Little time to reflect
Posted by Greg on October 30, 2007
If my worst fear as a shop teacher (next to student injury) was the removal of shop programs altogether, then the runner up fear would be the combining of four or five grades into one trades class. Having spent the last couple of days in my sponsor school, and seeing the probable courses that I will teach, I would have to say that my fears are coming true. I will say, however, that I could not imagine a better sponsor teacher to apprentice under.
What makes him great? For starters is his willingness to share and assist, not just because he is my sponsor teacher, but because he wants to help whoever and wherever he can. For instance, I shared the idea of a master website for shop teachers; Mr. ‘A’ feels that it will never happen as too many teachers stuff is not loaded into a computer, and those that are, are trying to sell their product. He condemns this practice on the grounds that teachers created their work while on a payroll, and therefore, the material technically belongs to the government who paid the teacher, or the taxpayer who supports the government. The material was created for the benefit of the children and the salary paid for the benefit of the teacher. (fits well with my philosophy)
Mr. ‘A’ has left the options of what I teach relatively open to discussion. He is currently teaching two four grade split technology education and industrial education courses, a four grade split drafting class and an earth science/science and technology blend for grade elevens. I have option to teach all, or to ask for other courses. While my first inclination is to run away screaming (not that I would), a part of me desires to rise to the challenge. If I could succeed at his current course load, I feel I would be well on my way to a solid career.
