Hart Banack

Integrated Knowledge Translation | Health and Well-being | International Studies | Northern Issues | Climate Change | Sustainability | Earth Science | Mental Health | Conservation | Environment | Education | Geography | Pedagogy | Weather | Ethics | Health | Youth | Education, curriculum, pedagogy, philosophy, epistemology, environmental education, physical education, health education, outdoor education, science education, place-based education.

I grew up in Toronto in a family and community that practiced Jewish family values, yet I do not practice any faith (spiritually or politically), beyond what might be called faith to a will to support and help develop senses of wellness. I am passionate about outdoor learning and time spent outdoors. I attempt live ‘locally' and explore locality in my approach to outdoor learning. I hold a B.C. teaching certificate (BEd) from SFU, as a high school Science (Biology and Earth Sciences) teacher, and I have taught with various age groups and in distinct educational settings, from preschool to post-secondary and beyond, including seniors. My educational pursuits include a Master’s (Diversity in Curriculum and Instruction) and a PhD (Curriculum Theory and Implementation), both from SFU. I resided in Vancouver (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm) from 1999 to 2021. Other than Canada, I lived in Chile and Costa Rica, y puedo hablar el Español, ya un poco oxidado. I identify as a father, partner, son, brother, friend, colleague, educator, and community member. Volunteering and community service are important to me. I love to adventure, cook, cycle, garden, hike, jury rig, paddle, play chess, philosophize, read poetry and philosophy, skate, ski, strum guitar, throw a disc, and make others smile (aka be silly). I have been an outdoor educator since my mid-teens – initially, guiding back-country wilderness trips, then leading non-formal outdoor education programs as an administrator and executive director. I have worked with a wide range of community-based, non-profit programs and services, and even started a few up. I have enjoyed participating in experiences with some fairly radical work teams, which have significantly (in)formed my “ways” of teamwork, learning, and knowing. I am open to diversity, difference, and meaning-making through sharing and participation. I have learned that outdoor quests are not about the summit, but rather adventure.