Ingrid Gross

What education have you taken?

I graduated from MacGregor Collegiate Institute in 1986. I attended Brandon University from 1988-1993 and during this time graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree (1991) and an After Degree in Education (1993).

What accomplishments are you proud of?

I am very proud of completing my thesis for my Master’s degree. At the beginning of the program, I would never have dreamt that I would be able to produce a one hundred and seventy page academic document.

I am also proud of developing professional learning communities within the two high schools that I have worked in. I have been inspired by the power that professional collaboration and reflection has had on improving student achievement and educators’ craft.

Tell me about yourself/your background/ your history.

I was born in Portage la Prairie, and I grew up in Rossendale, Manitoba, a small rural farming community. My mother was an early- years teacher, and my father was a farmer. I attended Rossendale Elementary School and then went to MacGregor Collegiate for my high school years. I have taught in Brandon School Division for 21 years. I have been married for 14 years, and my husband and I are avid travellers.

How did you become interested in your field of study?

Nursing was my initial career choice. I enjoyed helping people, working with wide-array of people and learning new things. After studying a year at the Miscericordia School of Nursing, I realized that nursing was not my passion.

My grandmother strongly advocated for me to become a teacher. My mother was an early-years teacher, and I can remember spending time in her classroom helping create bulletin boards, and organize learning centers. The school always felt like my second home. These two mentors were a huge influence in my decision to become a teacher.

What is your philosophy in life?

My philosophy in life is, “be the change you want to see in the world.” I believe that every citizen has a responsibility to make a positive impact on his or her community and to demonstrate positive leadership. Social responsibility is every citizen’s concern.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Upon completion of my Master’s degree, I plan to apply to the Doctorate of Education program at the University of Calgary. I hope to someday teach at a post-secondary level.

Nominator’s comments

I am honoured to nominate Ingrid Gross, one of my thesis students in the M.Ed. program. Ingrid is an exceptional Brandon School Division teacher and BU scholar. Her thesis research, which examined pre-service teacher education models, is exemplary and will influence future B.Ed. programming. Ingrid’s work is worthy of Ph.D. consideration.