2018 Alumni Teacher Award

Dr. David Beare

MA ’03, PhD ’12

Recognized for empowering his students and teaching them to adapt, grow, collaborate and connect, Beare has taught drama at Handsworth since 1996. Under his leadership, Handsworth students have created The Heart Talks, an assembly-styled project modeled after TED-talks. Unlike traditional assemblies or plays, the format allows students to develop the content, connect and collaborate in unique ways, addressing topics such as empathy and inclusivity. More than 200 (one-fifth of all Handsworth students) participate in The Heart Talks in roles ranging from writing to directing to acting to technical crew. Beare has coached Handsworth Improvisation teams that have won at both local and national levels. And the “Student Voice,” an initiative developed by Beare, invites all Handsworth students to the drama room weekly to share their unique voices through music, slam poetry and speech.

In addition to his commitment to Handsworth students, Beare has designed and implemented professional development opportunities for Handsworth faculty and other schools in North Vancouver School District 44. He also mentors UBC teacher candidates in the Theatre Education program.

Students, parents, former students and fellow teachers coordinated to nominate Beare. Across the nomination, he is consistently described as compassionate, inspiring, welcoming and empowering his students.