This is a current trend happening here in Brandon and surrounding area. This is definitely something we should be ready for as a teacher. Therefore, I decided to go the West cast presentation: “I can’t understand you, Can You understand me?” The other reason why I went is because I can relate to that statement or at least I used too, as an immigrant. With my husband, we have been living near Wawanesa since 1996 and we have seen Brandon’s population changed quite a bit. It is nice to go to Brandon and see all different kind of ethnicity and hear different language. It is pretty common now when we go shopping with my family in Brandon that somebody stops us and ask: “Vous parlez francais?” because they heard us talking. The last person we met was from the French island L’Ile Maurice. He told us about his immigration and that he was now working for Maple Leaf. He said he was lucky enough that he had some bases in English that he could communicate but it is not the case of every person. We laughed together because he explains the shock that he had with the Manitoban winter. We had been in his shoes and we knew how he felt. There are other families who immigrate to Brandon to find better lives here without knowing much of English. I feel for them because it is frustrating when you have to communicate. Therefore, when the children go to school and do not know any English: it is a challenge. It is becoming a problem for that student, but also for the teachers and the other students in the class. The presentation was introduced by a Hispanic lady that gave us instruction in Spanish to make a craft. It was pretty obvious that she wanted us to feel the way an EAL students feel in regular class. They explain during the session there are 4 general stages for adaptation but all children do not go through those 4 stages. The first one is “euphoria”, the student is excited about the new culture and everything is beautiful. This stage is great because no matter what happen, you focus only on the positive! The 2nd stage is called “culture shock” where it could lead to hostility; the student is not so happy anymore and it is a difficult time. The 3rd one is “anomie”, a balance stage where some identity crisis could rise. This stage is hard because you are not sure anymore of who you are. The final stage is “assimilation or adaptation” where the student becomes self-confident.
As teachers, we have to help those students to go through those stages as smooth as possible and help them to feel good in this new country. Our role is to include them in the classroom so there are few strategies and tools we can use to make them feel more comfortable: give them a tour of the school and have lots of visual in the classroom but also in the school. We should use as much as we can crafts, manipulative, songs, games, use big hand gesture and speak slowly with clear instruction. We have to learn about their cultural events and organize with their parents and relatives some events and acknowledge them into our teaching. Also, we have to prepare the other students and get them ready to welcome EAL students and reflect on their emotions. There is another thing we can do that I found really interesting: have an “emergency kit”. When you see that the student feels down, have some books in his language, something he can relate too, some puzzle, some books from his country to ease his pain and make him feel a bit closer to home. I think this is definitely something to have in a classroom with EAL students.
There is a program called a Tiny twist to English that seems like a good program to use with EAL students. Overall, I think we need to provide them with a safe classroom environment where they feel welcome and feel safe to say that they did not understand. It is important that they feel that they are not dumb, they are just learning another language. Foreign population is predicted to double or triple in the next few years. Therefore we have to be ready for them!
No dreams are too BIG !!!
skydiving
Monday, March 7, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
“Teaching and learning in a changing world”
When I heard about WESTCAST, I did not know what it was all about. I registered because I am always eager to learn new things. Then, I check on Google and this is what it gave me: “Western Canadian Association for Student Teaching Conference”. I thought what a great opportunity to be able to go to that conference here in Brandon.
When I reflect on the conferences and the sessions I went to during those 2 days and a half, I am really grateful. First, I would like to thank professors and students that volunteered so many hours to make this conference a success. Without their hard work and by having such great speakers, this conference would not have been so inspiring! To all thank you!
“Teaching and learning in a changing world” floated in my head during those 2days of conference. There were many inspiring sessions that I found really interesting. But for me, the session that would mostly reflect the theme of Westcast 2011 was Alex Couros’ presentation (Professor of Education, Technology and Media, University of Regina).
Since I started the Education program in September 2010, I learned many things that inspired me for my future as a teacher but there is one that struck me and it happened in Mike Nantais’ ICT class when I watched this Youtube video “Did you know” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECDZbrzkTxk . This video is about the quick changes happening in our world and how Education should take those changes into consideration by integrating technology into the learning process. I was in shock after watching this video. Therefore, when I heard Alex Couros’ presentation on “Open Education: Possibilities and Implications”. I was in shock again (it was becoming a habit!). I am 38 years old and as you know I grew up in France. As I recently realized, thanks to Jacky and your classes, the French philosophical orientation is mostly oriented toward essentialism. This is all about teaching the basics: reading, writing and Math! So this is kind of the “cultural and educational package” I came with when I entered Education in September. Of course, I was thinking the way I have been educated was the best one. For me technology, so far, was some kind of an enemy, a piece of equipment called PSP, DS, Wii… that I have to fight against with my son in order to prevent him from “becoming obese”, pretty popular statement those days! I am using computers on regular basis but I would not call myself a computer geek! So here I am on a daily basis fighting about this new technology intruding my home and that I did not grow up with it (this is the key!). Now, I go to Education classes where I have to create multimedia presentations, write blogs, have eportfolio and find out that technology should become my best friend when it comes to teaching and getting students involved in their learning process!!! Whaooh, I dropped from about a 6, well maybe 10 storey building! The landing was hurtful but it did wake me up. Nowadays, Children are growing up in a different environment than we did. Their environment is going at a fast pace and full of new technologies: digital camera, flat screen TV, DVD, MP3, IPod, blackberry, PSP, Wii…the list is long. They are growing in a self-teaching world of technology. My son is 11 years old and for the last 3 or 4 years he has been in charge of any technological problems in our house, simply because he knows better than us. It seems that it is innate in him. My husband and I have to learn this new technology because it is new to us, we did not grow up with it! That’s all!
Therefore, When Alec showed a picture of his 5 years old daughter using Movie Maker on her laptop, there was the reason why we need to integrate technology in the Education system. They use technology on a daily basis because they like it and find it challenging and rewarding. It is pretty obvious that a dry lesson with only books to read will not be as engaging for students as creating a multimedia presentation on the same subject. Let’s face it: we are going to teach 21st century learners! As teachers, we have to make it relevant for them so we have to use what they are interested in. Therefore, I have to admit technology should not be our enemy but a friendly tool to use to engage our student in the process of learning. There are new ways of learning and sharing now and we have to use them in the open and create a culture of sharing. It is all about blogs, personal network. Now, I do see their utility. Students do not have to learn between 9 a.m. and 3p.m. The classroom time will be bigger because students will work on sharing and learning even from their home. As a teacher, it is hard to let go of control but I think we could be guides for them and lead them towards skills and knowledge they need to learn in order to be able to function in their future life. We also have to accept that we will learn from them because they are born with this technology. What a great way to learn for a student by teaching his own teacher on a program he is using! With technology, we can have easy access to experts all over the world to support various subjects we want to teach. Also, there will be lots of benefits by sharing with foreign students when teaching a foreign country… How could I not see it! There are many positive examples of integrating technology into our classroom. It is about sharing a global experience and finding ways to make meaning for the students we will teach!
As much as it is becoming legitimate in my mind to use technology, there are few concerns that I have as a teacher and a parent. If we want to integrate technology into our classroom, we need to inform and teach parents about How, What and Why it is important because as I was, there are many parents of my generation that does not see yet the importance of using technology as a tool. If we demonstrate and explain, it will also become obvious for them and we will be able to work together and get their full support. Also, as Alec stated: “At the beginning, it was hard to make it public on line and now it is hard to keep it private!” We have to create an awareness of the digital footprint our students will leave on line. They have to realize that they should think ahead of time of what kind of information or pictures they will post because once it has been published, it will stay there forever. It is not a game. They have to be aware of the profile they are creating for themselves. Another aspect, I think, needs to be taught is the safety. Unfortunately, not all people on earth are well intended and children need to be reminded of it. Is the sentence “Do not talk to strangers” still apply? I don’t know…
As you can see, I “revised” my first vision of technology. That is a big change for me. I want to use it and I want my son, my students to use it to discover the world in their own way and learn about things they are interested in. I think life is all about balance. We just have to make sure as teachers and parents that the use of technology is not becoming a 24 hours obsession. Students need to realize they need to be active, have a social and real life too, not only a virtual one!
When I reflect on the conferences and the sessions I went to during those 2 days and a half, I am really grateful. First, I would like to thank professors and students that volunteered so many hours to make this conference a success. Without their hard work and by having such great speakers, this conference would not have been so inspiring! To all thank you!
“Teaching and learning in a changing world” floated in my head during those 2days of conference. There were many inspiring sessions that I found really interesting. But for me, the session that would mostly reflect the theme of Westcast 2011 was Alex Couros’ presentation (Professor of Education, Technology and Media, University of Regina).
Since I started the Education program in September 2010, I learned many things that inspired me for my future as a teacher but there is one that struck me and it happened in Mike Nantais’ ICT class when I watched this Youtube video “Did you know” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECDZbrzkTxk . This video is about the quick changes happening in our world and how Education should take those changes into consideration by integrating technology into the learning process. I was in shock after watching this video. Therefore, when I heard Alex Couros’ presentation on “Open Education: Possibilities and Implications”. I was in shock again (it was becoming a habit!). I am 38 years old and as you know I grew up in France. As I recently realized, thanks to Jacky and your classes, the French philosophical orientation is mostly oriented toward essentialism. This is all about teaching the basics: reading, writing and Math! So this is kind of the “cultural and educational package” I came with when I entered Education in September. Of course, I was thinking the way I have been educated was the best one. For me technology, so far, was some kind of an enemy, a piece of equipment called PSP, DS, Wii… that I have to fight against with my son in order to prevent him from “becoming obese”, pretty popular statement those days! I am using computers on regular basis but I would not call myself a computer geek! So here I am on a daily basis fighting about this new technology intruding my home and that I did not grow up with it (this is the key!). Now, I go to Education classes where I have to create multimedia presentations, write blogs, have eportfolio and find out that technology should become my best friend when it comes to teaching and getting students involved in their learning process!!! Whaooh, I dropped from about a 6, well maybe 10 storey building! The landing was hurtful but it did wake me up. Nowadays, Children are growing up in a different environment than we did. Their environment is going at a fast pace and full of new technologies: digital camera, flat screen TV, DVD, MP3, IPod, blackberry, PSP, Wii…the list is long. They are growing in a self-teaching world of technology. My son is 11 years old and for the last 3 or 4 years he has been in charge of any technological problems in our house, simply because he knows better than us. It seems that it is innate in him. My husband and I have to learn this new technology because it is new to us, we did not grow up with it! That’s all!
Therefore, When Alec showed a picture of his 5 years old daughter using Movie Maker on her laptop, there was the reason why we need to integrate technology in the Education system. They use technology on a daily basis because they like it and find it challenging and rewarding. It is pretty obvious that a dry lesson with only books to read will not be as engaging for students as creating a multimedia presentation on the same subject. Let’s face it: we are going to teach 21st century learners! As teachers, we have to make it relevant for them so we have to use what they are interested in. Therefore, I have to admit technology should not be our enemy but a friendly tool to use to engage our student in the process of learning. There are new ways of learning and sharing now and we have to use them in the open and create a culture of sharing. It is all about blogs, personal network. Now, I do see their utility. Students do not have to learn between 9 a.m. and 3p.m. The classroom time will be bigger because students will work on sharing and learning even from their home. As a teacher, it is hard to let go of control but I think we could be guides for them and lead them towards skills and knowledge they need to learn in order to be able to function in their future life. We also have to accept that we will learn from them because they are born with this technology. What a great way to learn for a student by teaching his own teacher on a program he is using! With technology, we can have easy access to experts all over the world to support various subjects we want to teach. Also, there will be lots of benefits by sharing with foreign students when teaching a foreign country… How could I not see it! There are many positive examples of integrating technology into our classroom. It is about sharing a global experience and finding ways to make meaning for the students we will teach!
As much as it is becoming legitimate in my mind to use technology, there are few concerns that I have as a teacher and a parent. If we want to integrate technology into our classroom, we need to inform and teach parents about How, What and Why it is important because as I was, there are many parents of my generation that does not see yet the importance of using technology as a tool. If we demonstrate and explain, it will also become obvious for them and we will be able to work together and get their full support. Also, as Alec stated: “At the beginning, it was hard to make it public on line and now it is hard to keep it private!” We have to create an awareness of the digital footprint our students will leave on line. They have to realize that they should think ahead of time of what kind of information or pictures they will post because once it has been published, it will stay there forever. It is not a game. They have to be aware of the profile they are creating for themselves. Another aspect, I think, needs to be taught is the safety. Unfortunately, not all people on earth are well intended and children need to be reminded of it. Is the sentence “Do not talk to strangers” still apply? I don’t know…
As you can see, I “revised” my first vision of technology. That is a big change for me. I want to use it and I want my son, my students to use it to discover the world in their own way and learn about things they are interested in. I think life is all about balance. We just have to make sure as teachers and parents that the use of technology is not becoming a 24 hours obsession. Students need to realize they need to be active, have a social and real life too, not only a virtual one!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Finance
Finance
“Money, money, money, must be funny in the rich man’s world” states Abba in one of their song
Well, when it comes to finance in Education, it’s everything but funny. It is pretty obvious that it cost more money nowadays to educate children than it used to be. With the level of technology used in schools, supplies, fieldtrip+transportation, it is quite clear that schools need more and more money in order to provide an adequate education. Funded 62% by the Provincial and 32% by the Municipal Government, as we can see most of the financing comes indirectly from our tax. But this goes toward a “respectful project”: educate our children to make sure they will have a future! As we seen in class, sometimes, budget cuts need to be done: it is a tough job to do. We knew it was fake in class but it did solicitate great discussions that I really enjoyed. I think if schools are reasonable, there should be minimum cuts to do and Education should be one of the last departments that should be cut! We can not bargain our children’s future!
There is also one thing I would like to discuss about. It is what we called the “law of efficiency”. When I heard that rural schools were not as efficient money wise compared to urban schools, I was shocked. Even if I understand the concept: paying a teacher to educate 25 to 30 children is more “efficient” than paying one for 15 to 20 children, I can not understand why people are comparing. It is completely different! Why aren’t we just closing rural schools and having just urban schools to make it even more efficient if money is so important!? Maybe I am naïve but I think we also need to take into consideration the quality of instruction in both settings. The classroom environment and the level of learning are quite different. I think a teacher will have more time to develop a trustful relationship and build a positive classroom environment in a smaller class. I am not saying it is impossible in a bigger class but certainly represents a bigger challenge. So which one in more important: cheaper education or quality education?
“Money, money, money, must be funny in the rich man’s world” states Abba in one of their song
Well, when it comes to finance in Education, it’s everything but funny. It is pretty obvious that it cost more money nowadays to educate children than it used to be. With the level of technology used in schools, supplies, fieldtrip+transportation, it is quite clear that schools need more and more money in order to provide an adequate education. Funded 62% by the Provincial and 32% by the Municipal Government, as we can see most of the financing comes indirectly from our tax. But this goes toward a “respectful project”: educate our children to make sure they will have a future! As we seen in class, sometimes, budget cuts need to be done: it is a tough job to do. We knew it was fake in class but it did solicitate great discussions that I really enjoyed. I think if schools are reasonable, there should be minimum cuts to do and Education should be one of the last departments that should be cut! We can not bargain our children’s future!
There is also one thing I would like to discuss about. It is what we called the “law of efficiency”. When I heard that rural schools were not as efficient money wise compared to urban schools, I was shocked. Even if I understand the concept: paying a teacher to educate 25 to 30 children is more “efficient” than paying one for 15 to 20 children, I can not understand why people are comparing. It is completely different! Why aren’t we just closing rural schools and having just urban schools to make it even more efficient if money is so important!? Maybe I am naïve but I think we also need to take into consideration the quality of instruction in both settings. The classroom environment and the level of learning are quite different. I think a teacher will have more time to develop a trustful relationship and build a positive classroom environment in a smaller class. I am not saying it is impossible in a bigger class but certainly represents a bigger challenge. So which one in more important: cheaper education or quality education?
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Governance of Public Education in Canada
When I think about governance, I think mostly about politics and it is not a very appealing subject for me but as a teacher, but I need to know where policies are coming from. Also, if we want to get things changed as teachers, we need to know how it is working.
Education is within provincial jurisdiction and the curriculum is overseen by the province. Public education is provided free to all Canadians who meet various age and residence requirements.
In Manitoba, education is governed principally by The Public Schools Act (http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/p250e.php) and The Education Administration Act. Rights and responsibilities of the Minister of Education and the rights and responsibilities of school boards, principals, teachers, parents and students are set out by this legislation.
I think it is really important to have an Education Act that everybody in Manitoba can refer too. It is really specific and lays out everything that every school has to go by. I also think it is a good thing that the curriculum, established by the Provincial Government, is on an ongoing change and it can then adapt at any time. It is keeping up to date what students need to learn. I also learned that if a school is funded by the Government (private schools for example), it has to teach the Manitoba curriculum. I think it is fair because students from different schools need a common base. When they leave school after grade 12 and go to Universities for example, it is easier to add on knowledge if we know the bases are there.
Local governance of education is usually entrusted to school boards and school divisions. They are elected officials and represent a political position. If I remember right, School Board is the people in charge of policies manual (how school division will run) and also how money is spent in school. They also hire superintendant and the treasurer/secretary. This represents quite a big responsibility. Like I mentioned before those people are elected, so basically, it could be anybody. It might not be the best people to take decisions on Education. In order to take appropriate decisions, I think those elected people need to know what they are talking about. We need to have educators in that position because they have been teaching in schools before and they know what is going on and where the needs are. Another criterion that needs to be taken into consideration is the community. I think educators who want to be elected on the School Board have to be from the community. Every community is different and has it owns need. Therefore, if the educators are from the community they will be more knowledgeable and concerned about the needs of local schools. The last aspect that needs to be observed is the financial decisions. School boards have huge financial responsibilities. Therefore, elected people need to have a good understanding of finance. So basically what I am saying is that the perfect School Board member will have the right hemisphere of an accountant, the left hemisphere of a teacher, his arms and legs will have to touch base in the community and the last element but not the least, he will need to have the heart of a parent!!! If no such thing is available, maybe we could have a mix of all of those people in the School Board!
Education is within provincial jurisdiction and the curriculum is overseen by the province. Public education is provided free to all Canadians who meet various age and residence requirements.
In Manitoba, education is governed principally by The Public Schools Act (http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/p250e.php) and The Education Administration Act. Rights and responsibilities of the Minister of Education and the rights and responsibilities of school boards, principals, teachers, parents and students are set out by this legislation.
I think it is really important to have an Education Act that everybody in Manitoba can refer too. It is really specific and lays out everything that every school has to go by. I also think it is a good thing that the curriculum, established by the Provincial Government, is on an ongoing change and it can then adapt at any time. It is keeping up to date what students need to learn. I also learned that if a school is funded by the Government (private schools for example), it has to teach the Manitoba curriculum. I think it is fair because students from different schools need a common base. When they leave school after grade 12 and go to Universities for example, it is easier to add on knowledge if we know the bases are there.
Local governance of education is usually entrusted to school boards and school divisions. They are elected officials and represent a political position. If I remember right, School Board is the people in charge of policies manual (how school division will run) and also how money is spent in school. They also hire superintendant and the treasurer/secretary. This represents quite a big responsibility. Like I mentioned before those people are elected, so basically, it could be anybody. It might not be the best people to take decisions on Education. In order to take appropriate decisions, I think those elected people need to know what they are talking about. We need to have educators in that position because they have been teaching in schools before and they know what is going on and where the needs are. Another criterion that needs to be taken into consideration is the community. I think educators who want to be elected on the School Board have to be from the community. Every community is different and has it owns need. Therefore, if the educators are from the community they will be more knowledgeable and concerned about the needs of local schools. The last aspect that needs to be observed is the financial decisions. School boards have huge financial responsibilities. Therefore, elected people need to have a good understanding of finance. So basically what I am saying is that the perfect School Board member will have the right hemisphere of an accountant, the left hemisphere of a teacher, his arms and legs will have to touch base in the community and the last element but not the least, he will need to have the heart of a parent!!! If no such thing is available, maybe we could have a mix of all of those people in the School Board!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
French tradition and history in Education
When studying the history of education, I did some research on the French tradition and how it influenced the Canadian Educational Landscape. First, it did not strike me why France with other countries would have such an influence in the education here in Manitoba. Then, I started to reflect on the origin of Canada and I realized that when immigrants came to live in this new country they brought not only their culture but also their religion and tradition. Education was one of the heritages they also brought. French traditions really influenced the New France during the period of 1650-1700 and left big imprint especially in today’s Quebec landscape. This is, I believe the province that has the highest number of private schools. In France, they still represent 15 to 20%. In addition to French, English, American and Scottish traditions came and shaped the actual education. First I thought, that after few centuries, those heritages would not show as much but then I reflect on what I know of Manitoba today. Being French immigrants, we have a natural instinct to regroup with other French speaking people at times. That is why we became attached to Notre Dame de Lourdes. Deeply inspired by European traditions, the people of this community established in 1891, preserve and promote their French and Swiss origins, giving Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes its decidedly European flavour. Therefore, it is easy to understand how in small Manitoba communities, different origins of immigrants shaped the actual education. Proud of their origin, the immigrants and their families worked effectively to preserve and promote their own culture especially in schools. Like Notre Dame, various villages still represent nucleus of culture like Dauphin as a Ukrainian heritage, Ste Rose, St Lazare as a French one, Steinbach as a German background… If we would visit the schools in those towns they would reflect the cultural background in the way the children are being taught.
I was also amazed to see how much catholic and protestant religion influenced the educational landscape up to around 1875. After, free non-religion schools became to appear which I think made more sense and avoid delicate problems of religion. It was also a big step towards acceptance and tolerance.
In the French Manitoban School, we could still see the influence of the Catholic religion not very long ago when they were still saying prayers just after “O’ Canada”: a pure example of French tradition!
Personally, as long as a common curriculum is being taught in each school, I think there is a value in preserving the culture because this is part of the history of the country. But it has to be done in a respectful and non seclusive manner. It is all about diversity, tolerance and acceptance: crucial values that children need nowadays even maybe more than before because of the reality of the immigration flow and also because people travel more now than in the past! I really enjoyed this history blog, it made me think out of the box for a while!!!
Slides on French tradition to follow...
I was also amazed to see how much catholic and protestant religion influenced the educational landscape up to around 1875. After, free non-religion schools became to appear which I think made more sense and avoid delicate problems of religion. It was also a big step towards acceptance and tolerance.
In the French Manitoban School, we could still see the influence of the Catholic religion not very long ago when they were still saying prayers just after “O’ Canada”: a pure example of French tradition!
Personally, as long as a common curriculum is being taught in each school, I think there is a value in preserving the culture because this is part of the history of the country. But it has to be done in a respectful and non seclusive manner. It is all about diversity, tolerance and acceptance: crucial values that children need nowadays even maybe more than before because of the reality of the immigration flow and also because people travel more now than in the past! I really enjoyed this history blog, it made me think out of the box for a while!!!
Slides on French tradition to follow...
Monday, January 24, 2011
Manitoba Teacher Society code of professional practice
As future teachers, we learned this week about the MTS code of professional practice. I was surprised to see how clear and concise the document was! As a professional, we needs rules and codes of conduct to refer too so this is the role of The Code of Professional Practice. It establishes the required standards of conduct for all members of The Manitoba Teachers' Society. A teacher's professional behaviour must reflect the spirit as well as the letter of the Code. Through 13 different points, that you will find at the following website http://www.mbteach.org/inside-mts/professionalcode.html , it is showing what is expected from usas a teacher. I think it is mandatory for each new teacher to learn about it and discuss about it!
Representing 15 000 educators in Manitoba, I found that the code was using a lot of common sense, the first professional responsability being the student. Also, we have to be faithful and honest between colleagues. If there is a problem it is so much better to face it right away than to leave it because the relationship between the other teacher and us will deteriorate and it is hard to come back to normal relationship after and we do not want any situation to affect our teaching in a negative way. Saying that is easy but let's face it, teaching can be very stressful at times and we might not always be at our best so if we know that we are not alone and we can trust our colleagues, I think, it is a peace of mind! I hope my colleague will tell me if they think I am not doing something right and I will do that for them too. It is so much healthy to adress it right away instead of talking to someone else like a principal. I think most of the times we do not want to hurt feeling so we do not want to talk about it, but as hard as it is, this is our responsability! As we seen in the case scenarios studied in class, some are really touchy decisions to take but think what is the best for your student, for you and for your colleagues!
There is also one thing that I did not know about: teacher can not go on strike, did you know?
To conclude, I would say it is good to know that MTS is there for us with professional counsellors that we can consult anytime when in doubt. It is reassuring to know that we are protected!
Representing 15 000 educators in Manitoba, I found that the code was using a lot of common sense, the first professional responsability being the student. Also, we have to be faithful and honest between colleagues. If there is a problem it is so much better to face it right away than to leave it because the relationship between the other teacher and us will deteriorate and it is hard to come back to normal relationship after and we do not want any situation to affect our teaching in a negative way. Saying that is easy but let's face it, teaching can be very stressful at times and we might not always be at our best so if we know that we are not alone and we can trust our colleagues, I think, it is a peace of mind! I hope my colleague will tell me if they think I am not doing something right and I will do that for them too. It is so much healthy to adress it right away instead of talking to someone else like a principal. I think most of the times we do not want to hurt feeling so we do not want to talk about it, but as hard as it is, this is our responsability! As we seen in the case scenarios studied in class, some are really touchy decisions to take but think what is the best for your student, for you and for your colleagues!
There is also one thing that I did not know about: teacher can not go on strike, did you know?
To conclude, I would say it is good to know that MTS is there for us with professional counsellors that we can consult anytime when in doubt. It is reassuring to know that we are protected!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)