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Lee Wing-Sze

Teacher with a difference takes a dynamic approach to his job

Young Post: How did you become an outdoor educator?

Sharpless: I very much wanted to be a PE (physical education) teacher, being involved in outdoor activities such as rock climbing, mountaineering, skiing and kayaking.

I took a degree course in physical education at university in the UK, but I didn't complete  it because I was offered  a job in the US. It was probably one of the best things that happened to me. Their techniques with  kids and adults were totally new

to me. I decided to follow a different path and focus  on outdoor activites.

I am a qualified climbing, moutaineering and orienteering  instructor.  I also have first aid  and open water swimming qualifications.

I'm not a qualified teacher, but I have learned  from life. I've been doing this for 18 years. I've had lots of hands-on experience and I've done research. I never turned back from my objective. I had been a corporate training facilitator for several training companies in the UK and an instructor at Hong Kong's Outward Bound School for five years before I set up my own outdoor consultant business in 2000.

YP: What do you do as an outdoor educator?

S: We focus on each  student's needs.  For example, we try to help them develop their skills, strength and perseverance. We  develop a programme that's unique for specific students. I could have been a classroom teacher, but I really didn't  want to. I wanted  to pass my knowledge on to others.

YP: What made you take up the job?

S:  I used to hate school. I'm not a very orderly person. When I listen to people, I can't visualise what they  are talking about. I need hands-on experience. I like to look at things. I'm very much a creative person.

But most of my teachers were not dynamic and I did a lot of terrible things because I wasn't enjoying school. But there was a mathematics teacher who inspired me. He did really different things in the classroom.  He looked at maths problems based on our experiences in life.

There was another teacher who used to look at things differently. During a visit to a graveyard, he talked to students in such a dynamic way that it was like a story-telling session.  I really enjoyed it.  I got top marks in the class.

YP: What qualifications does an outdoor educator need?

S: You need  technical qualifications such as  coaching certificates in  different outdoor activities and inter-personal and communication skills  to facilitate group activities.

You need to interact with people, be dynamic and have and communication skills.  To me, these qualities are more valuable than a [certificate].

YP: What is your advice for people who want to join the field?

S:  Don't join the outdoor industry to become rich. If you love the outdoors and like to help people,  you are halfway there.   I want to help people achieve their dreams and encourage today's youth to go out and learn more about the world.

Name: Stuart Sharpless | Occupation: Outdoor educator | Age: 39



Learning from life