Teacher: Meghan Morin
Bachelor Of Education - McGill University
Ages taught: Elementary
Subject(s): All
How long have you been teaching in London now?
I have been teaching in London for about 8 months now.
What do you teach?
I have been teaching a reception (kindergarten) class since the
beginning of this school year. Before that I did some supply and PPA
work in all grade levels.
Why did you choose Classroom Canada?
I heard about Classroom from my academic advisor at school. I knew that
I wanted to teach in London but was clueless as to where to start or
which agency to choose. When I contacted Classroom and spoke with
Victoria I was convinced that it was the best agency for me.
What I love about Classroom is that they are very approachable and
personable. I had never left home before and was weary to do so.
Victoria answered all of my questions, helped me with a few snags and
provided wonderful advice and tools to get me started.
The London associates are just as personable and available. They are always ready to answer questions and help you along.
What was the biggest adjustment for you to make in your teaching in London compared to Canada?
I think the biggest adjustment that I've had to make in my teaching is
classroom management. Teaching in East London has its many challenges
and rewards as a result I have been forced to develop my management
skills in the classroom.
Describe a typical London day in 3-4 sentences:
During the week I wake up around 5:45 and get ready for my day. I
usually get to school around 6:45-7:00 to give myself a couple hours to
get some last minute work done and prepare for the day. I teach
reception from 9:00-3:00, After school I have training/meetings/clubs.
I leave school around 5:00. My evenings are spent hanging out with my
friends/flatmates, going out for a drink to the many London pubs and
spending time with my boyfriend.
What is the one piece of advice you can offer a Canadian teacher considering the move to
London?
I think that the best piece of advice that I can offer is to be open minded.
Some things are different in the education system in the UK, and sometimes it can be easy to judge.
Furthermore, the schools that I have worked in, including the school
where I presently work are extremely multicultural. Working in these
diverse school settings has taught me a lot about different cultures
and customs of the world. I think that I have grown as a teacher
because of this. It is important to have an open mind to the different
cultures in a school, and to educate yourselves about these cultures in
order for you really know your students and colleagues.
Describe the funniest thing that's happened to you in your year so far:
This is a tough question... I don't know if there is anything that stands
out as the funniest thing that has happened to me. There were
definitely a few fun nights. I have had some fun nights with staff
members who "take the piss" at my accent. Some things that I say, they
seem to find hilarious over here. It's very funny to see myself as a
Canadian through the eyes of the British. Those teachers who are in
London will understand...
Describe the worst thing:
I had a supply job in a year 4 and year 6 class in a close by school.
Walking into the school I immediately felt uncomfortable, the staff
wasn't friendly or helpful, and the children were loud and
disrespectful. When I went outside to collect my first class I had to
break up a fight between two of my students. After that I knew it would
be a bad day.
There are some schools that teachers simply don't gel with and this was
one that I did not gel with. I had to break up three more fights
throughout the day, and my classroom management was constantly being
challenged.
Also, in the span of a week, my laptop broke I lost my visa debit card
AND my phone stopped working! Thank god I had good friends to help me
out.
What made you stay with Classroom Canada, rather than with any other agency?
Classroom is a great agency because they are extremely personable and
helpful. The consultants are always there to help you along and to find
the best fit for all their teachers. Classroom has made me feel
comfortable and secure in London.
