Education is one of the foundations of Canadian society. If you are wondering why your board is addressing issues of equity and inclusion recently, a policy/program memorandum has impacted the way Ontario public school boards are conducting their business of education. Through the Policy/Program Memorandum No. 119, Developing and Implementing Equity and Inclusive Education Policies […]
Before School Starts
Mindful Pause, with or without Technology?
Everywhere I turn I see the effects of our technologically advanced world. Gains have been made in medical research, communication abilities, and advancements toward an easier life? Some of the effects on individuals are now coming to light. Many people are connected to the internet 24/7. This is causing sleep disturbances, eye issues, addiction behaviours, […]
School year start up
Well we are already four weeks in and hopefully it has been a great start of the school year for everyone. I am now teaching a grade eight class, teaching math, science, history/geography, language, art and drama. I was overwhelmed at first thinking about all of the subjects I would be responsible for but I […]
Building a Community
School begins by building the student community. We invite guardians into the space and include them in building the environment. Often this is done with a newsletter or email introducing the subjects and the adults whom have contact with each child. Any special events or classroom supplies are mentioned to assist students with a successful […]
Teacher Guilt
I have felt guilty about my job since the first year that I started teaching. I have always felt that I did not do enough, didn’t contact parents enough, didn’t make it fun enough, didn’t write down observations or assessments enough, didn’t do enough intervention with those struggling readers, writers, mathematicians, didn’t do all of […]
Know Your Responsibilities Dealing with Safety in Learning Environments
As teachers, it is our responsibility to keep our students safe at school. I tell my students that keeping them safe is my first job as their teacher. My second job is to teach them something. As a teacher, knowing your rights and responsibilities in the teaching profession is key to protecting yourself and your […]