Ryan Davidson

After completing my final teaching practicum at Stelly’s Secondary School in May 2017 I was hired as a TTOC in both the GVSD and the Saanich School District.  Throughout May and June I subbed as much as possible.  I loved subbing a variety of grades and finally applying all that I learned at UVic in the classroom.  I spent the summer travelling Europe and got the chance to visit a couple of schools in England which was an interesting experience to say the least.  Shortly after returning to Victoria I received a phone call from a principal in Saanich School District.  I was offered a two month temporary contract teaching Grade 8 at Bayside Middle School.  Bayside was one of the few schools in Saanich District that I had not subbed at so I was a little uncertain.  I accepted the position with a mix of nervousness and hopeful enthusiasm and it was the best decision I ever made.  My contract ended up getting extended for the full year and I at the time of writing this I am just one short week away from completing my first full year of teaching.  The opportunity to have my own homeroom, classroom, and teach PE every afternoon is one I have been honoured to have.  I have also had the chance to design my own type of PE class called Fitness for Fun…truly a dream for any teacher.  They say that teaching middle school is more like an adventure rather than a job and I have to agree.  The energy in the building is something to behold.  The mix of anxiety, enthusiasm, nerves, excitement, and youthful exuberance makes being in a middle school feel like a year long music festival…or Middle Earth depending on the day.  Anyways, I have no idea what next year holds but I am looking forward to whatever comes next. I am also starting to plan out my masters degree and continue this beautiful journey that is a career in education.  All the best to my fellow PE grads! Update: Fall 2022 teaching at Bayside Middle School.