Letters to the Editor

Re: New Teachers’ and Occasional Teachers Columns
October 2010.

I would like to commend you for the launch of these two new columns.  We are after all striving for equity and  collegiality in all of our professional relations with each other. We share a common goal – success for each student we encounter. However,  occasional teachers do face different challenges than contract teachers. For us each day can be  like  the first day of school. As a result, we can feel a sense of isolation and, sadly, even a lack of support from  other members of the educational team in the schools where we teach. I hope that columns such as these will  narrow the gap. The useful strategies you mention are ones that I use regularly. I find that the chart is especially effective.  Students  seem to get a great sense of achievement from seeing their names on a chart posted in the classroom  for their regular teacher to see. I also use the chart to brainstorm with students about ideas for individual or  group behaviour expectations, putting “Yes I Can” and “Yes We Can” in alternate  corners at the top of the chart.  At the end of the day I write “Together We Did” with a “Thank You For A Great Day” at the bottom of the chart.  The resource that these strategies are excerpted from is well worth owning. I have also dispensed with the words “supply”  and “occasional”; when I introduce myself I simply say “I  am  your teacher” for the period/morning/afternoon/day. This sends a much more positive message.

Kudos!

Etelka Louisa Haagaard
Durham Occasional  Teacher Local