Spotlight on an Education Champion: Sandi Ellis

Sandi Ellis, a respiratory therapist at Sunnybrook, recently received a Michener Institute Crystal Apple - Excellence in Clinical Teaching and Supervision Award.

Sandi has been a respiratory therapist for 34 years, and has had a formal educator role for the past 10. She is now the professional and education lead for respiratory therapy at Sunnybrook.

Here, Sandi reflects on what it means to be an educator.

What do you like about being an educator?

I like seeing the students grow into critically thinking practitioners who see the value of not only what they do for the patient, but also what others do. 

What qualities make a great educator?

A great educator must be patient, as not all students will come to things at the same rate; adaptable, as not all students learn the same way; and willing to admit that they can learn from their students.  One of my favourite quotes about education comes from Ben Sweetland, who said: "We cannot hold a torch to light another's way without brightening our own."

What advice would you give other current or future educators?

In clinical education, students may come to you with many of the facts they need to know. Your job will be to help them learn how to apply those facts in a meaningful way.  I would also encourage educators to remember that students will look at you as an example, so model the behaviours you would like to see.

What can educators do if things aren't going well for their students?

Students must develop their ability for self reflection. It is crucial that students have a realization of what is going awry. They will not be able to correct a problem if they do not see that it exists.

Do you have an educator who made a lasting impression on you?

I have been fortunate to have some amazing people who have been involved in my professional development journey who believed in me and my abilities, even when I did not initially believe in myself. That can be very empowering.

What did it mean to you to win a Crystal Apple Award from the Michener Institute?

I was thrilled to learn about this award. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to read the nomination letter and realize that I had had such a positive impact on this student.