Take Your Kid To Work Day 2019

Interview:

1. 1. What is your job title?
      I am a teacher.
   2. What is your job description?
      I am a grade 2/3 teacher.
   3. What are the duties and/or tasks you perform at your job?
      I plan units and lessons, teach lessons, assess students, write report cards, facilitate classroom activities, manage the classroom, and collaborate with other teachers. 
   4. What qualifications do you have for this job in the following areas:
      1. Training?
         I completed a professional development program that included a practicum.
      2. Education?
         I have a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts, and a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Special Education.
      3. Experience?
         I have been a primary teacher for 7 years.
      4. Skills and attributes (personal qualities)?
         I am organized, I collaborate well with other teachers, I am patient, and I enjoy working with children.

1. 5. What are some of the things you like about the job?
   I like making connections with students and getting to be a part of their social and academic progress. I also like the collaborative nature of teaching.
2. 6. What are some of the things you dislike about this job?
   Sometimes the behavior needs of students can be complex and challenging.
3. 7. How do you anticipate this job changing in the next 5 years or so?
   I think there will be more emphasis on inclusion in the classroom and Universal Design for Learning. I also think there will be more focus on the social and emotional development of children.

Student Reflection:

• Give three reasons why you would like this job (be specific):

1. 1. 1. I would enjoy the frequent breaks (winter, summer, etc.), as well as the weekends off, weekends which frequently become longer than two days.
      2. I would enjoy socializing with colleagues during break times (preps, lunch, recess).
      3. The work hours generally aren’t very long.

• Give three reasons why you would not like this job (be specific):

1. 1. 1. I think that working with young kids constantly would get tiring rather quickly.
      2. I think it may be hard to get used to working again after taking the summer off.
      3. I think I would have to be good at managing money so I can save for the months where I wouldn’t be working (summer).

• Is this job for you? Why or why not?

Overall, I don’t think I would enjoy teaching very much, at least with younger students. I would find it difficult to manage a room with 20+ young kids, and I’m sure I would get tired trying. I’m also generally a rather shy person, which would be difficult to overcome, as I would have to constantly public speak, as well as communicate with colleagues.

• Explain the value of the TYKTW experience in relation to your ideas about post secondary (after high school) plans (education?, training?, travel?, work?).

The value of the experience, to me, at least, was gaining insight into how a professional work environment functions. During lunch, I sat in the staff room with my mom, and I was interested in watching the teachers talk about work. I felt a tangible sense of community in the room, and I would like to pursue a career where I can get to know my colleagues.

Photos