Long Term Occasional Teacher & One-on-one support for LD/LifeSkills students who cannot learn online
What do you love about your job?
I love that I get to experience several roles in a school. This year has really taken me outside of my comfort zone. I learned that I really enjoy being in kindergarten classes and grade 1, which is something that at the beginning of the school year, you would never have heard me say. This year also let me experience teaching students with special needs in a LifeSkills class. During the first school shut down, I was relocated to Frontenac to assist with in-school learning. I was very nervous and unsure about the move, but I took it as a learning experience. I am so happy I did. It’s been an incredible time. The students and staff are amazing. We always have so much fun. Throughout it all we have had birthday parties, special activities, retirement parties, box building competitions, pond studies, concerts, and much more – all the while practicing safe COVID protocols.
In this challenging year, what have you tried that is working?
Going with the flow even when technology fails you. Patience and experimentation are key when navigating online learning. Some days work, others don’t… just go with it.
What has been a challenge?
Names – I am currently trying to learn each student’s name at Alton Village. It’s an uphill battle because the second I recall all of the names of our grade 3s, I forget the 8s.
I have all of my Frontenac in-school students memorized. I will take that as my victory.
Teaching physical education online for grade 3s has been a very funny experience. There has been lots of confusion, laughing, and parent involvement. I have tripped over my computer cord countless times. You know, the usual online learning things.
What is one tiny victory you’d like to celebrate?
Walking down the kindergarten hallway at Alton Village is one of the best experiences. All the students say “hello”, wave and try to high five me. It always makes me feel like a rock star. If I am having a bad day, I always walk down that hallway and it immediately changes my mindset. I love it!
Words of encouragement / love for other staff?
Just keep doing what you are doing. I have been in a lot of classes and teachers always say to me, “I am just doing what I can.” What you are doing is amazing. The love, dedication, and passion I have seen this year has been immense and understated. Just keep going. You’ve got this…we all do!
Who would you invite to your ideal dinner party? Why?
At this moment, my whole family. I had a daughter in October that has not met any of her aunts, uncles, cousins, or great grandparents. She comes from a VERY big family on both sides, and I just want her to meet everyone, and for everyone to meet her! However, if Chris Cornell showed up and sang a couple of songs at the dinner party I wouldn’t be upset.
How would your friends describe you?
I had no idea so I asked them! This is what they said: Authentic, genuine, connective, dependable, easy going, loves Harry Potter, outside the box thinker, sincere and the biggest Sam Roberts fan.
Well done Chris. I knew you were destined for this great profession. Keep celebrating the intrinsic rewards and keep that positive attitude. You are going to influence so many young minds to greatness. So proud of you.
Rod
We are the Pirates on the Isle of Wight and are so proud for what you have achieved as we know how hard you have worked to become a teacher.
We are sure all those you work with and teach will always remember you for your dedication to the profession.
Take this opportunnity to do great things and have a long and happy future doing what you do best.