SAIT:

I was a service technician for SHAW GMC in Calgary.

Favourite moments in class:

The most fulfilling part of my job is watching the students progress through the years, seeing their many successes amount to reaching their goals of becoming proficient technicians.

Spare time:

I spend as much time as possible with my beautiful wife and two boys. I have been a musician (drummer and singer) for most of my life and provide drum lessons to local kids. I enjoy watching football and hockey, and camping.

Best thing about teaching at SAIT:

The camaraderie and friendships with other staff here are incredible. The School of Transportation is friendly, helpful, kind, giving and dedicated.  I could not imagine working anywhere else.

A graduate weighs in:

I have learned better and faster, and understood more, due to Matt’s love for the automotive field.  He cares about his students and their learning.

Meet...

Life Before SAIT

My career has provided me with many exciting opportunities. I started out as an apprentice at SAIT in the early 1980’s. I worked in the trade and attended college in the evenings to develop a broader skill set. I started developing training materials and classes internally and then with Ford Motor Company of Canada. I joined the Training team with Ford Motor Company prior to returning to SAIT full time in 1998.

Favourite Moments In Class

Each class has its particular moments, I find it difficult to choose one over the other as a favourite but that being said there are two times a year I truly look forward to. When the first term students come in with their excited trepidation and when the fourth term students leave with their confident wisdom. The journeys we take in between are the best moments!

Spare Time

My interests are varied and my time is shared with my family first. My many distractions include hobby farming, camping, motorcycle riding, hiking, and community involvement. I believe in an active life style with balance.

Best Thing About Teaching at SAIT

My job at SAIT is one of constant change; changing technology, changing student body, and changing culture. I enjoy that there is always something new going on and that motivates me to challenge myself and my students. The colleagues that I am fortunate to work with and the school that I represent, together make SAIT an exceptional place to have a career. 

Student or Alumni Quotes On Instructor

“Darcy’s teaching style made me want to learn as much as I could instead of just what I needed to get by.  He also influenced me to be the best technician I can possibly be.” 

- Daniel Tricoteux, ASSET Grad

Meet...

Life before SAIT

Before coming to SAIT 14 years ago, Todd served his apprenticeship with Stampede Toyota in Calgary after finishing an Honours Diploma in Automotive Service Technology.  He finished his Provincial Instructor’s Diploma in 2007.

Through SAIT, Todd has worked with Subaru Canada, General Motors, and Chrysler, and has travelled across Canada providing training for these clients. Todd also works as an Automotive Journalist; he is published bi-monthly in the Calgary Herald, and has contributed to ATV World and Inside Motorcycles.

Favourite moments in class

Todd loves the busy, sometimes chaotic, times spent working in the shop with students – the point at which all the theory and lab work comes together.

Spare Time

Todd enjoys all things outdoors with his family, including fishing, hiking, and camping.

 Best thing about teaching at SAIT

“The best part about teaching is when the light bulb comes on for the student – that and being able to have a kid’s schedule again for the summer!”

Student’s weigh in

“...The perfect example of a teacher – no favourites, that’s the best part! Everyone was graded fairly with no biased opinions. This guy should coach EVERYONE else...”

Meet...

Currently I teach in the Avionics Technology Program at the Art Smith Aero Center for Training and Technolog including Avionics system installation, troubleshooting and testing as well as Digital Electronics.  I also teach Aerodynamics and Basic Electronics Theory in the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Technology Program.

Life before SAIT: 

I received an Avionics Technology Diploma from SAIT and worked in industry for a few years before coming back to SAIT to teach.  I hold and Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License, category "E" for Electronics and a private pilot license.  Also, I am a member of the Calgary Chapter of Women in Aviation International.

Favourite moments in class:

I have so much fun when I am in class. I love it when students share their passion for aviation.

Spare Time:

I like to fly in my spare time as well as camp and kayak and I have also been known to take a few sailing lessons.  I love to travel.

Best thing about teaching at SAIT: 

I love my job the most when I think about what the students will be doing once they leave here and I know that I can help them now by sharing my experiences.

A student weighs in:

“I have enjoyed Lisa's (Aerodynamics) class since the first day I walked through the door.  It is very challenging and contains a lot of good information about airplanes and how they fly.”

- 1st Year Avionics student

Meet...

I have been instructing in the one year certificate Aircraft Structures Technician Program for 13 years. This program encompasses the repair of aircraft and its components whether they be metal, wood and fabric, or fabricated from composite materials.   My expertise lies in the metal portion of the program.  The majority of my instructional time lies in the actual shop environment, but I do lecture on Metallurgy, Corrosion Control, Aircraft Damage Assessment, and theory of fabricating parts and their installation.

Life before SAIT: 

I started out 29 years ago as an aircraft mechanic, and after receiving my licence, started an aircraft maintenance shop on Vancouver Island.  During this life experience I discovered that there were so many other avenues in the world of aircraft, such as Avionics, Engines, and the world of the Aircraft Structures Technician.  Structures looked very interesting, so I applied at BCIT and took the program there.  From there I worked for Field Aviation, and then Canadian Airlines.

Favourite moments in class:

The main thing that comes to mind is watching the “light bulbs” come on.  The moment you see a student who was struggling suddenly understand the concept or get the” touch” required to perform a task.  The look of pride and accomplishment is really something, and you were part of it.

Spare Time:

In my spare time I play golf badly, and make medieval armour.  I also try and take one course on something that I know nothing about every year, so that I remember what it’s like to sit in the seat and learn.  These courses have included: Ballroom Dance lessons, welding, machining, and this year, I am attempting to learn how to play blues guitar. The cats leave the room.

Best thing about teaching at SAIT: 

 I really enjoy it when past students come back after a couple of years and they tell you that they have obtained their Transport Canada licence and they are so proud.  Another is when an employer calls you out of the blue, and tells you what a great job an ex-student is doing. 

A student weighs in:

"Mark is one of the main reasons I enrolled in the structures program.  I first met him at one of SAIT’s Open Houses.  He gave me a tour of the Art Smith Aero Centre and showed me some of the projects from past students.   I was impressed with his obvious enthusiasm for the structures program, as well as the knowledge and experience.  Mark’s upbeat attitude, his obscure references coupled with his never ending quotes makes learning a fun and enjoyable experience.  Never dry, never boring, I look forward to his class.  I feel privileged to have Mark as well as the other instructors at SAIT as mentors."

- Derrick Bell, Aircraft Structures Technician student

Meet...

I currently teach in the Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship Program. I work primarily with first period apprentices but occasionally with fourth period apprentices. I teach numerous night and weekend continuing education courses.  My official start date as an employee for SAIT is April 1, 1986, and no I am not the April fool, all though some of my colleagues might disagree.

Life before SAIT:

I studied Automotives at Bowness High School and received my Alberta Journeyman Certificate (from SAIT) in 1979. In my fourth period of training I received the honour of top student in the class.  The wife of my employer promised to buy me a beer, if I passed the course.  I ended up with a whole case.  I completed my Automotive Service Technician Diploma in 1989, while working at SAIT and have been a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers for 16 years.

Favourite moments in class:

I enjoy coming to work. I have fun in the classroom with my students. I tell them that I expect their best effort and if I feel I am not getting that result, we have a conversation to resolve the matter. I push them to go beyond their comfort zone, for this is where learning will occur. I also work to instill in them pride, honesty and integrity. One of the characters I use in my presentations is Jack Pine Savage. The one person you do not want working on your vehicle.  Well during one third period class some of my former students made a satirical video of a company, JPS Automotive. It showed all the wrong ways to perform service procedures on vehicles. I now show that to my first period students, just for fun.

Spare time:

I very much enjoy two wheeled vehicles, powered and non-powered.  Most days I ride my pedal bike to work.  Rain, shine, snow, you name it. A number of employees at SAIT go on motorcycle trips each year. We have a blast, it builds great camaraderie. I am also a diehard, right to the bone, Calgary Stampeder fan.  One of my favourite shows is Star Trek, from the original on up, except for Deep Space Nine.

Best thing about teaching at SAIT: 

The work with the students and the camaraderie with the other instructors and support staff in my area make this a very enjoyable experience - and I get paid to do it.

A student weighs in:

"Was definitely an all-around great instructor, had a funny personality about him.  Taught all the subjects really well, really helpful when I had questions about anything and respectful.  He did a really excellent job presenting as well as emphasizing the course material.  He really helped make me think more for myself."