The Advisory Circle of Educators (ACOE) advises Elections Canada on best practices in the development of educational resources, future directions for its civic education program, and ways to ensure uptake by educators. In this series, we interview ACOE members to showcase their experience and expertise in civic education. Meet Karen Hovind.
Karen has been teaching social studies classes in Saskatchewan for 11 years, from grade 5 all the way to grade 12. Many of these years have been spent in a split or triple-graded classroom. She has a passion for continued learning and serving her community both locally and beyond. In 2021, she earned a Master of Education in Critical Studies. She has recently expanded her capacity in special education and is building an integrative, non-traditional program for students and their families who have been disengaged from school.
Karen has served on numerous committees within the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation, belongs to several local community boards and even held a seat as a town councillor for her municipal government. She also participated in the Canadian Teachers Federation’s Project Overseas in the summer of 2024. Karen lives in rural Saskatchewan with her husband, two dogs and two cats, where they are working to grow a sustainable 14-acre homestead.
Elections Canada: How do you see your role in civic education?
Karen: I believe that we are all civic education teachers. Lessons in citizenship can be found across all subjects, and every classroom offers opportunities to engage students in civic learning.
Elections Canada: Tell us about a memorable moment in civic education.
Karen: In my previous teaching assignment in a triple-grade classroom at a small rural school, I was known as the teacher who LOVED social studies, especially civic education. I tried to make learning about government and its inner workings accessible to my rural students, who can sometimes feel as though they don’t have a voice in the broader landscape.
After I had moved to a new school, a colleague told me that my former students had been invited by their MLA to attend a legislative sitting in Regina. One student was so excited, she pulled out all her past notes and assignments from my classes to prepare. My colleague said the students were so knowledgeable about their government and how it functions that even the MLA was impressed.
I felt so proud that my passion for civic education inspired these students to see themselves in their government and share their own knowledge.
Elections Canada: Why did you choose to join ACOE?
Karen: The opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of educators and co-create civic education resources by teachers, for teachers, was too good to pass up. Elections Canada values staying current and supporting teachers with resources that reflect their students’ lived experiences. I believe that this work helps uphold democracy in Canada.
Elections Canada: What have you enjoyed most about ACOE meetings?
Karen: The incredible people I get to do this work with and the varied perspectives that come together to showcase the best of Canadian teachers. These people care deeply about this country and the students we are privileged to work with.
Elections Canada: What recommendations do you have for educators who would like to improve their practice in civic education?
Karen: Just dive in! Elections Canada’s resources are a great place to start and often lead to meaningful discussions with students, who are often more in tune than we give them credit for. And teach civic education beyond your social studies and citizenship classes—these conversations belong in every classroom.