Diving In Headfirst
My first year after graduating from UVic I accepted a LD position at Pineview Elementary School in Prince George. Although my training was specifically in Secondary education, the job was in an elementary setting. Furthermore, the position was teaching subjects that I had not trained in, including Music, ELL and LA, as well as .2 of a Grade 4-5 split. Not only was the subject matter foreign, but so was the age group that I would be teaching. Regardless, I accepted the job, believing that I could find success for the students in my classes. It was an adjustment, but it did not take long to settle in. I had to teach myself the ukulele in order to better teach my students. I also had to create an entire year's worth of lessons for music ranging from K-7 (including a Christmas Concert), and familiarize myself with my Support role. I ended up knowing and teaching every single student in the school. My overall goal that guided me through the year was simple: Provide my students meaningful instructions, and work with them to become better in every aspect of school and life.
This opportunity has allowed me to grow as a teacher, and see the structure and mentality of transitioning between Elementary and Secondary. It gave me a chance to better see the lives of my students, and how their circumstances can affect their performance at school. I am happy that I accepted the position, as it was a true test of my teaching abilities.