Each one teach one

There is a wide variety of teachers at the JLP orientation this week. Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, UK, Ireland and the USA are all represented. Some of us are newbies (like me) and some of us have taught before and returned to teach again. All of us came from two recruiters. Mine is Canadian Connections. Shane is the head of Canadian Connections and did an amazing job, from the first email connection, through all the required paperwork and job acceptance.  He (and his staff) were instrumental in getting me from the initial job application to stepping on the plane.

Chris Devison is in charge of our orientation. He used to be an English teacher here so he knows exactly how the newbies feel and makes us feel very comfortable in the training environment. We know we can go to him with any questions, big or small, about this new (sometimes scary) experience. The week-long orientation includes cultural communication, immigration issues, lesson planning and other topics to bridge whatever learning gap may exist. The more experienced teachers patiently listen to the same questions that they themselves asked years ago. They also answer any questions we have for them.  It feels good to be surrounded with a comfortable, easy-going learning environment. We are sharing knowledge, laughter and memories.

I am grateful for all of the trainers and teachers. Whatever issues that may occur in the next 12 months, there will be several resources to deal with it.

When God opens up a door, he puts people in place to help you walk through that door. All you have to do is believe. It sure makes this "leap of faith" have a safety net!

Each one teach one.