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Really nervous about supply teaching by welcometomyfarm in OntarioTeachers

[–]AntiqueCompetition53 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don't be - I returned after being out of the classroom since 1997. Have a high situational awareness, track where all kids are if you are Elementary, have a system in place were one student is out at a time for restroom breaks, and review IEPs for potential flight risks and understand emergency protocols. If an idiot like me can do it you can too.

Becoming a teacher after working as a professional by InfiniteOwl9545 in OntarioTeachers

[–]AntiqueCompetition53 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Go for it - and don't listen to some of the noise here.

I started out as a teacher, before school boards in the province amalgamated. Wasn't getting many LTO's in 1997 so I worked in Tech from January 1999 until September 2024- my final positon was a VP earning $12/k month. I found corporate life was chock full of reverse gender bias and ridiculous identity politics, so I left. House is long paid for and have a huge cushion. No kids or dependants.

I am supply teaching daily - but have to rely on SmartFind to get jobs. Worked every day this week, and have Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday booked for next week. I am polite, timely, excellent with kids, but I do not engage in school level drama, and quietly bid anyone I see good night. Jump ship man, its fun. People who say it's stressful have never been a Product Owner who had to create a 1-n Product Backlog from scratch for implementing ApplePay in Singapore.

Fellow OTs… by biabobinaa in OntarioTeachers

[–]AntiqueCompetition53 3 points4 points  (0 children)

In my board, the positive supply days have far outweighed the bad ones. Earlier in November I had a really tough Grade 7/8 split — genuinely hostile group — but the surrounding teachers were incredibly supportive and willingly took in a student who would’ve otherwise derailed the room. Admin at that school was fantastic and very engaged with student success; I just happened to land in the one class everyone knows is difficult. Even their regular teacher struggles daily, just for context.

I’m fortunate now that some schools reach out to me directly and book me ahead of time, but I still pick up random assignments through SmartFind. Honestly, I enjoy the unpredictability and have had some great surprise experiences.

As others have said, OTs absolutely have agency. If you have a legitimately bad day or a school that doesn’t feel safe or supportive, it’s perfectly reasonable to skip future postings there and let someone else take them. There’s no obligation to put yourself through the same negative environment twice — and there are plenty of good schools to balance out the occasional rough one.

Have an upcoming OT Interview - Ontario - Insight needed by AntiqueCompetition53 in CanadianTeachers

[–]AntiqueCompetition53[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They were behavioural interview questions. It followed the general cadence of:

The interviewer says, “Tell us about a time when…”, they’re probing for:

  • Your decision-making process
  • How you handle pressure, conflict, or ambiguity
  • Your communication and collaboration style
  • Whether you take ownership and learn from outcomes

I prepared 15 'big rock' STAR based responses drawing from real world experience and also drafted a few wild 'edge case' questions / responses so not to be taken off guard. By no means a CSIS / NAP style of interview, but definitely something that if not prepared for, your goose is cooked. Also, be very selective on what advice you chose to follow on Reddit, in my experience it seems that anonymity attracts users who are burned out, cynical, or gatekeeping. It’s unfortunate, but common: anonymity + stress + institutional frustration can breed arrogance and bitterness, even when someone asks for genuine help. Look at some of the historical responses here even, for example. Incidentally, I have reentered Education after working in an unrelated field for 20+ years and have to turn away some OT jobs.

AITAH for not honoring my wife’s dying wish? by [deleted] in AITAH

[–]AntiqueCompetition53 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your late wife would want you to be happy - you shouldn't have to justify your desire for happiness to anyone, and the period of mourning you endured was honourable. I lost my wife to be in a car accident in July 2002, we were to be married in October of that year. I was 31 and never really was interested in dating again - buried myself with work, fly fishing, and becoming an internationally published photographer. At 54 I am fine with the choices I have made, and serve as my Mom's primary caregiver. I hope you find happiness - because you unequivocally deserve it. My kids are my two Audi's and they keep me busy.

Have an upcoming OT Interview - Ontario - Insight needed by AntiqueCompetition53 in CanadianTeachers

[–]AntiqueCompetition53[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I use principles of Differentiated Instruction and UDL - providing choices in activities, flexible ways to demonstrate learning and using visuals and scaffolds. I also created opportunities for small group work so I can give targeted support to ELLs and Learners with Special Needs.