After graduating from U Vic with my BEd (Secondary PHE and Biology), I started work for the BC SPCA in their education department. I had an amazing time working there and I am very grateful for the opportunity to try a career besides teaching that uses my education degree. I started TOCing in the North Vancouver School District and before I knew it, I had a temporary part time position at my old high school Argyle Secondary. This assignment was extended in the New Year and I latched on to some other postings to create a Frankenstein 1.0 contract. In my first year, I taught Planning 10, PHE 8, Photography 11/12, I worked in the counseling department, and I worked as a Remedy teacher.
At the end of the year, I applied for and received the Athletic Director position at Argyle Secondary. This is a 1.0 continuing contract. My load current load is Earth Science 11, Career Life Connections 12 (formally known as Planning 12), and Push-In support (a new learning service block the district is trying). I am having a blast teaching and have clearly found the right career. I am also coaching the Wrestling team at Argyle with U Vic Alumni Melissa Robinson!
This spring I will be starting a Post Degree Diploma program at SFU for Inclusive Education. This will allow me to continue in the Learning Support department and will bump me up to Cat 6 PB+15 on the ol’ salary grid. Reflecting back on my education at U Vic, I feel like I was more than prepared to take on teaching, and I am very grateful to all the wonderful teachers and classmates I had during my 5 years.
P.S. enjoy my hilarious staff photo from this year that will forever remind of the time that I tried to grow a mustache.