Teacher Profiles - Canada
Carly-Ann Ball
- Age: 26
- Address: London
- Qualifications: BA (Lakehead University, 2002) BEd (Nipissing University, 2004)
- Work: Substitute teaching with TimePlan
- From: Newmarket, Ontario
Why teach in the UK?
I was interested in the experience of working in another country. I love big cities so the idea of working in London was very exciting to me. I knew that working in a city like London, which is so multicultural, would give me a diverse experience that I couldn't get at home. I was also attracted to the idea of traveling throughout Europe during my time off.
What kind of teaching experience were you looking for and are you getting it?
I was looking for a diverse experience and I am definitely getting it! I wanted to experience different age levels at schools in all areas of London. The more schools you teach in, the more you come to realize what age levels you prefer and what you will look for in a school to work in permanently. You are also able to learn all sorts of teaching strategies and improve classroom management skills.
How was your transfer to the UK?
I figured that coming from an English speaking country, there wouldn't be much of a difference between Canada and England, but it was actually a little more difficult then I thought it would be. There is a cultural difference, which takes some time to adjust to. It's difficult to pinpoint exactly what the differences are, you just feel it when you are here. You do however adjust over time and it all happens rather smoothly, without even realizing it! And then you go back home to Canada and find yourself saying things like “loo” instead of bathroom, and “rubbish” instead of garbage!
What are you enjoying most?
I am enjoying the lifestyle. Substitute teaching can be a very challenging job here, but also extremely rewarding. I enjoy the challenge I face each week I work, and then treating myself to a trip over the weekend to Paris, or a vacation over the Holidays to the Canary Islands. You have to work hard, but you can play hard as well.
Top Tip Keep an open mind
You will find yourself in situations you never imagined possible. You will have to travel for an hour on some days to get to work. You will find yourself handling children that you have no idea how to handle, and you will even find yourself feeling unsure about your chosen career path at your lowest points. But remember for every experience like this, it only makes you a stronger person, and a better teacher.
The longer you are here, the more you start to find yourself at the same schools over and over and this gives you the chance to get to know the children, and build relationships with them; that is probably the most rewarding experience of this entire journey. When I walk into a classroom that I have been in before, and the students are happy to see me, it just makes my day. I wouldn't change a single day of my time here in London with TimePlan, and also feel that all teachers should try substitute teaching before having their own classes. It's done wonders for my development as a teacher!
Sarah Bulpit Hill
- Age: 32
- Address: Gosport, Hampshire
- Qualifications: BA (Hons) History, BEd and MEd
- Work: regular day-to-day work at Red Lodge School
- From: Victoria, BC
Why teach in the UK?
I didn’t originally choose to come to the UK to teach, my husband was transferred here with his work so it was a matter of finding a company which could help me find teaching work and help with the transition over here.
What kind of teaching experience were you looking for and are you getting it?
One of the most important things for me was that I didn’t want to work full time as my husband and I are only living in the UK for three years and I wanted my work to fit in around my husband’s holidays so that we could travel. I had already taught in a special needs position before so it was great that TimePlan could accommodate that in finding me part time work at Red Lodge School.
How was your transfer to the UK?
Really easy! I contacted the TimePlan South office in Southampton via the Internet while I was still in Canada. Once settled in the UK, I went in for an interview and started all of the necessary paperwork. Within two weeks everything was done and I was working!
What do you enjoy about what you're doing?
I like the fact that I don’t have to wait for a call in the morning to find out where I’m teaching as my weekly schedule is organised ahead of time. I let TimePlan know which days I do not wish to work and the remainder I spend at Red Lodge and other local schools. The schools that TimePlan sends me to are great. Administrators, teachers, support staff and students are very welcoming and they ’re open to different ideas and teaching methods.
Top tip!
Do a bit of research about UK curriculum and terminology. This will help to ease the transition. Also, be prepared to answer lots of questions about your home country!
Amanda Beard
- Age: 25
- Address: Ilford, Essex
- Qualifications: BA in Environmental Studies, B.Ed
- Work: Teaching Year 5 at Warren Junior School in Chadwell Heath, Essex
- From: Abbotsford, BC
Why teach in the UK?
I was drawn to the UK because it offered the opportunity to travel along with the potential to finance these travels. It’s been great being able to get away for a weekend or school break and explore Europe. Another reason was the chance to begin my career the way I wanted to – that is, teaching my own class for the year. The job market for teachers in BC has not been strong in recent years, so I chose to gain an overseas experience – and I’m glad I did!
What kind of teaching experience were you looking for and are you getting it?
The opportunity to have my own class is one of the main reasons I came to the UK, so yes, I’m definitely getting that experience. I feel like I’ve developed my own teaching style this year and have a lot more confidence in the classroom.
What have you missed most about being away from home?
People. Definitely people. I’ve really missed my friends and family, especially during exciting events or memorable moments. There have been so many experiences I wish I could share with them, but I guess photos will have to do!
What will you miss most when you leave the UK?
Again, people! I’ve met so many people over here who have become really good friends. I’ll miss the little unplanned things you do everyday… something as simple as a pub lunch with a friend on a Sunday afternoon. Also, it’s been great living within a 30 minute Tube ride to some of the world’s most famous attractions. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge… I’m right on their doorstep. The cheap travel deals don’t hurt either… I once flew to Norway for £2 – return! You just can’t beat that!
What helped you settle in?
TimePlan ran an Induction Day which was really helpful. Simple things like being given a bus map and told exactly where your school is and how you will get there – this was such a relief! We were also given a mobile phone and there were experienced teachers and head teachers there to talk about the classroom environment and the curriculum. It was also the first chance to meet other TimePlan teachers who, like me, had travelled a long way for this experience. Many of us remained in touch and over the course of the year we planned trips together, met for dinner and generally supported one another through the experience. Regular TimePlan social nights also helped us keep in touch.
What are some major differences you’ve encountered?
Tea! Barely anyone takes a coffee break here, it’s always tea. It’s funny, I’ve realised that coffee is almost an institution in Canada! We’re always ‘going for coffee’! People don’t usually go for coffee here. If anything, it’s more of a pub culture. There isn’t a local coffee shop you would go to for a chat or a catch-up, so you go to the pub. The sports are also so different from home – football, rugby, cricket, netball. “Footie” (soccer) is on par with hockey. It’s been fun following these sports and I’ll miss them when I go back to Canada.
What advice would you offer other Canadians thinking of making this move?
Stop worrying and just get on the plane! What have you got to lose? I think it’s important to recognise that there will be hurdles along the way, just like there would be beginning your career in Canada or anywhere else. The funny thing is that the experiences that at the time seem to be so traumatic end up being the ones you look back on and laugh! A positive attitude goes a long way.