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By Virgina R.S. Ise |
The next decade will see a greater demand than ever before for well trained people in Canada's schools. As our country and its students race towards the 21st Century, what they learn is critical. You can play a role in this pageant, if your standards are high.
According to Elizabeth Morely, Research Associate for the Institute of Child Study at the University of Toronto, the fist half of this decade heralds a shortage in teachers.
Guidelines for entrance vary from university to university. Some concentrate on high grades, some on related experiences, and most rely on a combination of the two. Someone with less than a B average and no leadership experience would find it difficult or impossible to gain entry into an education program.
Some universities offer concurrent programs -- courses for both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Education (B Ed) are taken at the same time over four or five years. Other offer a one year B Ed program taken after a three or four year BA has been completed.
Elizabeth Morely, a former teacher, suggest those interested in teaching should start now. How? Take summer jobs as camp counsellors, educational assistants, or at daycare centres. Even such things are babysitting or volunteering at the local recreation centre, hospital, or Y can be a good experience. Any special talents (art, sports, computers or other 'teachable' subjects) can be put to use tutoring or helping out in community programs.
Like anything else, teaching is a specialized business. English as a Second Language (ESL), Third World Politics, Women's Studies, French, Special Ed (including the gifted and the handicapped) are just a few of the specialties , but Morley believes it is more flexible to have a general knowledge of many areas. Women who are good in Computers or Math should pursue their specialty since there's a shortage in these areas.
Teaching salaries vary from province to province, but annual starting salaries are in the $28-$32,000 range. The teacher with a Masters degree receives more income than a BA. Administrative positions ( principal, vice principal) receive high salaries.
Teaching careers often lead into other jobs such as communications, research, counselling or public relations. Morely believes that all types of people, even the very shy, have the potential to be good teachers. Desire counts most.
©1999 TG Magazine/Le Magazine TG
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