Time. There is never enough of it.
Ask any teacher what they could use more of, and odds are they will say “TIME.” Time to prepare. Time to mark. Time to work with students. Time to collaborate with colleagues. And, of course, time in the classroom, that microcosm of learning where, as my dear former colleague Mel Jones [SMUS faculty member and coach] would say, “magic happens.”
More than 30 years ago at St. Michaels University School, Mel and other members of the Science Department recognized the value of having a lab technician as part of the department. In the years that followed, the Senior School population grew and, by necessity, the size of the Science Department increased to 12 teachers. Curriculum evolved and new science courses developed, and had it not been for the support of our lab tech, these transitions would not have been nearly as smooth.
So why is the role of a lab tech so significant?
At the heart of every science department are individuals who work behind the scenes to prepare and dismantle labs, facilitating meaningful and memorable laboratory experiences and ensuring that laboratory procedures — including prep and waste management — are compliant with established safety standards. It is a critical role that we often take for granted. Ultimately, it allows more hands-on learning and experiments to take place more frequently throughout the school year.
In addition to all the work involved in lab preparation, once a lab is finished and students are in the joyful throes of making sense of their data, the problem of chemical and biological waste raises its ugly head. Not every solution can go down the sink, nor all biological waste into the garbage. Thankfully, lab techs are highly trained in handling complex chemical mixtures, performing separation and neutralization protocols, and preparing and containing chemical and biological waste for disposal pickup. This involves hours of work that quietly takes place in the days that follow most “wet” labs.
And yet, that’s not the whole picture.
Lab techs also track inventory and chemical shelf life, ensure that chemicals are segregated and stored appropriately, and make certain that departments are compliant with laboratory safety requirements and municipal bylaws. Imagine having to do all of this and teach full time!
In some schools, science teachers play a dual role and fulfill many of these duties. In both the Senior and Middle Schools at SMUS, lab tech and design lab tech positions have allowed teachers to focus on pedagogy: preparing, delivering and developing curriculum, constructing and grading assignments and assessments, and working with learners both in and outside of class time.
It was partly this broader reality that led to the creation of a professional development day for Lower Island secondary school lab technicians, first run in 2015.
Fast forward 11 years later and the 2026 version is set to take place on October 23 at the SMUS Senior School.
About the Workshop
Led by Simone, a cross-school working group with lab techs from Discovery School, Glenlyon Norfolk School, and SMUS, identified and designed sessions that directly reflect the needs and interests of secondary school lab techs and science teachers in these roles.
A highlight of the event is featured presenter Kylie Schuster, Senior Chemistry Laboratory Technologist and Supervisor at Camosun College, who will lead two key sessions: Lab Safety Standards & Regulatory Compliance and Waste Separation Strategies. Kylie will share her expertise while addressing common challenges that arise in school prep rooms. Together with our featured presenter, participants will have the opportunity to bring forward burning questions for discussion and learn from the collective experience of their peers.
The schedule also features sessions on digital chemical inventory management and 3D printing for the science lab, alongside an interactive "lab hacks" segment for sharing time- and cost-saving solutions. To wrap up the day, participants will tour the chemistry facilities at the University of Victoria to view their labs and preparation areas firsthand.
Ultimately, the goal is to build capacity, confidence, and community—equipping participants with practical tools, greater assurance in their daily work, and a lasting network of supportive colleagues.
Register for the BC Secondary School Lab Tech Pro-D Day
Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Location: St. Michaels University School (3400 Richmond Road)
Cost: $120 per participant
Deadline to Register: October 2, 2026 at 4:00 pm
