One of the weirdest things about retirement is that I feel that I need an outlet to share my decades of accumulated knowledge and experience. So I contacted someone I had previously worked with at OISE and she kindly invited me to participate in the Associate Teacher Panel as part of the first year students’ morning assembly prior to starting their first practicum experience in early November. I participated on a similar panel at OISE many, many years ago. I can’t even remember the year. It seemed less well developed back then.
It was a great experience. The other teachers were lovely (and had great advice) and the moderator was a wonderful example for the current students as someone who just graduated from OISE and is finding her feet in the school system. There was even a fun fashion show highlighting the OISE Career Closet Boutique. That’s clothing students can “thrift” to get a great outfit for practicum teaching. What a fantastic idea. OISE also highlighted ways the candidates can take care of themselves during the stressful practicum experience. I thought it was very supportive.
Since the organizers shared the questions with the panelists in advance, I wrote out my responses. I have shared them here in case there’s anyone who wants some tips for their first experience as a teacher candidate in a high school.
Thanks for the invitation.