Dear 23-year-old me,
You are about to begin an incredible journey. Your career as a teacher will take you to different communities and working with children of various ages and individual needs. You will adore teaching and helping kids. You will also have an influence on your school staff, parents and community.
Now that I’ve been through that career, one of the most important things I’d like you to know is that consistency and a calm manner are very important to your job. As much as you love to be spontaneous, creative and high energy…that can sometimes lead to tricky situations. There’s a place for all that energy but it might take you some time to fine-tune when you want to use it.
Part way through your career you’re going to learn about Indian residential schools and the impact they have had and continue to have on Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island. You will be shocked to know that Phyllis Webstad, founder of the orange shirt movement, is the same age as you. While you had your entire schooling and working career in education systems that respected your language and family and culture, Phyllis and thousands of Indigenous peoples have experienced the opposite.
Try not to wallow in guilt. It’s just not productive. Instead, get out there and learn. You know that informed people can create positive change. Make sure your schools have materials they need to help everyone learn the truth so that reconciliation can take place. The commission on Truth and Reconciliation will provide a guideline of recommendations. Read them. Understand why they are there and take action. Some of your most memorable days of working in education will include the ones where you made the most effort toward reconciliation.
There will be many changes over the years. Changes in curriculum, technology, administrative policy, walkouts and even strikes. Through all this know that you and your fellow educators have the students’ interests at heart and making a positive difference in their lives is what you’re there to do everyday.
For a while you might think that you would never consider supply teaching in your retirement. There will be many days when you feel tired and the stress seems too much to think of teaching after your pension starts. I’m here to tell you that with enough time to decompress, you will love getting back in the classroom and making a difference.
Take care of your physical, mental and spiritual health. Reach out when you need help. Stay connected to nature. Put family first.
I believe in you!
Signed,
Your (semi) retired self
