Returning to Canada - what’s the climate like?
Hi all,
I left Canada in 2022 and will be returning for (possibly?) good in August since my visa is expiring. For the past two years I’ve been teaching secondary sciences in East London which has certainly been something. Prior to that I was an in house supply teacher at a school in Australia for a year mostly doing maths and sciences pat and mat leaves. For about a year I was in New Zealand working as an admin tech for an online school. My original teacher life was teaching maths and sciences in northern Quebec and for a while I was a ped consultant in the adult ed world helping teachers figure out how to move into competency based learning.
I have just gotten my license to teach in BC and I am curious to what the climate is like out there? I haven’t taught in Canada since before Covid shutdowns and I am well aware that kids seem to be on one these days but am wondering how classes are in general? Last year I was trying to teach groups of 35 students and this year I’ve got smaller groups but 80% have a learning needs. I know behaviour is also linked to SES and geography but I would like to hear some boots on the ground thoughts.
Also curious about hiring practises. I’m not really looking for full time teaching work (it’s been 12 years and I Am Exhausted) but agencies don’t seem to be a big thing in Canada. I am applying around for TOC positions but also need to factor in being able to find somewhere to live. I have done my time in rural areas (both Eeyou Istchee and Nunavik) and would like to be somewhere with public transit as I’ve avoided needed a car since being overseas.
Do you think districts would hire a fully licensed and qualified teacher while still overseas since my contract ends mid July? I wouldn’t mind moving to BC without employment as I’ve done it before but I have no concept of BC hiring practice.
Cheers :)