An Introduction
So here's the thing. I am a teacher of almost 30 years experience who is committed to teaching young people. (Dare I use the word 'passionate' or has that become the new 'journey'?) My first school is where I still am. I have had one year in another program out of the classroom, but other than that, all my career has been at the one place. I was even a student teacher there. I have considered moving but there are various things that keep me there. Firstly, I love the community I work in. I live a couple of suburbs over, but not surrounded by students. A large proportion of the students I teach are from a background of poverty, long-term unemployment or under-employment, trauma or have various forms of learning disability. Definitely not all of our students but a larger number than would be in a regular school. Secondly, there is a lot of satisfaction in being a "tribal elder" as my assistant-principal has referred to me as. I have an excellent memo...