Decided Not To Teach

I can understand why some people who look at the teachers’ strike complain that teachers should be thankful for the many job benefits they enjoy. Certainly, it was partially the lure of these benefits (i.e holidays) that convinced me to complete my Bachelor of Education from OUC this spring.

However, my classroom experience so drastically altered my perception of what it means to be a teacher in British Columbia that I have decided not to utilize my degree and pursue an unrelated career.

My major issue with the education system is class size. During my final practicum, I taught a grade 6 class with 33 students. Although I began with high hopes of “changing the lives” of my students, I quickly became disenchanted with the education system. Anybody who can argue that teachers are only looking out for themselves should see the desperation and frustration I saw on a student’s face when he/she requires the attention of an occupied teacher. There simply is not enough time in a day for a teacher to adequately address the needs of all students.

Thus, had I not experienced what I had during my brief but revealing teaching experience, I too might be criticizing. I’m glad that my somewhat unique perspective allows me a behind the scenes look at what teachers face on the job, and I challenge anybody to spend time in a classroom before asserting that teachers should be complacent about their working conditions.

J.M.