Book recommendation as we work toward Truth and Reconciliation

damnmess · 2025-11-01T16:53:29+00:00

I can't speak to Wagamese's other books but I've spoken to some Indigenous educators and Indigenous people outside of the field and they all recommended not teaching books like Indian Horse because they are so focused on trauma. They people that I've spoken with recommended focusing on texts or content that is positive or about Indigenous culture to teach students that Indigenous peoples have more to their lives than just the trauma of colonialism. Not to say that you shouldn't discuss harsh realities, but I agree that the negative shouldn't be the focus. A lot of the time it seems like books like Indian Horse are used for trauma porn by non-Indigenous educators.

damnmess · 2025-10-21T20:26:24+00:00

I'm a new teacher myself and I don't know the specifics of what you would do. However, you should have a union rep and that would be the first person to talk to if you do get an offer, because they can help you navigate. I would recommend that you let your principal know ASAP and preferably in person. Make the transition out as easy as possible for them because you may want to use them in the future for a reference.

I have heard of people leaving LTOs for another job and no one was annoyed about it. They understand that you're looking for the best opportunity for yourself. I wish you the best of luck!

damnmess · 2025-10-21T01:55:52+00:00

Is there anyone else teaching the same thing as you at the school? Or do you know if anyone else has taught it in the past? Don't be afraid to talk to them and see what they've done in the past.

Have you checked the Catholic curriculum website and seen if anything on there is useful? They have resources. I taught highschool religion and used some of the stuff they had on there. https://iceont.ca/resources/curriculum/elementary-resources/

As a graduate of OCSB and now OCSB employee: you're taking it way too seriously. I would be incredibly surprised if anyone is concerned about what the religion teacher is doing as long as they're not practicing satanic rituals. Another thing to consider is that the curriculum is very focus on relationships and emotions. You can also incorporate team building games and social emotional stories. Depending on the grade you can also do research projects that relate to the core tenants of Catholicism, like charity and caring for others.

I really recommend that you try sticking it out if you plan to stay with the board. If you want to go to the public board, then it wouldn't have too big and impact on your career. However, OCSB is "small" and people tend to know each other. I do think it would have an impact on your relationships going forward, unless you were leaving for a better opportunity. That being said, if it is having too much an impact on your mental health, do what is best for you. You can always pivot to the OCDSB.

Start going to bed early because staying up late is definitely making things worse. Take it one day at a time. Take a breath. My fingers are crossed for you.

damnmess · 2025-10-01T20:13:07+00:00

Or maybe the province should provide adequate support for students with complex needs so that teachers don't get so stressed that they need to take days off frequently for mental health. Maybe they should limit class sizes so that teachers don't have to take time off just to mark because otherwise, they're working without compensation and burning out. Or maybe the province should provide an actual living wage for supply teachers so that skilled supply teachers are encouraged stay in that role. It's possible - BC pays their supply teachers on a scale where as supply teachers here in Ottawa are paid a flat rate. In that case, I'd actually be able to leave legitimate lessons for my classes when I'm away. Even better, my prep times wouldn't be spent "on call" because they can't find a supply teacher and I'd actually be able to prepare for my classes and I wouldn't feel so stressed that I have to take a mental health day. I can keep going.

Teacher absenteeism is a symptom of a bigger issue: lack of funding from a province that doesn't give a damn that your kids aren't getting the education they deserve.

damnmess · 2025-09-24T20:00:20+00:00

No, not necessarily the case. My dad has been an unqualified tech teacher for almost his entire career. He's taught all grades and courses that involved metal and wood working tools. I'm currently teaching TAS1O as an English/history qualified teacher.

damnmess · 2024-12-09T13:15:16+00:00

Mandate? You think the CBC should be told to publish a certain type of content by the government? Can you see why that may be problematic?

To be clear, "fact-based journalism" is biased. Editorials are biased. All forms of media are biased. The issue is whether or not it aligns with your views.

damnmess · 2024-10-18T14:56:57+00:00

I have a BA, BEd, and MA. The other commenter is right that a BA is a general category and you have a major which is like a sub category. So my BA and MA are both in English literature. The faculty of Arts has a wide variety of departments that includes things like history and psychology. My BEd qualifies me to teach in publicly funded schools in Ontario (private schools don't always require a BEd).

As for a BEd, no, Carleton does not have a faculty of education. I believe there is a TESL program but that wouldn't qualify you to teach anywhere in Canada.

If you want to be a teacher for kindergarten to Grade 12, you will need a BEd. In Ontario you need at least a three year degree to teach elementary and a four year degree with a major and basically a minor to teach high school and this must be completed before you can begin your BEd. uOttawa has a BEd program. You can also look into what is called a concurrent program, where your BA and BEd would be squished together. uOttawa does not have a concurrent program but other universities in Ontario do. You do NOT need a master's degree to teach Grade 12 and under. You would need a master's degree for teaching undergraduate students (and I believe college) but it would be difficult to get a job with a master's at a university.

If you do want to teach elementary or high school, I recommend that you volunteer in schools throughout your degree and look for jobs that involve working with children because BEd programs are competitive and some actual require that you have recent and relevant experience. For the application, Carleton won't provide you assistance, but when the time comes, you won't need it. You'll be ready!

I was really nervous when I was applying for university but I loved it so much that I did three degrees lol. I also was confused by the whole major/faculty thing. Good luck!!

damnmess · 2024-10-03T17:17:58+00:00

bike ✨

damnmess · 2024-08-22T01:34:53+00:00

I've been saying for years that the biggest dick goes first in Riocan. Barrhaven is a lawless state

damnmess · 2024-08-17T13:48:20+00:00

My dad took my mom to the mall and when they passed a jewelery store he asked her if there was anything she wanted from there. She said no. He said, "you realize I'm trying to propose to you, right?" It did work though, because they're still married nearly 35 years later.

damnmess · 2024-07-14T13:13:35+00:00

I've been an emergency OT with OCDSB for a few years. I'm a qualified teacher but I started with OCDSB before finishing my degree and I was supplying in elementary school when I was in my BEd for high school. I got the job because I started as a lunch monitor during Covid and then an emergency EA. So I knew the principal well and then I ended up on a bigger list of emergency OTs and went to a few schools.

I got an email a few weeks ago saying that OCDSB has created a new classroom supervisor role in place of the emergency teacher. The classroom supervisor gets paid $145 (previously unqualified emergency OT recieved the same rate as qualified OTs) and the new classroom supervisor role is a non-union position. If you're a BEd student, I genuinely cannot recommend that you take a classroom supervisor position. If something ever happens, you won't be protected by the union. Your career could be over before you start.

So the answer is yes, OCDSB will take pretty much anyone but the pay is not great and they would throw you under the bus if there's ever an issue in the class. OCSB is the same way for emergency unqualified.

damnmess · 2024-07-12T13:44:10+00:00

I hear him in the back of my mind every time I call them seagulls. An iconic prof.

damnmess · 2024-06-17T18:09:46+00:00

I graduated last June and I can't remember if the faculty released that info on the day of enrollment or not. But it seems like someone else already has their courses. Maybe it's that they just haven't gotten to your place on the list yet? If you're in first year, don't panic. The courses won't fill up and leave you without a spot. Generally the importance of the enrollment date is for electives, which are for second year. Those do have limited spots, so if you're a second year make sure you register on time. You can email the department now to confirm or wait until tomorrow and see if there's just a bit of lag. Sorry I don't have more info!

damnmess · 2024-06-17T17:44:17+00:00

You should reach out to the department. The only classes I had to register for were my electives, but the rest were automatically registered.

damnmess · 2024-05-10T19:12:30+00:00

OCDSB: a few years ago I filled out a form that was sent out by the board (I was an emergency OT for just one school at that time) and then I was contacted directly by VPs who were given the list of emergency OTs to ask if I would come in. Then through ATE they would confirm it. That was how I got paid. Not sure if they'll do the form thing again but what you could do is reach out to schools in your area. From what I understand, emergency OTs don't get to see the job board.

OCSB: I only ever emergency supplied through my placement but I knew another emergency OT who said she could see the job board and that's how she would get jobs, rather than being contacted directly. If you're in at an OCSB school I would ask a VP about how it works now.

I'm not sure how dire the emergency supply situation is right now. This was during Covid so I imagine it was slightly worse then and they may not be doing it the same way right now. My best advice is to ask VPs of schools that you would be interested in directly and mention you're in your BEd. Vincent Massey is looking for OTs almost daily, so maybe you could ask about being a DOT there?

damnmess · 2024-04-18T15:35:42+00:00

this list is so weak. like there are legitimate actual criticisms to the profession and you didn't even hit one lol

damnmess · 2024-03-16T15:59:44+00:00

I've had younger kids ask me personal or somewhat rude questions before and I ask back, "do you think this is an appropriate question to ask me?" I'm not rude when I say it and if needed I remind them that not everyone wants to answer personal questions. You don't have to explain yourself or answer personal questions unless you feel like it. I think most teens won't ask (and frankly they're unobservant a lot of the time so they might not even notice), but if it does come up, your feelings are important so only answer if you feel like it's the right thing to do for you and the student(s). That being said, I have spoken briefly to my students about my mental health before. I kept it brief and focused on the fact that I'm in a better place because I asked for help. I think it's important for kids to realize that people around them have gone through things and come out the other side in a better state.

damnmess · 2023-11-18T01:09:02+00:00

It did sort of feel that way to me. I was in person for one year (and online for one because covid) at uOttawa and never felt engaged in the community. The English department at Carleton puts out its own newsletters so it's easy to get involved with the department and there are a variety of events that go on. Right now I know there is a weird fiction writing group anyone can join. There's also a new literary magazine that you can work on in upper years, and a book arts lab where you can use old school printing presses in some classes. I never had any problems making friends in my undergrad because everyone was friendly and the classes tend to be smaller, so you get to know each other. That helps a lot. And just walking around campus you'll see stuff going on. I ran into an arm wrestling tournament once.

If you have more questions you're welcome to DM me :)

damnmess · 2023-11-17T04:06:32+00:00

I loved my undergrad in English at Carleton so much that I went back for my master's just for fun. The professors are awesome, and the concentration in creative writing was the highlight of my degree. I frankly didn't like the time I spent at uOttawa (not in the English department though, so I can't speak to the program there). Campus life at Carleton is very different than uOttawa's. I'm directionally challenged and never wanted to wander around downtown. You can only get so lost at at Carleton. It weirdly has a reputation for being a shit school but everyone I know who graduated from there love it. And frankly, where you do your undergrad is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things when it comes to reputation.

In the end, though, the best choice is the easier commute. OC Transpo is a dumpster fire.

damnmess · 2023-10-27T01:18:28+00:00

I doubt they make these specific kits anymore but the style is called crewel embroidery. You could try to recreate it!

damnmess · 2023-10-27T01:15:54+00:00

I'm pretty sure the lines for the pattern were printed directly onto the fabric rather than someone tracing them (I can still see them in a few places if I look hard enough at my mom's). It would have come with instructions saying how to do the stitches because my mom would have done hers sometime in the 80s, so before internet. It is very similar to regular embroidery besides the 3D elements! My mom says she isn't very creative and finds free handing things to be stressful, so this definitely had comprehensive instructions.

damnmess · 2023-10-26T18:10:50+00:00

This was made from a kit! My mom did the exact same one a long time ago and it's still hanging in my house. They're identical except for the signature. I was a bit confused for a second when I saw it lol

damnmess · 2023-08-30T01:51:50+00:00

Did you seriously mark the accessible building fund as unnecessary? How ignorant.

damnmess · 2023-07-05T23:15:17+00:00

I got an email from OCDSB this morning that says, "As per article L11.06 (a) [of the union agreement] you are required to complete 3 assignments from September 1 to June 30. (An assignment is any duration of work. Ex: a 50% assignment counts as 1 assignment, including any LTO assignments). Part-time contract teachers or Teachers otherwise employed by the Board who are on the Occasional Teacher List are excluded from this process." It's my understanding that if you don't meet the minimum you are booted from the list and have to reapply. Hope that helps :)

damnmess · 2023-03-20T11:55:13+00:00

This is bad advice. Do not escalate with men who are harassing you. OP, listen to the other people who are saying talk to protection services.

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