|
If not a teacher, then what?
I am constantly reading that teaching is almost impossible to rely on as a source of income in Canada.
This worries me somewhat as it's all I know, I went straight from school, straight to uni and straight into teaching. Twenty years in and I'm the head teacher of a primary school in England and it's a job I love. I have no worries about having to return to the classroom in Canada but this looks difficult in the current climate. I'd be interested to hear from other teachers who have made the move as to success stories they have had either within education or where their teaching skills and knowledge have helped them to secure employment elsewhere. There must be some success stories somewhere? We intend to move to Canada next summer and Alberta, BC and Ontario are all still in the running, even after this years recce trip. |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
I'm interested in your motivation to leave behind a career and position you love. :)
|
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by ann m
(Post 9558846)
I'm interested in your motivation to leave behind a career and position you love. :)
+1 |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Probably because I don't want to get old wondering what if, I realise it's a risk, but I am of the mindset what will be will be. I want to see if there is something different / better/ as good as out there and the holidays I have spent in Canada I have loved. A risk worth taking? I don't know. .... But I don't want to regret not ever knowing.
I do love my job and my school and that potentially is a huge personal wrench for me - not being involved with children and education. |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by Des and Chris
(Post 9558073)
I am constantly reading that teaching is almost impossible to rely on as a source of income in Canada.
This worries me somewhat as it's all I know, I went straight from school, straight to uni and straight into teaching. Twenty years in and I'm the head teacher of a primary school in England and it's a job I love. I have no worries about having to return to the classroom in Canada but this looks difficult in the current climate. I'd be interested to hear from other teachers who have made the move as to success stories they have had either within education or where their teaching skills and knowledge have helped them to secure employment elsewhere. There must be some success stories somewhere? We intend to move to Canada next summer and Alberta, BC and Ontario are all still in the running, even after this years recce trip. http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=727240 As for actually getting a position that could be difficult. The Alberta government is currently underfunding education. Calgary Board of Education has recently had to reduce its teacher numbers by attrition and lay-offs. Other boards seem to be in similar positions although some rural boards seem to be fairing better. |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
In BC it can also be easier and quicker to get teaching work if you are prepared to go to some of the more remote locations.
|
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Another option is working in a Private School. My kids go to a great private elementary school where there are a couple of British teachers. I understand it may be 'easier' to get in that way?
I am a Nurse, and for me the move was backwards as far as my career goes. But we didn't move to further my career, if you get what I mean?! |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by charlottyb
(Post 9559040)
Another option is working in a Private School. My kids go to a great private elementary school where there are a couple of British teachers. I understand it may be 'easier' to get in that way?
I am a Nurse, and for me the move was backwards as far as my career goes. But we didn't move to further my career, if you get what I mean?! |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by Des and Chris
(Post 9559044)
I am considering the private school option and trawling their web sites. My partner is a nurse too and jobs look more optimistic for him in Alberta. His specialism is oncology and stroke research.
http://education.alberta.ca/teachers/certification.aspx From the above website: Please be aware of the following when completing an application for the Alberta Interim Professional Certificate and submitting documents to this Office: Prior to commencement of employment in the Alberta school system (public, separate, private, charter, francophone, and band schools); a teacher must hold an Interim Professional Certificate or other valid Alberta teaching authority. It is the responsibility of the hiring school authority and individual teacher to ensure that a teacher does not teach in an Alberta classroom before holding valid teaching authority |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by Des and Chris
(Post 9558975)
Probably because I don't want to get old wondering what if, I realise it's a risk, but I am of the mindset what will be will be. I want to see if there is something different / better/ as good as out there and the holidays I have spent in Canada I have loved. A risk worth taking? I don't know. .... But I don't want to regret not ever knowing.
I do love my job and my school and that potentially is a huge personal wrench for me - not being involved with children and education. Not trying to be flippant but you don't want to regret it if you do it. I've known a few teachers that have given up headships in the UK only to have to do crap jobs over here or the US, have then become too entrenched, isolated and impoverished to ever go back. Then of course there's the pension issue. I'd stick with either holidays, a sabbatical or try a job swap for six months or a year. |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by Des and Chris
(Post 9558975)
Probably because I don't want to get old wondering what if, I realise it's a risk, but I am of the mindset what will be will be. I want to see if there is something different / better/ as good as out there and the holidays I have spent in Canada I have loved. A risk worth taking? I don't know. .... But I don't want to regret not ever knowing.
I do love my job and my school and that potentially is a huge personal wrench for me - not being involved with children and education. Dear Des and Chris, I am a teacher in BC and I made the move to Canada in September 2009 for very similar reasons as yours. Four months after arriving in the lower mainland I was hired by SD43 - I was interviewed and hired on the spot. I taught in inner city secondary schools in the UK prior to my arrival. Initially I was hired on a part time continuing contract, however this academic year (2011 /12) I will be on a full time continuing contract. Please contact me through PM and I will share further. All school districts in the lower mainland have a huge shortage in kindergarten (which comes under elementary, an area you are familiar with) and if you are bilingual i.e. competent to a fairly high level in both English and French, you stand a good chance of landing a job in French immersion. The BC supreme court found in favour of the British Columbia Teachers Federation that bills 27 and 28 which deals with class size, composition etc was unconstitutional and that it infringed on teachers rights, now this will create a situation necessitating corrections in these imbalances which would shift the balance towards hiring well qualified experienced teachers especially in the early years and special needs. This is part of the discourse in the current strike we are involved in. Take care Ruby |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by RubyRose
(Post 9559164)
:thumbup:
Dear Des and Chris, I am a teacher in BC and I made the move to Canada in September 2009 for very similar reasons as yours. Four months after arriving in the lower mainland I was hired by SD43 - I was interviewed and hired on the spot. I taught in inner city secondary schools in the UK prior to my arrival. Initially I was hired on a part time continuing contract, however this academic year (2011 /12) I will be on a full time continuing contract. Please contact me through PM and I will share further. All school districts in the lower mainland have a huge shortage in kindergarten (which comes under elementary, an area you are familiar with) and if you are bilingual i.e. competent to a fairly high level in both English and French, you stand a good chance of landing a job in French immersion. The BC supreme court found in favour of the British Columbia Teachers Federation that bills 27 and 28 which deals with class size, composition etc was unconstitutional and that it infringed on teachers rights, now this will create a situation necessitating corrections in these imbalances which would shift the balance towards hiring well qualified experienced teachers especially in the early years and special needs. This is part of the discourse in the current strike we are involved in. Take care Ruby And good luck with that strike of yours. There are some surprises in store for the BCTF if they think they'll garner public support in this economic environment. |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
I agree with Oink. The BCTF can get f88ked if they think anyone supports their desire for even more $$$ and yet again, threatening strike action right int time for September - nice. Holding parents, and children, hostage yet again. Oh, and how about getting rid of bad teachers while they're at it? Oh no, that would never do. Teachers are never wrong and must be protected at all costs! :rolleyes:
I wish the BCTF were disbanded, honestly. It was needed in the past, now it's hard to see it as anything but an organization out to protect itself and it's members, not the interests of children. |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by RubyRose
(Post 9559164)
:thumbup:
Dear Des and Chris, I am a teacher in BC and I made the move to Canada in September 2009 for very similar reasons as yours. Four months after arriving in the lower mainland I was hired by SD43 - I was interviewed and hired on the spot. I taught in inner city secondary schools in the UK prior to my arrival. Initially I was hired on a part time continuing contract, however this academic year (2011 /12) I will be on a full time continuing contract. Please contact me through PM and I will share further. All school districts in the lower mainland have a huge shortage in kindergarten (which comes under elementary, an area you are familiar with) and if you are bilingual i.e. competent to a fairly high level in both English and French, you stand a good chance of landing a job in French immersion. The BC supreme court found in favour of the British Columbia Teachers Federation that bills 27 and 28 which deals with class size, composition etc was unconstitutional and that it infringed on teachers rights, now this will create a situation necessitating corrections in these imbalances which would shift the balance towards hiring well qualified experienced teachers especially in the early years and special needs. This is part of the discourse in the current strike we are involved in. Take care Ruby How about children's rights? And the BCTF wonders why it is losing support. |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Ruby
We will be in touch via pm..... We have 101 questions (well not quite that many) and are interested in your experience. Speak soon Des |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Those that can, do......
|
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by Tangram
(Post 9559468)
Those that can, do......
|
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by Tangram
(Post 9559468)
Those that can, do......
|
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
[QUOTE=Steve_P;9559633]Walk a mile...[/QUOT Yes, Indeed
|
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Whislt I might agree with an expand upon Auld Yin's view on the evil that is Unions in teaching (& many other professions for that matter), you couldn't pay me enough money in the world to be a teacher. I suspect, if those that snipe, had to do it themselves, they'd rapidly find themselves coming to a similar point of view.
|
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by Steve_P
(Post 9559633)
Walk a mile...
|
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by Atlantic Xpat
(Post 9560428)
Whislt I might agree with an expand upon Auld Yin's view on the evil that is Unions in teaching (& many other professions for that matter), you couldn't pay me enough money in the world to be a teacher. I suspect, if those that snipe, had to do it themselves, they'd rapidly find themselves coming to a similar point of view.
|
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
I think anybody heading into a form of management job should be required to have spent at least one year teaching in the classroom.
|
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by Des and Chris
(Post 9558975)
Probably because I don't want to get old wondering what if, I realise it's a risk, but I am of the mindset what will be will be. I want to see if there is something different / better/ as good as out there and the holidays I have spent in Canada I have loved. A risk worth taking? I don't know. .... But I don't want to regret not ever knowing.
I do love my job and my school and that potentially is a huge personal wrench for me - not being involved with children and education. |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by cheeky_monkey
(Post 9560647)
Complete madness
|
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by el_richo
(Post 9560637)
I think anybody heading into a form of management job should be required to have spent at least one year teaching in the classroom.
|
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by Des and Chris
(Post 9561107)
The risk I'm taking leaving a job I love?
|
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
People are different. Some have an itch that has to be scratched, no matter what.
Some people will think that a secure job that they can do with ease is the recipe for a perfect life. Others will view working the same job, that may have ceased to challenge them, year after year until retirement as profoundly depressing. |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by JonboyE
(Post 9561180)
People are different. Some have an itch that has to be scratched, no matter what.
Some people will think that a secure job that they can do with ease is the recipe for a perfect life. Others will view working the same job, that may have ceased to challenge them, year after year until retirement as profoundly depressing. I don't want to get to 50, be depressed and think "what if we had got into Canada"... got to follow your dream I think.... :ohmy: |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by Geordie Lass
(Post 9561188)
I completely agree. We have a good lifestyle over here, hubby has a secure job with a really good wage. We still want to come over to Canada. We want a different lifestyle.
|
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by dbd33
(Post 9561194)
What leaves me nonplussed is the idea of a different lifestyle, how is it going to be different?
|
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by dbd33
(Post 9561194)
What leaves me nonplussed is the idea of a different lifestyle, how is it going to be different?
More open space - UK is in my opinion overcrowded. Traffic is a mare as are the roads. Stunning Mountains and outdoor life. Less drinking culture than in the UK. Out of the rat race. That's just for starters :thumbup: |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by dbd33
(Post 9561194)
What leaves me nonplussed is the idea of a different lifestyle, how is it going to be different?
|
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by Atlantic Xpat
(Post 9561198)
Well, they sound as though they will be financially worse off. Which won't help with the infamous Canadian cheese pricing conundrum.
|
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 9561207)
I think it depends where you end up. Big City life is maybe much the same only with different weather. Outside the cities in small town Canada I think things can be sufficiently different to be worth the downsides. Then again it may be possible to achieve much the same change in lifestyle with a less dramatic move. YMMV of course.
And I am aware I am taking over this thread - not intentionally so will stop now. Original poster - go for it! :) |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by Geordie Lass
(Post 9561204)
Less commuting - more family time.
More open space - UK is in my opinion overcrowded. Traffic is a mare as are the roads. Stunning Mountains and outdoor life. Less drinking culture than in the UK. Out of the rat race. That's just for starters :thumbup: |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by Geordie Lass
(Post 9561204)
Less commuting - more family time.
More open space - UK is in my opinion overcrowded. Traffic is a mare as are the roads. Stunning Mountains and outdoor life. Less drinking culture than in the UK. Out of the rat race. That's just for starters :thumbup: |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by cheeky_monkey
(Post 9561212)
You can get all that in the UK..Cumbria seems to fit the bill here:confused:
Drinking culture seems to be epedemic in the UK, but you can trade that for weed here. Rat race is a state of mind, you choose to participate wherever you are. Space is something of a paradox in Canada. Lots of space here in Canada , but public access is so much easier in the UK with footpath rights of way and the like. |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
Originally Posted by cheeky_monkey
(Post 9561212)
You can get all that in the UK..Cumbria seems to fit the bill here:confused:
Anyway - enough from me - this post isn't about me! ;) |
Re: If not a teacher, then what?
In all non-cheesy seriousness, giving up a successful career for at best a period of unemployment and several steps back on the ladder and at worst, no job, re-training and starting over, is a big step. It's one of the reasons why we probably wouldn't move back the other way. The Mrs, wouldn't want to start again at the bottom in the UK. Not now she's got tenure, some seniority and all that lovely union stuff.;)
|
| All times are GMT. The time now is 6:58 am. |
Powered by vBulletin: ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.