MS. JODI DERKSON

Joined Meadowridge: 2021

Where you’ll find her: Working with our community to promote and encourage Social Emotional Learning.

Read Jodi's Social Emotional Learning blogs →

Ms. Jodi Derkson was twelve years old when she had an unsettling realization. She was selfish. She didn’t want to insult her friends, gossip about them, or say the wrong things, but she did, and it kept getting her into trouble. Realizing this, the then-middle schooler set out on a lifelong mission to become a better person. From that moment on, Ms. Derkson has worked to grow, self-reflect, and improve. She carried this goal with her though middle school then high school, into university and then her teaching career. It changed her life. Working as a teacher, Ms. Derkson realized that she was interested in cultivating this goal in her students too.

“I became really interested in who my students were as people,” she shares, “I wanted to know what they thought about, what made them tick, what they were doing for their own self-improvement.” As a drama teacher, self-exploration and improvement were easily incorporated into her curriculum. Ms. Derkson’s class became a place where students felt safe to explore and express their feelings. It became a place where students could laugh and cry and share and even vent when they needed to. Ms. Derkson enjoyed this part of her work so much that it became the focus of her master’s. But after earning her degree, she found herself losing momentum. She needed a change. After an impromptu career change selling retractable awnings down in Florida (“It was my family business,” she confesses, “and I loved it!”), she came back to British Columbia and got back into education. This time, however, she focused her attentions on her true passion: social emotional learning. 

Before I even started, I met a couple of students outside. It was the summertime, and I shared with them who I was and what I would be doing in the fall. The students were so open and excited, and I felt so welcomed and valued. It was very affirming.

Ms. Derkson became the Director of Human Rights for Fighting Antisemitism Together (FAST). At the same time, she started her own business teaching everyone from students and teachers to corporate professionals about anti-racism and human rights. “Things just grew and grew and grew from there,” she nods. She loved what she was doing but felt that familiar tug to support when she heard about a local teen’s suicide. Determined to help, Ms. Derkson started hosting anti-bullying workshops for teenagers. These anti-bullying workshops led to mindfulness training workshops which led to workshops about managing everything from anxiety and addiction to depression. Ms. Derkson kept learning as much as she could so she could help as many people as she could.
Now, as Meadowridge School’s Social Emotional Counselor, Ms. Derkson brings her years of education and experience and training to support our community. “My job is to assist teachers and create a schoolwide program,” she shares, “and educate.” Ms. Derkson works with teachers and students and even parents to build understanding, share resources and learn techniques.

What would surprise us about you?
I used to sell retractable awnings… and I actually loved it! My family is still in the business if anyone is ever looking for shades. [laughing]

One person you would like to sit down with, living or dead?
Nelson Mandela. He was incarcerated for so long, yet still fostered mindfulness and integrity and never lost hope. He wasn’t angry or violent, but the opposite instead. For him to become a leader is the most inspiring thing.

Favourite Meadowridge memory?
Before I even started, I met a couple of students outside. It was the summertime, and I shared with them who I was and what I would be doing in the fall. The students were so open and excited, and I felt so welcomed and valued. It was very affirming.

Spring or fall?
Spring. The buds become flowers, the air fills with aromas, and I love walking my dog in the warm spring sun. It reminds me of what is to come and fills me with awe.

Favourite meal?
Not that I always eat it, but I do love pasta. I’m gluten free now, but I have not met many pastas that I did not love.

Best way to spend a day? 
A nice dog walk, maybe in the woods, and then a paddle board. After that, getting on my e-bike and meeting friends for a patio dinner with lots of laughs and connection.

Best way to spend the day?
I quite enjoy going to Granville Market. We used to even take the boat there. I would head down and enjoy a falafel and then browse the art galleries and craft shops. I bought a tiny ceramic bowl from a shop there that I love – it was expensive, but also so unique. I love it.