Hello Readers,
As some of you may know back in November I was hired by a school board as a supply Designated Early Childhood Educator. I was so nervous to go into these schools because of COVID but I had to push through my anxieties. COVID had taken over so much of my life I wasn't going to let it stop me from working towards my dream career. Everyone knows that before you are able to land a permanent job in a school board you have to work as a supply to build experience and seniority. So that means the earlier I start supplying and building hours, the sooner I can get a permanent position.
The first week I worked every single day, I was so shocked. However, rather than being excited, I was nervous. Had there be no COVID my attitude would have been so different. COVID had completely changed my view of working as a supply. Every day that week I went to a different school and taught in a different class. Meaning I worked with over 100 kids just in that week. Not to mention all the staff I encountered. Now think how normal that is on a regular basis, but now think of that in terms of COVID. It's definitely not an easy situation to handle. But my luck quickly changed, which usually doesn't happen for me.
On Friday I worked in a school close to my home, I had a good feeling walking into the school that day. I found my class and introduced myself to the teacher. The students came in shortly after and I introduced myself to them. The day went by so quickly, I interacted with all the students, asking them questions about themselves, helping them with their work etc. The teacher approached me at the end of the day and said he really enjoyed working with me and he loved how I was so involved with the children and activities throughout the day. He mentioned that I had the potential to be a Kindergarten teacher and that I should consider going to get my degree. Hearing that from family is typical, they always want better for you, but to hear that comment from a complete stranger, made me feel really good. It made me feel like I have found my passion and that I'm really good at it.
I went to the office to say goodbye as I always do at the end of the day and the Vice Principal called me into her office. I was a little confused as to why because I thought the day went well. She told me that the teacher I was working with was really impressed with me and enjoyed working with me. She went on to say that the classroom next door was in need of an ECE as the current one was on a leave of absences. I was completely shocked to hear that the teacher put in such a good word for me that they were willing to offer me a position so quickly. I was happy for so many reasons, first because my hard work was being acknowledged and second because for the next week I would be steady at one school in one class.
Although I was still nervous to be going into schools, it was a relief knowing at least I was just with one class. The teacher I was working with was amazing, she was so friendly and flexible and the students were great as well. It was an incredible week. On the Friday the office called me to ask me if I would like to come back again the following week and of course I accepted. Another week went by, I still struggled with my anxieties but with each day that passed, the better I felt. On the Friday, now two weeks working with this class, the office called to tell me that HR would be calling me later that day to offer me a temp position to fill in for the ECE that was on leave. It would be a two month contract ending January 29. What started as my first week of supplying turned into a temp contract for 2 months. I felt a mix of emotions; happy, excited, nervous. Another two weeks went by and I was happier than ever, I was having such a great time teaching. It was now winter break so schools were closed for 2 weeks. The time off was much needed and I was thankful to relax and spend time with my family.
A week before going back to school it was announced that we would be going virtual for the first week back. I was actually very happy to hear the news because our cases were in the 4,000's. So one week of virtual school turned into two weeks, then three weeks and now this week making it four weeks. My contract is set to end this Friday and I have been praying that it would be extended a bit longer but unfortunately I got the news that the ECE will be returning and my contract would be done. I am disappointed and sad to be leaving, in such a short period of time I have made great connections with the students and with my teaching partner. What's even worse is that because schools are closed for the time being, I am not able to supply and so therefore I am out of a job. On a positive note the ECE mentioned that she will be going on mat leave shortly and she spoke to my teaching partner and to the principal and they all agreed I would be the best fit to fill in for her and so they are going to propose to HR that I take over her year mat leave! So although I am unemployed for three months, I will be employed hopefully for a full school term.
If you would have asked me four months ago, "When do you think you will get an LTO? (long term occasional), I would have told you in a year or two. Most people supply for 1-2 years before they are considered for a LTO. So the fact that I worked ONE week, worked in ONE person's class and made that much of an impression that I was offered a temp position which may turn into an LTO is such an incredible feeling. It just validates that all my hard work and dedication to this profession is paying off and being recognized. I am sad to part ways with my students and teaching partner but I know I will be back shortly to continue to teach these young minds who will grow up to be our next generation. Teaching for me isn't just a job, I love knowing that I am making an impression on the students I teach and they will continue on their educational journey with the foundations I have set for them in Kindergarten.
I've been considering tutoring in the meantime while I am off of work, however I haven't tutored one on one before and I wouldn't even know how to gather clients. If anyone is interested in hiring a tutor (Kindergarten - Grade3) for their child or family member please comment below and I will definitely consider this option.
Thank you for reading my blog today, hope you are all staying well.
Deanna
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