Being a new teacher...

"I am a new teacher fresh out of university. I moved up north and started teaching within four days of accepting the teaching position. Nothing that I took in university prepared me for this experience. I find each school day to be full of challenges and rewards. You need to really reflect on what classroom management means to you. If you expect students to attend school everyday, raise their hands, sit still for any length of time you need a reality check. These students need hands on activities that are engaging, relevant and meaningful to their schemas. My biggest fear of teaching up north for a long period of time is that I will lower my expectations or give up on these kids. The children I teach do not get to leave their baggage at the door."

---Amberlee