Into the world of supply teaching...

The views on my drives  to
 work definitely beat the 404!

Back to zero seniority, I began my days as a supply teacher. I was very much looking forward to getting back to being with the kids again. Their energy, positivity and outlook on life is probably my favourite part of teaching. What I had totally forgotten, after having my own classroom for the past few years, was all those fancy tricks to remembering names quickly, getting the kids attention quickly and the general supply teaching skill set. Day one was a huge shock. What do you mean these kids just naturally don't listen and are so excited to have a supply teacher that they hardly do any work all day?! The morning was a tough go, but by about lunch I had it much more down pat. Too bad the principal of the school happened to come and check on me in the morning and conveniently forgot to do an afternoon check-up... I guess I won't be asking him for a reference!

Learning the new routines of the school board, classrooms and schools is tough. We often take for granted our familiarity with routine and how simple it makes our daily life patterns and interactions. While I think there is some value in routine, but we also need some novelty to keep us flexible and on our toes, always moving forward.  Keeping this in mind, I embraced the new routines and learned them the best I could.

Passing orchards and wineries on the way.

There are some major advantages to supply teaching. My personal favourite is the lack of variety in clothes. This is especially beneficial for someone who left many of her clothes back home, to be brought out at a later date. I could wear the same thing each day, and no one would know! It really takes away that whole staring at your closet, groggily wondering what to wear moment in the morning. Shhhh, don't tell my secret ;) I also enjoyed the simplicity of arriving before the bell and leaving right after, no take home work.

While supply teaching is great, what I miss most is the relationships. Relationships with the kids, getting to know them, their strengths and needs. The little quirks that make each of them unique. Relationships with other staff members, the friendly banter in the staff room at lunch, the supportive head nods and glances in the hallway. And the familiarity of at least knowing where the bathroom was.

On that topic of relationships...now that I had made the drive, sorted out a place to live and work...It was time to start making some new friends...