Current Issues in Education: Job Hunting

JOB HUNTING.... HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO HUNT???
  
I am sure there are thousands of individuals training to become teachers today.  The sad part of this is that there are not enough jobs in the education system for all of us. Job hunting for teaching positions is very tough and extremely competitive. I believe the people who work hard and do the "extra" things because they want, not just to have it on their resume deserve a job!   Individuals who have put a large portion of their life into helping children and making a difference are the people who should get to continue doing it through teaching. I believe teaching is a skill and not everyone is meant to teach. Sadly, some people who plan on being teachers won't become teachers because they won't be able to find a job.  I am sure job hunting will be a  discouraging process for many of us at times but we need to stay positive and believe we WILL find a job!  If we don't get the job we want, we need to take what we can get to get some experience in the education system! The more experience the better we will be at teaching.

Job hunting is going to be a long-process for most of us.  It is important to create an awesome resume and cover letter. Go sell yourself for who YOU are!   As we discussed in our Professional Teacher class, make the employer remember you for something you have done that will be unforgettable.  Doing something brilliant will create a never-fading image in that employers mind which may make it easier to get the job!
Finding a job is easier if individuals are willing to go north, work in rural areas or go to different countries.  Today I am hoping to be working in a small town school. I grew up in a small town and loved my education experience. You grow up with the same awesome people around you.   I want to have the strong, personal connections with the teachers and students in rural schools.

It is hard to believe in a year, I will have the educaton I will need for my career! Within a year, I will be out job hunting! I am excited to be the teacher  I have always dreamed of becoming! :)

WestCAST: An Exciting and Fun Conference

I had the opportunity to attend WestCAST for the very first time this year! It was definitely worth the money and time to attend many of the conference sessions. I enjoyed the social events that went along with the conference as well.  The best part about WestCAST was getting to talk to other student teachers across Canada. It was interesting to hear how all of the programs were set up. Here are some descriptions of some of the sessions that I attended:

SESSION: Team Work will “Get it Done”!

Presented By: Brenda Margetts, Jodi Nespor, Jodi Main, Dennis Slobodzian

This session was very fun and exciting.  Their focus was on kindergarten students. They demonstrated two different other studies.  Eric Carle was one of the authors. I already knew the types of books he wrote. The other author study was on Mo Williams. Mo Williams was introduced to me in this session. I will definitely use his books in the classroom. He writes with enthusiasm in all of his books.  The main characters in the books are a pig and an elephant.   This session also interested me because all of the people who presented were considered a team. During a placement, there is generally three people who work in a team: the cooperating teacher, the student, and the faculty supervisor. Dennis and Jodi were two of Brenda Margetts’ previous student teachers.  It was interested to see what they faculty supervisor had to say.  Throughout the session, Brenda had pictures of her students and classroom.  I really like the idea that she takes pictures of students and their work.  I will definitely do this in my classroom. It makes the memories last!  At the end of the session, there were prizes that could be won. I was not a winner L I will definitely attempt to go to more of Brenda Margetts’ workshops. She is fabulous and I have heard nothing but good things about her! This session was great!  

SESSION: The practical implementation of rubrics:

Working with Student Teachers on Practica

Presented By: Sheryl MacMath

This session was fabulous and humorous. I learned a lot in the short time Sheryl had to present.  She taught us all of the important information we need to know about rubrics. Creating a rubric can be challenging however they are very useful if they are designed correctly.  First of all … I did not know that different between a scoring key and rating scale.   Scoring keys consist of quizzes, tests, worksheets, and posters.  They are anything that will be worth marks.  Rating skills is a list of items a teacher wants to see from the student.   They look at the aspects and qualities of the assignment. 

When creating a rubric, congruence matters!  Learning outcomes are your main focus and the marks for the outcomes need to be valid!   It is important to directly relate assignments to outcomes; otherwise as a teacher you are wasting your time and the student’s time.   To create a useful rubric, you need 6to look at these aspects: comprehensiveness, accuracy, realistic, and organization. Also, it is crucial to know that there are no rules to creating a rubric. What you assign in the task is up to you!  If something happens that your rubric fails, it is ok to change it as long as you have a valid reason for doing so!  It is ok to change your tool if it is not working for you!

As a teacher, it is important to make sure that the rubrics are easy to use and read.  If you hand out a rubric to your kids, teach them how to use and read it!  This is part of assessment for, of and as learning!   This session was very powerful and I will remember a lot that I have learned from Sheryl.

SESSION: SMARTen Up: Effective SMARTBoard Use in the K-8 Classroom Presented By: Devon Caldwell, Allison Greig

This session was one of my favorites throughout WestCAST.  Technology infusion is a way to expand the four walls of your classroom. Turn walls into windows!  Technology is a way to level the playing field for learners of diverse abilities.  Technology is motivating and engaging for students, teachers, and families. Inspire and connect! It is amazing to see the way technology is taking over in the classrooms. The SMARTboard is a very useful tool that I hope to have in my classroom one day. It is important to think about what you can’t do on a chalk/white board then plan your lesson. I have had some experience with a SMARTBoard during my last placement in Souris. It is important to know that SMARTboards have many uses and need to be used for the right reason!  I learned that the gallery is the place to go if you want anything! There are many premade games, and templates at your fingertips.  One of my favorite features that I learned about was the magic pen.    Some other features I learned about at this session were: pin down, screen captures, the function of the little blue circle on the board, and orienteering.  It is very neat that SMARTboard can turn handwriting into text font and can recognize shapes.  I also think that anyone who operates a SMARTboard needs to understand how ordering and grouping works. The recording feature is a great assessment tool. Devon described that she uses recording to assess the kids on writing numbers and letters.  As teachers today, we need to learn how to use this wonderful technology! Technology will be used in our classrooms!

Session: Keynote Speaker

Presented By: Leah LaPlante

Leah Laplante presented a very strong message throughout her session. She is formally the Vice President of the Manitoba Federation Southwest Region. She has been an active member in her community.  The main focus of her session was to promote he Metis culture. She wanted to make a difference for children who are Metis.  She first started off by telling us about her life.  It really sounded like she had lived a rough life however she stayed strong and decided she wanted to get an education and do well for herself.  The message that clearly stays strong in my head from listening to this session was:  No matter what the color of skin a student has, it is important to look past stereotypes and see the child. Everyone in this world should have the opportunity to become the person they have always dreamed of being.  A teacher is someone who interacts with children every day. If the interaction is weak, the child will see themselves as a failure and not succeed.  There must be a positive, strong teacher-student relationship to create an awesome learning experience for the child so that he/she can follow their dreams and succeed.  Leah is a brilliant woman and has clearly made a difference by helping the Metis culture move forward within the community.   As teachers, it is important we do not stereotype! It is not professional and it is not fair to the students!  Everyone deserves an education. Everyone should be treated fairly; no matter what the color of their skin is! 

I really enjoyed WestCAST and hope to attend the conference again next year!

Financing Public Education in Canada

In our Professional Teacher class we had the opportunity to look at the financial side of things in the education system. It was unbelievable to see the amount of money spent on education in one year.  In class I found it difficult to decide where the money should be spent.  It is important that you incorporate all the necessities into the budget however what is a necessity? To some people some things are more important than others and this varies from person to person.   I would not spend a lot of money on drama and music but I would put more money into helping students with learning disabilities.

The most important financial grant to teachers is the operating grant. This grant provides us with money for teaching. This grant is based on the number of students.  The money is used for busing, instruction, special/exceptional students, and extra money is given to the rural and isolated areas.

As teachers, it is important to be aware of all of the grants however I feel that the one we should be most aware of is the operating grant.

The budget-cut activity we did in class was an eye opener for me. It helped me look at the bigger picture and made me think about the finanical side of education. As teachers, we don't really focus on this! I enjoyed discussing it!  

Governance of Public Education

I believe the governance structure of public education in Canada is seriously important to understand since I am becoming becoming a teacher and will be playing an active role in the education system.  The governance of education has implications for teachers, parents, community members, and administration.

*The federal government plays the role of funding.

*The provincial government  is responsible for the programming of the schools.

*The school board involves an elected group of people in the community.  This is where the superintendent stands in our education systems.  The superintendent is the head person involved between the school and the division. They are responsible for making sure that the school policies and procedures set into place are being followed. 

*Politics is everywhere, and when I become a teacher it is important to understand the "politics of teaching" as it will help guide me to be successful and help me with decisions. The teachers in the schools help make decisions with things such as recess and lunch duty schedules.

*Parents of students in the education systems can be involved in making decisions by becoming active members of the parent advisory council.

*The community can be involved with the school by attending concerts, plays and fundraisers that the school may be hosting. I think that every school needs the community support :)

*I believe being a principal can be a very tough job because they are essentially the center of a school system. They interact with the superintendent, the teachers, the parents, and the community. They are responsible for creating a warm, and welcoming environment for EVERYONE! They are the individuals who make the big decisions for the school and are responsible for everyone in the school.  I think being a principal would be a very rewarding career as they essentially are running the school!

I believe you need the knowledge about money in order to make decisions!  People who do not have the knowledge and the background should not make decisions!  I agree that the board should be making the decisions about money.  As teachers and educators we do not have the knowledge to make money decisions.  I think teachers need to have conversational/concrete knowledge.

The governance of public education looks at many levels of governance and it is important to understand how it works and who is in charge of what!   It is important to know what role we play as a teacher :)

History of Education in Canada

It is very interesting to look at the Development of Education in Canada over the years and what has influenced the development of our education systems. I learned a lot in the classroom discussion as I believe it is important to understand the history of Education in order to understand the education systems are today!
The French, English, American and Scottish  education systems were all very unique from each other. 

• The French focused on elementary education where the boys and girls were separated. The boys received a better education than the girls. The classes were taught by priests and funded by the Catholic Church.  The French schools focused on a religious curriculum plus needs based on education.  
• The English schools were separated by class structure.  There were public school available for the children who come from wealthy families. The children who were came from lower class homes were educated by the church or in "Dame School" which were ran by widows and housewives.  All of the English schools were ran by the Church of England.  
• The American tradition came about when the British Loyalists moved to Canada from the United States following the War of Independence because they wanted to live in the British Colony.  The lower class children received essential curriculum material needed to learn to read so that they could read the Bible.The upper class children received college preparation curriculum.   
• The Scottish tradition was very interesting to learn about. There was democratic tradition within the education system. The majority of Scottish children attended school. Interestingly, education did have a class structure.  The boys and girls were educated together in both elementary and secondary levels.  Science and art were included in the school curriculum.  The Scottish traditions were easy to implement in early Canada because they solved the problems of religious differences. 

It was interesting to discover that there were some current trends in education such as evaluation and assessment, students with special needs, ancillary services, technology, curriculum development and second language acquisition.  

While looking at the differences of education throughout the provinces, there were many different actions that occurred in the past that I was unaware of.   I now have a better understanding of how our education systems began and how they developed and changed significantly over the years. Today, many children of various cultures and religious backgrounds attend the same public schools.  Also, in many of the schools, the topic of religion is disregarded and individual differences are all accepted.   

Today, I think it is important to know that there are 4 alternate types of schools: independent schools, Montessori schools, home schooling, and virtual schools. 

Looking at the history of education, it makes me wonder what is going to happen in the next 20 years with the rapid population growth of immigrants into Canada and how the cultural differences will affect today's education systems.   

Code of Conduct: Do NOT break the code!

How should I behave as a teacher?  How should I act professionally? These are two very important questions to think about.  To be honest, I have never read the MTS Code of Conduct  in great detail until my Professional Teacher class last week.  As a student in the education program, I now have a deeper understanding of the key statements and plan to follow the Code of Conduct throughout my entire teaching career. I believe that following the Code of Conduct is part of being in a professional career.  As a teacher, I believe it is important to:
1. Respect confidentiality with both, your students and your colleagues
2. Keep biased opinions to yourself
3. Address appropriate channels when an issue arises
4. Be open to diversity

When I was looking over the MTS Code of Professional Practice, I really thought about the 8th point which states: "A teacher shall not be considered in contravention of the Code in:
a. Consulting with the Society or the president of the member's local association;
b. Reporting reasonable grounds for suspected child abuse according to legal requirements
I believe this is extremely important as a teacher! I know there will be times where I will need to vent to someone.... but I can not! I will not feel comfortable calling up someone I never talk to so I can talk to them about my problems.  Additionally, I  can not state how important I think it is to report child abuse! No child deserves a rough life and as teachers we can help make a difference! 


A Code of Conduct is crucial to have in the education system. It helps keep our school atmospheres a better place for teachers, students, parents, and visitors.  A Code of Conduct is the key to success for teachers. If teachers can follow it, they must be acting professionally therefore are teaching successfully.  When I have a teaching position I will be professional and work hard to follow the MTS Code of Conduct. After all, we as teachers are being trusted with the education of many children!

Throughout my career, I am sure there will be situations where I will question what to do and how to act! This is ok. I think the most important thing is to stay calm and think before acting. :)

Sergiovanni's Professionalism Model

Professionalism means believing passionately in what you do. It means compromising your standards and values. Additionally, it means caring about your students, colleagues, and your own career. I strongly believe that caring is an important part of education. I believe that a teacher must have compassion and respect for others, responsibility and sense of duty, and a commitment to teaching.

Sergiovanni's Four Commitments to Professionalism:
1. Commitment to Caring
2. Commitment to Practice in Exemplary Ways
3. Commitment to Valued Social Ends
4. Commitments One's own practice but also to the Practice Itself

I believe, a teacher must be professional and be commited to making a difference in the school and in the community around them.  It is crucial for teachers to care about their students and their families, colleagues, and the school itself. Teachers are responsible for the creating a safe, caring environment for everyone.  

It is important for teachers to prepare for their classes by creating lesson plans, and to maintain classroom management.  Teachers should also always communicate with the students and parents effectively.

Teachers must attend Professional Development sessions in order to keep knowledge up to date. This is key to being a professional teacher.

Wow! Teachers are hard working professionals! I believe that teachers are commited to making the world a better place! Teachers are constantly gaining knowledge and communicating to students, colleagues, and parents daily.   I strongly believe that teaching is a very rewarding career! I am looking forward to being a professional teacher!

Why Teach?

"Why teach?"
Here are the top 5 reasons:
1. Desire to work with children
2. Passion
3. Influence of former teachers
4. Desire to serve
5. Practical Benefits
I think these are all key reasons why I want to teach. I have wanted to become a teacher since I was a little girl.  I want to be a teacher because I feel that I have the right personality to be successful in the classroom. I am very passionate, organized, reliable, and trustworthy.  I love working with children and have the desire to make a difference in children's lives. I have had tons of experience teaching children through instructing swimming lessons, coaching skating, babysitting, and working at Mini University.
 I believe that a teacher is a very rewarding career however there will be challenges such as classroom management, social problems, rural and urban challenges, diversity, family and community support, long working hours and stress, and gaining professional empowerment.  These are all challenges I am willing to face.  As a teacher, it is crucial to be a positive role model in the community around you!
I am excited to begin my career as a teacher and I am looking forward to helping my students become the people they have always dreamed of becoming!  I have always dreamed of becoming a teacher and soon my dream will come true!

Professional vs. Subject Knowledge Blog

When we discussed this in Professional Teacher I was caught between deciding what was more important in the classroom. I believe that you need both, professional and subject knowledge, in order to a successful teacher. However, I strongly think that the passion for teaching drives you to become more knowledgeable in the particular area.  I think there is a big difference when we look at the content of the course vs. the skills of teaching.  Reflecting on my personal experience, I had one professor who was very knowledgeable in the subject however the professor was brutal at teaching the course material. It is difficult for some people to teach others, therefore I would have to say that professional knowledge needs more emphasis than subject knowledge.
I believe that a good teacher can teach a lot of material as long at they are able to learn the material themselves ahead of time. We all attend education programs to gain the professional knowledge to become good teachers! If we only need subject knowledge, why are we here??  I agree we need to know what we are teaching, however it is more important we know how to teach the material! We need to be professionally prepared and need to have the ability to teach others!  If we are good at teaching, we are able to help anyone gain knowledge!

This is a very difficult discussion as we need both of these to be great teachers! We can not have one without the other! They are both needed. However, I believe professional knowledge is a bit more crucial than subject knowledge.

Favorite Teacher Blog - What makes a good teacher?

It is amazing how many memories I have from school when I was taught by an awesome teacher. My favorite teacher was a male high school teacher.  I always looked forward to his classes daily. He taught me physics, chemistry and all of my high school math courses. I believe he is the one who is inspired me to become a math major in university. This teacher was always organized, and prepared for all of his classes. He was prepared to not only teach us but to teach us in fun and engaging ways. In chemistry we were constantly doing experiments, and in physics we were always building things.   I remember laughing at least once a day in his class. If I was to see this teacher today he would remember who I am and ask how life was going. He is very empathetic and has a ton of patience. He was very personable, humorous, confident in his learning, and respectful to all. I believe that he influenced me to become a teacher.  I have always wanted to be an elementary teacher, however I may teach high school after having this high school teacher. :)

One day I hope to be a successful teacher. I am going to be creative in the classroom and make learning fun. I want to be the teacher that inspires students!  I am going to be there for my students on an academic and personable level!  Teachers have a huge impact on their students and it is important we play the role professionally.  

Fish Philosophy - Why Not Make Your Day Better?

The Fish Philosophy is a completely new concept for me! It is amazing that the fish philosophy can be used to make a difference everywhere in the world. It is completely true that everything we do can have some fun and positive effects to it. The video was full of inspiring ideas. It really made me think about how I act in the classrooms and at work. We all have bad days but I am sure there is something that happens in our bad day that we can look at and be happy about.

The fish philosophy's four main practices:

1. Be There

2. Play

3. Make Their day

4. Choose Your Attitude

When I am a teacher, I will definitely incorporate the fish philosophy into my classroom schedule. I believe that it is important to allow the students to have fun. School is about learning but there must be some fun to keep the students engaged. I think it is also important as a teacher and as students to be there.  If we are all there for each other, the days will go much smoother and everyone will be happier.  

My favorite practice of the fish philosophy is: Choose Your Attitude!  You can use this practice everywhere you are such as school, work, sport events, and meetings.  No matter where you are you should choose your attitude to make your day better!  I think you should always focus on the positive instead of being negative about everything.  I actually used this fish philosophy the other night at my hockey game. There were only 8 players and we were playing a tough team.  The girls were so negative about it and were thinking that we were going to lose badly. So I decided to step in and I said to them: "Choose your attitude". We need to think positive and go out there and try our best! We also need to be there and keep our heads in the game!  I felt it was a good attempt! 

The Fish Philosophy will help me build stronger relationships with everyone around me! I love the idea of incorporating the fish philosophy into our Professional Teacher class! The fish philosophy is amazing and will be a great addition to my classroom when I begin teaching! The students will know about these four practices and will hopefully make a difference :) The Fish Philosophy will make the students happier, leaving a smile on their faces!