Name: Heather
McFadzean
University: OISE,
University of Toronto
Subjects: Elementary Education
How long have you been teaching in London now?
6 months.
What do you teach?
I'm a PPA (planning, preparation and assessment) teacher which means that I cover the regular teachers' class when they have time out of class (aka
non contact time) to plan, mark etc. Basically, I'm a permanent supply teacher. It's great, because I know the students, staff, routines in the
school, but don't have to worry about planning lessons, assessment etc. Once my marking is done at the end of the day (or the set up for the next day
if in nursery or kindergarten), I'm done!
Why did you choose Classroom Canada?
One of the main reasons that I chose Classroom was the extensive support I received before setting foot on U.K. soil. Things that I was unsure about
how to get started like a bank account, Visa applications etc. were made much easier with Victoria's help. I had lots of questions that got answered
(promptly!), and felt as though I was part of a community when I did get to London. I felt better about leaving everything familiar knowing
that
I was as prepared as I could be coming over.
What was the biggest adjustment for you to make in your teaching in London compared
to Canada?
Like everyone else, classroom management was huge. Despite being aware of it from reading other "Coffee Times" and hearing about it from Victoria,
it's really something you need to experience first hand to totally understand and grasp how different it is. I found that I had to establish myself
with the students, and discuss with them about what to expect when I'm in their class. The first few times I counted down from 5 at the front of the
class to get them to quiet down, half of them joined in the counting, and the other half were trying to yell over top of my voice. They now know that
by the time I get to one they need to be quiet, sitting at their places, and looking at the front (or whatever we've established in that
class).
Describe a typical London day in 3-4 sentences:
645-735: Wake up, get ready, walk to tube station
735-820: Travel to school (tube then bus)
900-330: Teach anything from Nursery up to Y6. Find the class I'm supposed to be covering, talk with the
teacher (if they're in) and/or read over the plans left. Be sure I know what's expected from the lessons. Gather all necessary/important materials
for
the day.
330-415: Complete marking and/or set up for the next day
415-9:30: Leave school, and either head home for a quiet evening at home, or (more likely) meet up with
some friends at a pub for a pint (or 2), or grab dinner somewhere (London has some great sushi places), or do something touristy/wander around a new
part of the city.
930-1030: Depending on the events of the evening, attempt to be home around this time, so I can get ready
for the next day/in bed at a reasonable hour.
What is the one piece of advice you can offer a Canadian teacher considering the move to
London?
Definitely do it! Realize it's going to be tricky, and you probably will be homesick at some point,
but it's totally worth it. You are so close to Europe, and the way the UK school year is set up makes is really easy to travel to many different
places that just aren't as easily accessible from Canada (i.e. a weekend in Berlin is a lot trickier from Toronto than it is from London).
International teaching experience looks great on a C.V. and you'll meet some great people. You don't want to be 55 and thinking "What
if..."
Describe the funniest thing that's happened to you in your year so far:
It was my first day in the Year 5 class at my school. I had things under control and everyone was on
task and working well. One student puts his hand up. "Miss, what football team do you support?".
Since this is still my first week in London, I'm still adjusting to some of the cultural differences
between here and Canada. One thing I haven't picked up on at this particular time, is how huge football (soccer) is, and how intense fans are. Not
even thinking, I reply "I'm not sure, we don't really have football in Canada. Which team should I support?"
This, of course, results in an all out riot, with the children yelling at me/to each other "Arsenal!"
"Liverpool!" "Chelsea!" "Tottenham!", trying to recruit me to support 'their' team. At the time, I definitely wasn't laughing, because I had to get
everyone under control again, but looking back now, it's hilarious.
Describe the worst thing:
The hardest time I've had was coming back to London after being home for Christmas. It was great to be home and see everyone again, but I didn't
really prepare myself for coming back to London after that. When I got back to my flat I had a mild freak out about what I was doing back here. Jet
lag and a grey, dreary city didn't make things easier, but I've adjusted now and am very happy to be back.
What made you stay with Classroom Canada, rather than with any other agency?
I was able to get work at a school that I enjoyed upon arriving in London (got to London on Friday, started
teaching on Tuesday), and have been there ever since, so I really haven't had a reason to leave. I feel like the people at Classroom know who I
am if I call with a question or problem.
What qualities do you have that make your stay more enjoyable?
Being flexible and positive definitely help. If you are able to adapt well to changes
in your schedule (i.e. "Heather we need you in Year 2 all day today instead of Year 6. Use the long term plans on the wall to figure out the day.")
it
makes things easier. This comes with practice/exposure as well, but being able to roll with the punches and problem solve on your own are good.
Stubbornness has also been an asset (to me anyway), because if I come across some sort of problem or difficulty in the classroom, or when lost around
London, or when planning a weekend trip instead of giving up I will find a way to get around whatever the problem is.
