“Educators honour the profession by supporting, mentoring or encouraging other educators and those preparing to enter the profession. Educators contribute their expertise in a variety of ways, including opportunities offered by schools, districts, school authorities, professional organizations, post-secondary institutions and communities. Educators contribute to a culture of collegiality.” – BCT
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Standard 8 is about giving back and contributing to a profession. Teaching is a team sport. It requires group efforts and experienced educators willing to support the up and comers. I’ve been lucky enough to be supported not only by Coaching Teachers who generously give their time, but also a bunch of Music teachers and high school educators who did everything they could to help me during the brief period while I was an uncertified teacher teaching on call working my first contract under a letter of permission. I’m only at the part of my career where I’m entering the profession and I’ve received so much already. It’s hard to imagine a way to make major meaningful contributions right now, but I did get the chance to do something small. The picture is of my cohort at the very end of block 2 after a morning spent with two local classes. All of us were tired and excited about the upcoming break.\ We worked in small groups to show students the UNBC campus, acting as educators and tour guides, we then ran stations where they could take part in various activities. I like the opportunity to work with kids, and I believe that good practice also means getting practice. Tis was the last day of block 2, between practicums, and the day before many of us were about to rejoin the sublist. Our support for these classes wasn’t assessed or in the syllabus or graded in any way that we were informed about. What we had really accomplished was providing an exciting day for young learners, and partial planning of a day-long activity for two early career educators. We showed students around a campus they may one day attend, and we got to share the bear, the fishtank, the gardens, and the free store with children who were enthusiastic about the chance to see stuff and cover a bunch of ground. I took on the art station and spent the rest of my day doing scratch art with various students, building small connections, and helping to support young learners. It’s hard to find time to volunteer during a professional program, and it’s wonderful that opportunities to share my time and efforts are possible. After feeling so supported by educators in this district, it felt nice to have a small chance to give back, even before my career really starts.
