From teacher to principal:
Elom Akpo’s journey
Elom Akpo’s path in life is strewn with obstacles waiting to be overcome.
“ I tell myself that life always has its challenges. Everything I do, everywhere I go, there is a challenge waiting: and when it finally reveals itself, it’s like I’m already mentally prepared to take it on. That’s just my nature. ”
Discovering the Great White North
Born in Togo, Elom left his homeland to come to Canada in the summer of 2013. He stayed in Chicoutimi and Sainte-Foy before finding his calling at the University of Ottawa: teaching. Now settled in the National Capital Region, Elom pursued university studies in 2016, with the goal of being a teacher in Indigenous communities.
My mother has been an inspiration in my life. She was a teacher for her entire career and spent the last ten years before her retirement as principal of her school.
“ What made you want to teach in an Indigenous community? ” I was curious.
“ As part of the BA program at the University of Ottawa, elective courses were offered to all second year students. One of these was Aboriginal, Inuit and Métis Education, which taught me a great deal about the culture and education of North America’s First Nations people. In my opinion, this should be a required course for anyone whose goal is to teach in Canada. ”
“ Very relevant! So you were enthralled by the history of Canada’s Indigenous peoples? ”
“ Absolutely. In fact, right after I graduated, I decided to go work with First Nations people in the Winnipeg area. ”
It was in Manitoba that Elom, as a French immersion teacher, had his first experience with First Nations people. After one term, Elom decided to change course. He headed for Hay River in the Northwest Territories to carry on teaching.
“ I probably would have stayed longer, but the problem was the same in Hay River as in Winnipeg: there were too few Indigenous students to teach in the French-language school boards, as the vast majority of them were attending English-language schools. ”
Our Togo-born teacher was determined to find somewhere in Canada that would be a good fit for him. Fortunately for Elom, he was able to secure a contract with Kativik Ilisarniliriniq in 2019 before taking off for the northern reaches of Quebec.
Nunavik – Eureka!
Elom Akpo has now been with our school board for four years and is currently principal of the Tarsakallak school in Aupaluk. He began his career in Salluit in February 2020 as a special education teacher at Pigiurvik school, before accepting a promotion to vice-principal at the same school one year later.
“ How did you hear about Kativik Ilisarniliriniq? ”
“ A Cameroonian friend whom I’ve kept in touch with since university encouraged me to apply for a position and settle here in Nunavik. As it happens, he was already teaching for KI while I was in Hay River. ”
“ So was he right to tell you to apply here? ” I laughed.
“ Indeed he was, ” he smiled. “ I really feel I’m in my element here. ”
A Grade 4 student said to me the other day, “Elom, you are the best principal ever… you are always happy!” I realize that the joy I carry with me has a positive impact on the whole school, and that makes me proud.
Elom’s role at Tarsakallak School requires him to work closely supporting the teachers, providing for their needs and ensuring they have the resources required to deliver a quality education to the students.
“ Do you think you have what it takes to be a school principal? ”
“ Teachers need to feel understood but they also need to know that they have the support of the administration, and as a school principal, my goal is to enable this by staying in Aupaluk as long as possible. ” Elom answered in a measured tone.
“ From what I’ve seen, the school team certainly has no hesitation about opening up to you. ”
“ Yes! They often come to me for approval about a project or an idea. It’s something I know how to handle using the socioconstructivist approach. I like to sit down with people, talk, ask questions and get to understand, so that collectively we can identify potential solutions. Then, as soon as I can, I give the green light to any proposal that is within the realm of possibility. ”
“ Elom, it’s been a pleasure having this conversation with you. Best wishes for the future! ”