What do I do? What is it worth?

In light of the recent developments (the breakdown of negotiations between the Saskatchewan party and the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation) STF members have been asked to use our voices to let the government and the residents of Saskatchewan know about just what it is we do.  In thinking about this, I realize that many people's understanding of a teacher's job is rooted in their own lived experience as a student and for some, as a parent.  While I have no intention of bitching and whining about my chosen profession, perhaps it is worth letting the public know about what it is I do and what I have done as a Saskatchewan teacher.

I began my career as a graduate of the BAC program for French Immersion education from the University of Regina.  I was a primary specialist with a major in French and a minor in Arts Education. Times were tough for the province back then and there was a decrease in enrolment for French Immersion programming so I spent a year and a half working as a substitute teacher.

My first teaching contracts were in rural Saskatchewan, over the course of the next 14 years I taught kindergarten, Arts Education k-8, Core French 4-12, Drama 10,20,30, Food Studies 10, Grade 3/4/5 homeroom,Grade 4/5 homeroom, Grade 6 homeroom, Grade 7 homeroom, Grade 8 homeroom, Grade 9 homeroom, English Language Arts 6-9, Computer literacy 9, Teacher librarian, Career Counsellor, Vice-principal, Principal and Consultant.  During this time I also attended University (at night and in the summer) to earn my Master of Education degree in the area of Curriculum and Instruction.

I have taught in k-6 schools, k-8 schools, k-12 schools and 9-12 schools.  I have taught classes with as few as 15 students and as many as 36.  I have taught in single grade classes, split grade classes, and triple split classes. I have taught in English and French Immersion programs.  I have taught in 9 different schools in 7 different towns/cities all in Saskatchewan.

I  ran two successful cheerleading programs which both involved approximately 6 hours of practice time each Sunday Sept-March, supervision of fundraising of approximately $10,000.00 each year, travel to competitions in various cities and provinces in addition to sitting on the executive of the provincial cheerleading association.  All of this was voluntary, I did not receive overtime, days in lieu, flex time, double time or any other such thing.

I have worked with children who were abused, who were neglected, who were in homes and families where they were not safe.  I have worked with children who were depressed, children who were addicted to drugs, children who were battling cancer.  I have worked with physically and mentally disabled children I have worked with refugees and children who spoke no English.  I have delivered homework to the psych ward and have attended funerals of students who lost their lives in tragic accidents and some who took their own.  I have been in a lock down. I have worked with many agencies such as social services, corrections and public safety, the autism resource centre, the RCMP, the Regina City Police and Child and Youth services to name a few.

I have spent many sleepless nights worrying about students, worrying about their welfare, worrying about their learning and worrying about their futures.

I have experienced great sorrow and helplessness in this profession, but I have also experienced great joy.  I have listened to children learn to read, I have watched self-esteem and confidence blossom and grow in teens through their involvement in extra-curricular activities, I have worked with children who demonstrate a passion for others and who care about the human endeavour and social justice.  I have watched many students walk across a stage to receive diplomas and awards. I have been privileged to write letters of reference for academic scholarships and for employment opportunities. I have had the opportunity to foster a love of learning in many.  I have been able to be the one trustworthy adult in the lives of several students and I am proud and hopeful that I made a difference for them!  I have also had the opportunity to work with, to collaborate and to commiserate with some truly exceptional teachers and administrators.  To learn from them, to lean on them, to benefit from the wisdom of their experiences and to gain insight from their perspective on teaching, learning and life.  This has truly made me a better person and definitely a better teacher and administrator.

I don't regret my choice to be a teacher and though the profession, role, responsibilities and expectations have changed, it remains one of the greatest professions in terms of the responsibility and rate of return on the investment in youth.  As educators, we have the opportunity to help facilitate the development of the world as it could be.  We get to show the future leaders their potential as well as nurturing in them a care for humankind and for the earth.  What is more worthy than that?

So, in a nutshell, that is my experience...one Saskatchewan teacher.  You decide what you think that is worth.