On graduation day, we also shared a hope that our chance to do just that would come sooner rather than later. During my first job interview, I remember thinking that I would teach any grade, as long as I was given an opportunity to prove my ability. There are a great number of teachers willing to wait patiently for an opportunity to gain entrance into their chosen career, yet the inconsistencies in the awarding of term and probationary contracts can prove stressful. Some potentially excellent teachers, facing high debt loads, have no choice but to take the first available teaching position. Fortunately, with recent contract changes and the defining of aggregate service in this province, the process of securing that first term job in Nova Scotia appears to be improving.
New teachers are members of a fresh, well-educated group, excited about their careers.
The first obstacle that the new teacher may face is the daunting task of substituting. Thankfully, the actual substitute experience didn't live up to my worst fears. One lesson that I have learned is that a well-prepared substitute will succeed every time. Going into a classroom empty-handed can make a substitute teacher feel as vulnerable as a lamb going to the slaughter. A seasoned substitute will have a 30-minute activity prepared for each class.