Top Job Thursday

“When you walk in that door, you’re the kids’ world. You’re the one that’s going to make a difference.”
— Geoffrey Winship, Elementary Teacher

Elementary School Teacher:
Is It The Occupation For You?

Do you love learning and love sharing what you know? Do you feel a sense of accomplishment from helping others succeed? Do you revel in situations that are new, varied and challenging?

Learning is life!
Today’s teachers know and demonstrate it. They couple their own enjoyment for learning with a willingness to share. They’re motivated by making a difference in the lives of students and by building society – one student at a time. Teachers are continually exposed to new people, situations and opportunities for professional growth and leadership. They are accomplished students themselves, curious by nature and dedicated to helping others grow and thrive. If you’re organized, flexible, thoughtful and caring . . . if you’re looking for challenge, excitement and personal reward . . . if you’re inspired to learn as you teach and teach what you love – then a career in teaching may be just for you.

Getting There: The Paths to Becoming a Teacher
Today’s teachers wear many hats and perform different roles. They are communicators, counselors, classroom managers and role models, combining the right blend of knowledge, skill and temperament to succeed. Good teachers collaborate with colleagues, parents, other professionals and community partners to improve student learning. They know their subject matter and use a variety of teaching methods and resources, including a range of computer programs and Internet resources. They track student progress and change and refine their teaching practices through reflection and career long professional development. The best preparation for teaching is a well-rounded high school education, including a strong grounding in the liberal arts, mathematics and science. If you’re not sure whether you want to teach elementary or high school students, take a variety of courses. You can specialize later in university or your post secondary studies.

. . . To Teach Elementary School
In an elementary school, you may be asked to teach everything. Keep all your options open in high school by pursuing math, science, geography, history and English credits at the Grade 12 level. In university, you can specialize in one or two subjects from the elementary curriculum such as English, history, science or math. A course in psychology, child development or sociology of the family will also help prepare you for the classroom. A generalist background will help when you apply to a faculty of education or for your first teaching position.

. . . To Teach Secondary School
You will need to complete a postsecondary degree and a teacher education program – whether you teach in an elementary or secondary school. However, as a high school academic teacher, you need to qualify to teach two subjects. At university, you may wish to take English and history, or music and mathematics, or mathematics and science. Take an honours degree if you think you might like to become a subject specialist, the head of a department, or a school administrator (vice-principal or principal).

Volunteering
Tutoring or working as a volunteer with children or young people in school, community, camping or religious programs helps towards becoming a teacher. You will discover whether you like working with children and whether you have the temperament and personality to succeed. Volunteer experience will also help you gain admission to a faculty of education. Most teacher education faculties consider applicants’ experience as well as their university grades.

Ontario College of Teachers, http://www.oct.ca/publications/pdf/becoming_e.pdf