Teacher Talk - Moving Forward Unexpectedly
Do you ever have one of those days/weeks/months where the planets just align and you read the signs so clearly, and you just know, know deep, that something is meant to happen?
Well that happened to me a few days ago. For those who don't know I work as a TTOC (Teacher Teaching on Call) in BC. I also am currently contracted full time to a specific school. This is a unique position that means I almost exclusively work for this one school and they put me where they need me for the day, or occasionally in positions that were not filled. Right now I am in one of those positions. It is an AltEd/LST(Learning Support Teacher) position, which basically means I am an extra support to students who need extra help in certain subjects, but also might have behavioral or mental health issues that means they need a space to not be in a regular classroom when they can't regulate. It can be challenging and I have no previous experience with this kind of classroom, but here's the tea...I love it. In this classroom I get to connect with all of my students because there is only a max of 12 of them in the room at a time. I can tutor and coach students one-on-one, which I'm good at, and I can also offer a safe caring space where they can come to unwind, talk, and get support in other areas of life. It is a great feeling!
So, out of this experience I started thinking that this might be something to look into getting certified for. All I really needed was a level B testing course and I could be an LST teacher. I knew that these courses could be expensive, but I knew I had some ProD money I could use. The day I decide to start looking for a course I got an email from the Superintendent. It was a forwarded message from UVic about a course offering. Guess what it was: Professional Certificate in Special Education, including Level B testing. It is an online, condensed year long course that will not only get me level B testing, but a whole extra certification (which means a pay raise)!
Like I said, the planets aligned. I have ProD money I can use towards this, I can figure it out, and it will open doors for me to do something I am really enjoying.
It's funny to think that when I went into teaching, I thought I didn't want to have anything to do with special education. Having family members with special needs, and mental health challenges I have personal regular experience with these issues. Originally my thinking was I didn't want to fill my working life with things that I see and deal with in my personal life as well. That might sound selfish, or rude, but it was where my brain was at at the time. Now, after having been able to work one on one with kids in similar situations to the people I know and love, I have changed my thinking. I want to be able to connect with my students like this. I want to be able to be an advocate for students who need a bit of extra help, or a safe place to be when they feel unsafe. In a place I thought I would never be happy in, I have found my true passion for teaching.
Anyway, that's the teaching update. At this point I have applied, my letter of intent is in, and my criminal record check has been ordered. Now I just wait and see if I get a spot in the program.
Wish me luck y'all!
Well that happened to me a few days ago. For those who don't know I work as a TTOC (Teacher Teaching on Call) in BC. I also am currently contracted full time to a specific school. This is a unique position that means I almost exclusively work for this one school and they put me where they need me for the day, or occasionally in positions that were not filled. Right now I am in one of those positions. It is an AltEd/LST(Learning Support Teacher) position, which basically means I am an extra support to students who need extra help in certain subjects, but also might have behavioral or mental health issues that means they need a space to not be in a regular classroom when they can't regulate. It can be challenging and I have no previous experience with this kind of classroom, but here's the tea...I love it. In this classroom I get to connect with all of my students because there is only a max of 12 of them in the room at a time. I can tutor and coach students one-on-one, which I'm good at, and I can also offer a safe caring space where they can come to unwind, talk, and get support in other areas of life. It is a great feeling!
So, out of this experience I started thinking that this might be something to look into getting certified for. All I really needed was a level B testing course and I could be an LST teacher. I knew that these courses could be expensive, but I knew I had some ProD money I could use. The day I decide to start looking for a course I got an email from the Superintendent. It was a forwarded message from UVic about a course offering. Guess what it was: Professional Certificate in Special Education, including Level B testing. It is an online, condensed year long course that will not only get me level B testing, but a whole extra certification (which means a pay raise)!
Like I said, the planets aligned. I have ProD money I can use towards this, I can figure it out, and it will open doors for me to do something I am really enjoying.
It's funny to think that when I went into teaching, I thought I didn't want to have anything to do with special education. Having family members with special needs, and mental health challenges I have personal regular experience with these issues. Originally my thinking was I didn't want to fill my working life with things that I see and deal with in my personal life as well. That might sound selfish, or rude, but it was where my brain was at at the time. Now, after having been able to work one on one with kids in similar situations to the people I know and love, I have changed my thinking. I want to be able to connect with my students like this. I want to be able to be an advocate for students who need a bit of extra help, or a safe place to be when they feel unsafe. In a place I thought I would never be happy in, I have found my true passion for teaching.
Anyway, that's the teaching update. At this point I have applied, my letter of intent is in, and my criminal record check has been ordered. Now I just wait and see if I get a spot in the program.
Wish me luck y'all!
Cheers
Sláinte
Skol
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