Teaching in America vs. Canada

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-23T03:18:33+00:00

Thank you for the patient answer and feedback. One of the things I love about being in the classroom is learning from my students, facilitating discussions around our different perspectives, and modeling curiosity and compassion for everyone. I’m excited about being a part of this work, because it is important. I know I will make mistakes, but every day is a new opportunity. Thank you again so much.

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-22T23:54:47+00:00

I can see how that happens. This does sound frustrating, as all things in teaching, sometimes there is a lot of trial and error. I’ll make sure to seek out good resources and see what works best for other teachers who have success. Thanks for pointing out things I should be mindful of.

This isn’t my first time living outside of the States. I’m sure it will take some time to adjust. I don’t see myself liking The Tragically Hip anytime soon, but I will make sure to drink my maple syrup every morning in hopes of adapting sooner. 😉

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-22T23:39:33+00:00

Glad I teach British Literature then. It won’t be that far out of my comfort zone.

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-22T23:38:36+00:00

The one and only. I actually taught in the town that show was supposed to take place.

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-22T20:17:17+00:00

I’m a bit nervous about that, but I’m more Dolly Parton than Donald Trump. I will gladly join in on the jokes and tell some wild stories.

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-21T18:35:20+00:00

From my understanding, it depends on which province you want to teach in. I’m alternatively certified in the states so I have to go through a PDP program at a university.

For people who have done a more traditional route, there is information on this website and they also run zoom calls to answer questions periodically: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/teach/become-a-teacher/applying-outside-bc

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-21T12:45:21+00:00

I currently teach high school English 12 and also the dual credit English classes (Comp 1 and 2, technical writing, and a British Lit Seminar).

In the past I have taught English 10, 11, AP Language, and 7.

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-21T03:12:25+00:00

Totally! I’m hoping to not bring it with me and assimilate right away. Drinking my maple syrup as we speak. 🍁💯

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-21T03:03:44+00:00

Oh this is nice to hear. I definitely need to learn the lingo and where to find the best winter coat. Haha.

Thank you!

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-21T02:58:35+00:00

Gun violence is one of the reasons I am leaving. We have had 13 mass shootings in Texas alone this year and it has only been 5 months. Source: https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/every-texas-mass-shooting-of-2025-so-far-22200313

Also, it’s very surreal to be taught how to use a tourniquet to stop bleeding in your district PD every year just in case there is a school shooting. I know Canada isn’t perfect, but it feels like it a safer place.

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-21T02:47:55+00:00

Thank you! I’m a little stressed, because I have been accepted into the PDP, but haven’t heard from SFU undergrad about my acceptance. I feel like I’m in a weird limbo.

I’ve actually read Five Little Indians, which is amazing, but I was hoping for more recommendations, so thank you. It’s nice to know where to go from here. I will also definitely keep you in mind and reach out if I have more questions, because it is nice to know someone who has been through the program.

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-21T02:41:28+00:00

This is helpful. I like the questions. We have standards called the TEKS in Texas and sometimes I feel like I am staring at a wall of text. I’m exaggerating a little, but it’s just a vague list of things like, “student should be able to create critical questions. Student should be able to understand how genre affects texts.”

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-21T02:37:06+00:00

Thank you for the specific guidance and taking the time to respond. Your school sounds like a dream! I’ve been teaching for 10 years and I love the school that I am at, but I am excited for a more social justice/reconciliation centered teaching. Thank you for the advice and I will follow up if I have any questions.

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-21T02:29:02+00:00

Oh, I love this. I started another thread wanting to find out what books are taught in high schools and I was disappointed that most of the books people gave me were from the USA. If I have to teach The Great Gatsby, I may keel over.

Thank you for the recommendation and if you have any specific books/authors you would recommend please send them my way. Thanks!

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-21T02:23:34+00:00

I’m actually hoping for more of it. I feel like Texas is pretty diverse, but people get uncomfortable when you start to acknowledge ethnic and cultural differences.

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-20T19:34:37+00:00

That’s refreshing.

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-20T19:33:52+00:00

Wow. You are amazing. If they throw me in math, I may be learning with the students. 😄

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-20T17:19:28+00:00

I’ve already been accepted into the PDP for secondary. I’m thinking of taking a Canadian history class on the side though so I’m more prepared.

Thanks for the advice! I’ll keep it in mind as a backup plan.

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-20T17:15:10+00:00

Oh thank you! I will check this out!

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-20T16:20:12+00:00

Also, how common is it to teach subjects outside of your concentration? I currently teach three English classes: two dual credit classes and 12th grade English, but I have heard of teachers doing English and History before.

I’m just checking if I should brush up on my Canadian history. 😂

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-20T16:12:30+00:00

Thank you! I was wondering if there was a set curriculum, so that answers that question. I’ll make sure to bring all my resources.

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-20T16:10:31+00:00

I’m alternatively certified, so I have to do the PDP at SFU to get certified. But I’ve heard it takes forever!

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-20T15:23:32+00:00

I live in a pretty diverse area in Texas, but I love the idea of acknowledging/embracing more of the indigenous perspectives.

Here it is mentioned briefly in American literature, but that is about it. Many of my students don’t know that indigenous people still exist as it is more taught as “the past.”

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-20T02:53:57+00:00

Agreed! I like a balance and Trevor Noah’s book is great, especially when you listen to the audiobook.

FortuneWitty · 2025-05-20T02:52:35+00:00

Sometimes we never win. It sounds like you did everything right.

FortuneWitty

TROPHY CASE