“Education is the point at which we decide whether we love the world enough to assume responsibility for it”
— Hanna Arendt

Andras Kocsis

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
andras.kocsis@msvu.ca

Education

CURRENT POSITION:  PhD. Candidate in Educational Studies, Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU), Halifax, NS (Supervisor Dr. Ardra Cole)

 Academic Credentials

2013-2016 Master of Arts in Education, thesis “Cursive or Right Click? A Critical Analysis

of Lifelong Learning and Cursive writing. ” MSVU, NS (Supervisor: Dr. Patricia

Gouthro)

2013-2014 Undergraduate Courses in Sociology and Political Science, MSVU, NS

2012-2013 Non-denominational Religion Teaching Diploma, School of Spiritual Science.

Goetheanum, Basel, Switzerland

1998-2000 Teaching Diploma in Waldorf Education, London Waldorf Teacher Training

Seminar, London, UK

1996-1998 Diploma in Curative Education & Social Therapy, Sheiling College, Ringwood,

UK

 

2017 MSVU Senate Award of Distinction (for Master of Arts in Education)

2016 Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Graduate Scholarship (for 4 years)

2015 Graduate Merit Scholarship, MSVU

2014 Formal recognition by Nova Scotia House of Assembly and Halifax Regional

Council for “Peace Day” program I designed for YMCA Fairview, Halifax Council

for “Peace Day” program I designed for YMCA Fairview, Halifax

Honors & Awards

Work In Academic Context

 

Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University & IWK Health Centre, Halifax

2021-present: Atlantic Pediatric Society, Maritime Monthly Case-Based Specialty Seminars

  • Create a professional development learning plan and course curriculum for medical faculty;

  • Organize and integrate accreditation process—Continuing Medical Education (CME) for Maintenance of Certification (MOC)—with stakeholders;

  • Support general pediatricians and subspecialist colleagues in their professional development;

  • Reconnect Maritime pediatricians and create an extended community of support;

  • Provide an opportunity to meet established and new Dalhousie Department of Pediatrics faculty members;

  • Educate and support lifelong learning perspectives through the MOC’s continuing professional development program;

  • Reinforce the Atlantic Pediatric Society until we get to a stronger place after the pandemic.

Coordinate

 

Teaching

Undergraduate University Courses

2019 EDUC5481 (01) (02) Curriculum and Instruction in Social Studies for the Elementary

School (2x 0.5 units), B.Ed. program, MSVU – forthcoming

  • Introduce pre-service teachers to various approaches to the teaching Social Studies

  • Acquaint pre-service teachers with the current Foundation for the Atlantic Canada Social Studies Curriculum and corresponding Social Studies: Essential Learning Outcomes frameworks for P- 3 and 4-6 respectively

  • Organize framework around six essential graduation learnings: aesthetic expression, citizenship, communication, personal development, problem solving and technological competence

  • Investigate material through the processes of inquiry, problem solving, researching, analyzing evidence, and communicating conclusions

  • Examine a fundamental question: “What am I really supposed to be teaching in Social Studies?”

  • Consider what is needed to make social studies a valuable and interesting educational experience for students in public schools

 

2018 EDUC 5321.02 Philosophy of Education (0.5 units), B.Ed. program, MSVU

  • Introduced B.Ed. students to educational concepts, issues and case studies through philosophical inquiry

  • Offered pre-service teachers a stimulating and accessible introduction to some of the issues and alternatives in educational philosophy

  • Discussed concepts such as morality, wisdom, imagination, spirituality, Indigenous knowledge, learning, teaching, democracy, inclusion

  • Examined ways in which philosophical investigation can directly bear upon the processes of teaching

  • Developed critical and creative capabilities for participants to prepare for future classroom situations

Curriculum Development

2018 Wrote syllabus for Curriculum and Instruction in Social Studies for the Elementary School

2017 Wrote syllabus for the Philosophy of Education

Doctoral Student Assistantship

2014 -present  Academic Writing Facilitator, Faculty of Education, MSVU

  • Co-lead workshop series, provide peer support for graduate students, and create writing retreats

  • Investigate various narratives, develop thesis structures, and examine argument asymmetries to make the case for an original idea

  • Explain strategies for academic essay writing including:  establish essay context, framing an approach, determine a context, and focus on topic.

 Volunteer Teaching Experiences

 2013-2014 Teacher, Chebucto Connections, Pathways to Education, Halifax, NS

  • Assisted high school students (Grades 9 to 12) with homework assignments

 Prior Academic Teaching

2008-2013 Adult Educator, Waldorf Religion Teacher Training Seminar, Budapest, Hungary

  • Taught religious studies and history of religion to Waldorf teachers

  • Established a broad and efficient foundational discourse for teaching and study within the field of religion

  • Tutored (pre-service) teachers to carry out independent individual research for their own practice

  • Designed courses that drew from a wide range of religious traditions from the ancient Zoroastrian tradition to modern Christian liberation movements, Islamic and Jewish philosophies, Buddhist social movements, and Hindu arts and culture

2000-2013 Classroom Teacher, Pesthidegkúti Waldorf School, Budapest, Hungary

  • Taught religious studies, English literature, and Visual Arts (including woodworking, candle making, stone sculpture) at junior high and high school levels

  • Served in various administrative roles: Member of Board of Directors, Co-Chair of High School Faculty and Chair of School Board

  • Coordinated workflow and staffing, organized professional development opportunities for teachers, provided tutoring and class guardianship

  • Created various English Second Language (ESL) programs

  • Designed and implemented parent-teacher partnership programs

  • Created a drug prevention program

  • Helped design guidelines for teacher assessment and quality development

  • Created partnerships with English and Dutch Waldorf schools

  • Initiated and coordinated local and international voluntary Community Work project for high school students

  • Created curriculum for non-denominational religion teaching for alternative schools

  • Developed a Study of Art and Aesthetics program for Grade 12 students, intended to awaken interest in and understanding of art by investigating great works of art through paintings, sculpture, and architecture. The culmination of the study was enriched and concluded by a long art trip to Italy or France

2004 ESL Summer Program Organizer, Canterbury Waldorf School, Canterbury, UK

  • Offered study-abroad programs for Hungarian students

  • Provided an exceptional English language learning experience

  • Implemented a structured and empathetic environment for young people to thrive personally and academically in contexts that offer boundless opportunities for the eager and curious

 1994-2000 Curative Educator and Social Therapist, Lantern Community, Ringwood, UK

  • Lived and worked with people with special needs, mostly young adults

  • Successfully coordinated a program of integration to local community of Ringwood

  • Enabled participants to attend local colleges and secure work placements

  • Fostered a mutually-supportive environment that offered people with a learning disability opportunities to contribute to and partake in meaningful activities suited to their individual needs, interests, and choices

  • Managed operations of the facility and planned workshops Specific roles:

  • Member of Management Group: Contributed to strategic and operational planning and implementation

  • House Coordinator: Supported operations of a semi-independent living situation in the community for people with special needs

  • Head Teacher: Taught reading, writing, life skills, and current affairs. Organized tutorials

  • House Co-Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator: Cared for six people with special needs; supervised seven staff members. Completed required health and safety seminars and National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)

1990-1994 Educator, Róbert Károly Institute, Budapest, Hungary

  • Taught basic life skills to runaway youth and children in state care, and supervised their after-school programs

  • Assisted clients with ‘home restoration’, i.e., attaining and maintaining an optimum home situation, especially under independent living circumstances

  • Identified ‘separated’ children, and provided them with care and protection from abuse and exploitation

  • Facilitated safe and suitable transition shelters, family tracing. Provided counseling and rehabilitation

  • Fostered partnerships with SOS Children Villages, which are family-based care centers that provide orphaned and abandoned children with a mother, a home and all things normal

Curriculum Development

2010 Co-wrote Teaching through Arts and Crafts syllabus for Waldorf Junior High       

2010 Co-wrote Teaching through Religion syllabus for Waldorf High (Upper) School

Community Program Development

2014 Community Educator, YMCA Fairview, Halifax, NS

  • Designed two program proposals: Peace Activity and Accommodating Diversity

  • Co-organized “Peace Day” (November 15, 2014) in Fairview

  • Ran week-long workshop activities for permanent residents, immigrants, and Canadian citizens

  • Taught adult literacy programs for landed immigrants

  • “Peace Day” event proclaimed in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly

Scholarly Publications in Peer-reviewed Journals

R Kocsis, A, B. (2022). Challenges facing educational leaders in an ethos of anti-intellectualism. Populist leadership and the personalisation of power in Hungary. In P. Milley & E. A. Samier (Eds.), Populism and educational leadership, administration and policy. International perspectives (pp. x-y). London, UK: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003099482

Scholarly Publications at Conferences

R         Kocsis, A. & Ali, M. A. (2018). Book of abstracts (editor). Canadian Association for Study of Adult Education (CASAE). Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS.

Conference Presentation (Papers Published)

R         Kocsis, A. & MacPhail, S. (2019). Developing an Emergent Pedagogy for an Academic Writing Group: Bridging Theory and Practice. Canadian Association for Study of Adult Education (CASAE). University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.

Conference Presentation (Abstracts Published)

R         Kocsis, A. & MacPhail, S. (2018). Developing an Academic Writing Group for Graduate Students. Canadian Association for Study of Adult Education (CASAE). Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS. p.19.

R         Kocsis, A & MacPhail, S. (2018). Developing an Academic Writing Group for Graduate Students (roundtable). Canadian Association for Study of Adult Education (CASAE). University of Regina, SK. p.7. (*Unable to attend - presented by co-author)

R         Kocsis, A. (2017). Education that increasingly finds itself in neoliberal institutions: More about metrics & less about in-depth learning. Canadian Association for Study of Adult Education (CASAE). St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS. p.22.

R         Gouthro, P., Careless, E., Kocsis, A., Jolemore, S., Guy, J. (2017). Doctoral student journeys: joining a Community of scholars. Canadian Association for Study of Adult Education (CASAE). St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS. p.18.

R         Kocsis, A. (2015). “Cursive writing is obviously not important”: Reclaiming the rich learning experience approach in schooling and challenging critical thinking among teachers. Canadian Association for Study of Adult Education (CASAE). MSVU, NS.

Conference Poster Presentation (abstract published)

R         Kocsis, A. (2015). Inspire peace. Think it. Say it. Do it. Canadian Association for Study of Adult Education (CASAE). Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC. p.6.

Scholarly Presentations at Conferences (unpublished)

Kocsis, A. (2018). Nourishing the Inner Landscape: A child study approach in education. Waldorf East Conference. South Shore Waldorf School. Blockhouse, NS.

Kocsis, A. (2017). Storytelling. Waldorf East Conference. South Shore Waldorf School. Blockhouse, NS.

Kocsis, A. (2016). Creative writing. Waldorf East Conference. South Shore Waldorf School. Blockhouse, NS.

Kocsis, A. (2016). The importance of cursive writing. Waldorf East Conference. South Shore Waldorf School. Blockhouse, NS.

Invited Presentations

Kocsis, A. (2018). Adult education (panel discussion). ASCD student chapter. MSVU, Halifax, NS.

Kocsis, A. (2018). The Art of Child Study: Teasing out the Complexity of the Child. Professional Development Day. South Shore Waldorf School. Blockhouse, NS.

Kocsis, A. (2018). Nourishing the Inner Landscape. Evoking imagination - little epiphanies (keynote speaker). Waldorf East Conference. South Shore Waldorf School. Blockhouse, NS.

Kocsis, A. (2015). “Cursive writing is obviously not important”: Reclaiming the rich learning experience approach in schooling and challenging critical thinking among teachers. Canadian Association for Study of Adult Education (CASAE). MSVU, NS.

Kocsis, A. (2015). Peace Activity Program Proposal (Panel discussion). Celebration of Teaching and Learning. MSVU, NS.

Kocsis, A. (2012). Improving the Quality of Childhood. EU Parliament. Brussels, BE.

Kocsis, A. (2011). Contextualizing parent teacher relationship. Waldorf Parents and Teachers Conference. Maribor, SI.

Kocsis, A. (2011). The right to childhood. Children Have Rights Too! Conference. Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Law. Budapest, HU.

Professional Publication

R         Kocsis, A. & Knickle, M. (2015). Nourishing the learning spirit. Bringing indigenous knowledge into our schools. The Teacher, June 2015, p. 29. http://www.nstu.ca/images/Digital_Content/ttjune2015/index.html

Published Works in Hungarian (links available upon request)

R         Kocsis, A. (2011). Albert és Albrecht. [Albert and Albrecht]. Szabad Gondolat, 14(4), 1.

R         Kocsis, A. (2004). Kábít a szer. [Narcotic daze]. Szabad Gondolat, 7(1), 40-44.

R         Kocsis, A. (2003). A reményteli várakozás hangulata. [Anticipating the spirit of hope]. Szabad Gondolat, 6(1), 12-17.

R         Kocsis, A. (2002). A varázslat időszaka. [The season for magic]. Szabad Gondolat, 5(4), 2-7.

R         Kocsis, A. (2002). Őszi napok. [Autumn days]. Szabad Gondolat, 5(3), 24-27.

R         Kocsis, A. (2002). Szent János a XXI. Században. [Saint John in the 21st Century]. Szabad Gondolat, 5(2), 37-39.

Work featured in Published Book (adopted by several schools as a common read and being used in teacher training):

Székely, A. (2012). Égi lajtorján. A spontán vallásoságtól a megismerésig. [The heavenly ladder. From spontaneous religiousness to cognition]. Budapest, HU: Kláris Publishing.

Research

(R=Peer-reviewed)

Academic

2018 Reviewer/ editor/ adjudication committee member

Canadian Association for the Study of Adult Education (CASAE), 4th Atlantic Regional Conference, Mount Saint Vincent University

  • Reviewed sixteen submitted abstracts

  • Edited the Book of Abstracts

2017 Reader/Reviewer

Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education

  • Reviewed two articles

2016 Reviewer/ adjudication committee member

Canadian Association for the Study of Adult Education (CASAE), Atlantic Regional Conference, Mount Saint Vincent University

  • Reviewed nine submitted abstracts

Professional Leadership Experiences

2018 Conference Co-organizer (volunteer), Canadian Association for the Study of Adult Education (CASAE), 4th Atlantic Regional Conference, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS.

  • Considered options for keynote speaker

  • Consulted, planned conference opening and closing activities

  • Structured with Chair and other volunteers scheduling and program planning

2017-present   Member and Co-Chair of the Board of Directors (volunteer), South Shore Waldorf School, Blockhouse, NS

  • Responsible for the economic health of the school

  • Support the teaching faculty

  • Provide educational leadership

  • Oversee business operations

  • Ensure sustainability for future

2015 Conference Co-organizer (volunteer), Nourishing the Learning Spirit, President`s

Lecture Series on Teaching and Learning, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS

  • Consulted, planned conference proceedings

  • Facilitated workshops

2009-2013       Education Policy Advisor to the Hungarian Parliament’s Committee Chair on Education, Science and Research, Budapest, Hungary

  • Successfully convinced government, school leaders, parents, and students to urge nation-wide adoption of the Community of Service (CS) program in Hungarian high school system

  • Lobbied the Ministry of Education to approve the (3-8 weeks long) program

  • Researched participatory sites, such as hospitals, special-needs schools and care centers

  • Worked cooperatively with youth support groups and unions to assist CS

  • Created and incorporated CS into public school curricula as a mandatory prerequisite for a Baccalaureate Diploma

2011 Co-founder (volunteer), Children’s Rights Working Group, Budapest Law University, Budapest, Hungary

  • Chief policy and education advisor

  • Ran non-violent and inclusive education programs

  • Designed Roma (gypsy) bilingual education and special learning programs

  • Mediated successfully in a number of children right`s related cases

  • Provided educational frame work for legal cases e.g., playrooms near courts

2002 Co-organizer (volunteer), Hungarian Camphill Community, Velem, Hungary

  • Established the first community-based therapeutic learning center for people with special needs

  • Embedded the holistic Camphill values and practices

  • Created life-enhancing opportunities for adults with learning disabilities

  • Assisted participants to fulfill their own potential

  • Provided home life, fulfilling work, friendship, and social interaction

  • Created opportunities for personal growth, adult education and cultural and spiritual inspiration

Service

 

Other Work Experiences

2013-present   Father

  • Being a father has been central to how I managed my academic career

  • Since moving to Canada I have been actively combining full-time academic studies with extensive care-giving responsibilities to two school aged children

Graduate Research Assistant

2014-2016 Research Assistant to Dr. Patricia Gouthro, MSVU

  • Supported literature review and research articles

  • Assisted with coding and thematic analysis of data

  • Worked collaboratively with students on a presentation for CASAE conference

1990-present   Volunteer

  • Partial list of organizations: YMCA, Chalice, Halifax Pedantic Society, Pathways to Education, Children`s Rescue Walk, Lantern Community etc.

1990-1991 Humanitarian Aid Worker, Hungarian Reformed Church, Szeged, Hungary

  • Provided food, shelter and clothing for refugees displaced during the Romanian Revolution

  • Arranged for medical care, transitional housing, and education

  • Served as a translator, and help asylum seekers receive new official documents

Media Appearance/Interviews

2011 Kocsis, A. & Mediaklikk.hu (2011). Vendég a háznál. [Guest in our home]. Education of Youth and discipline in schools (a radio interview in Mr-1 Kossuth Rádió, Hungarian public-service broadcaster)

Membership in Professional Associations

2017-present   Member

                        Canadian Association for the Study of Adult Education

2013-present   Member

                        Anthroposophical Society

2008-present   Member

                        Alliance for Childhood

 
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