Tuesday April 20th, 2010 I officially finished my Undergraduate Education degree. However, I’m still living within the walls of the University until Saturday. Why? I chose to volunteer for a Literacy Conference hosted by the Saskatchewan Reading Council which runs until Saturday at lunch time. Some say I’m crazy, but I think it was a great way to start of the transition from student teacher to teaching students.

As I began my final semester of University, I found myself with the offer of a full time, permanent teaching contract offer. Of course, I accepted without hesitation as it was for the school division I had always dreamed of working for. Though my contract does not start until fall of 2010, I am scheduled to begin subbing as of next Monday, April 26th. I already have two days lined up for the end of next week, with the hopes of early next week filling up as well. Despite having spent the last four months in the classroom, I can’t wait to spend the next two back in the classroom, because I know the experience will not be the same, and not necessarily better, only different and a new one every single day.
This semester, of all the semesters in University, I found myself pondering the more theoretical points of education, rather than the more pratico-pratique aspects of it. Our Fondations of French Immersion class allowed me to delve into the rather complex realities that I will face as a proud French Immersion educator in Saskatchewan. Our Teaching English as an Additional Language class gave me a glimpse of the realities of multicultural classrooms and the challenges we face with a lack of assistance in the classroom. Our Inclusive Education class opened my eyes to the many ways we can accomodate students who face difficulties in the classroom while still making them feel welcome and a part of the group.

Though I will miss being in university, having somebody or multiple somebodies to provide me with a multiplicity of interesting educational literature, I feel that I am ready to go into the world of teaching, not alone, but rather as a collaborator. Collaboration is what results in the success of education. Without the sharing and teaming up of educators at all levels, education would not be what it is today. While I might be moving on and meeting  a new group of colleagues, my old colleagues will always know where to find me, and will always know that I am ready to collaborate with them.

Farewell to university, to student life, to cafeteria food and late nights. Hello to the real world, work, bills, early nights, early mornings and a new adventure every day!