 | 2010 Update |
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Since graduation in December of 2008 I have had wonderful employment experiences. I started working in January of 2009 at a preschool centre in Nanaimo. This centre provided care and learning experiences for children ranging from age three to grade two. We would have two preschool classes everyday as well as students who were enrolled all day and children who came after their classes at the local elementary school finished. It was an extremely valuable experience with circle time, arts and crafts, story time and free play time. I worked with a staff of four teachers throughout the week and the families of our children to create a positive, enriching environment for the learners. I then moved to working in Port Alberni full time in September 2009. I worked as Student Support for students in grades 6-8 (primarily grade 8) for academic and behavioural support in addition to teaching French 8. I learned an immense amount in this experience. I would work one on one with students, in small groups and closely with classroom teachers, administrators, and family to ensure students were receiving the academic and behavioural support they required to achieve success. I reported on the progress of the students to parents, district and administrators, both for the students receiving support from me as well as the students in the French 8 class. I was responsible for designing and implementing lessons to meet the needs of the learners, checking for understanding, maintaining records and establishing rules for an effective classroom. I enjoyed being part of the school team attending meetings, book clubs, working supervision and attending professional development workshops as a staff. I represented my school as the Pro-D representative and offered my time to operate a concession stand to raise funds for the school. I made wonderful connections at the school with the staff and students. With my contract ending in December 2009, January 2010 brings me the opportunity to visit many schools in my new role as a Teacher on Call for School District 70. I am looking forward to being in many different schools and grade levels to broaden my experience, learn new teaching strategies, lesson ideas and be part of many collegial environments. To date, I have worked in a grade two classroom one day and as a librarian on another day. Both were wonderful experiences. I feel very honoured and optimistic to be where I am in my career and I am looking forward to what the new year brings me! |