Secondary School Teacher Description

Secondary school teachers in Ontario work with students from Grades 9 to Grades 12. Unlike elementary school teachers, they usually specialize in just one or two subjects, like math, English, history, shop, or computers. Full-time secondary school teachers are responsible for three classes per day, including the lesson planning, curriculum instruction, and marking for each. Class sizes usually range from 15 to 40 students, and require teachers to provide ongoing support of students during, as well as before and after, class. In addition to classroom responsibilities, many secondary school teachers take on extracurricular responsibilities, such as coaching a sports team, or running a drama program.

Why I would like to be a secondary school teacher

I have wanted to become a teacher since the age of eight. I think I would be successful in this career because I love to work with children, have many creative ideas, and am patient when working with a variety of personality types. I have volunteered at a number of camps and youth organizations, which has taught me how to interact with children in a positive manner, and make sure that they are engaged in the activities I’m providing. As well, I have strong leadership skills, which would help me to effectively take control of a class. Since I truly enjoyed school as a student, I want to become a secondary school teacher to pass on my love of learning in an interesting and engaging way to my students.

School Option One: Trent UniversityPROFILE

Since opening its doors in Peterborough, Ontario in 1964, Trent has distinguished itself in Canada by putting students first and striking a unique balance between outstanding teaching and leading-edge research. Trent faculty value teaching and the experience of connecting with students; as a small school, most professors know their students by name, meaning they’ll get a more individualized education. As well, Trent students learn more because Trent profs expect more – students work hard during their time at Trent, and are fully supported by their instructors. Finally, Trent is a socially conscious school, where students participate actively in initiatives that have a positive impact on the Peterborough community, environment, and, someday, the world. Thus, Trent is an ideal choice for future students; it’s a university that knows you invest a lot in your education, and goes the distance to ensure you leave as an expert in your field.

School Option One: Trent UniversityPROGRAM

The Consecutive Bachelor of Education program combines attention to individual learners in small class settings with a community-based approach. The School of Education works in close collaboration with Trent University's Faculty of Arts and Science, and with educators in the wider community. Through their university credits in foundational and curriculum courses, students are exposed to recent advances in theory and research. During their classroom placements, they are encouraged to use this expertise to think critically about their own professional practice, and to develop a professional identity through attention to individual needs, multiple modes of learning, human diversity, and critical thinking in content areas. Programs of study are offered in full-time format, for students interested in teaching at the Primary/Junior level (K-Grade 6), and at the Intermediate/Senior level (Grades 7-12).

School Option One: Trent University

Consecutive Bachelor of EducationApplicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited degree-granting

institution a minimum of 70% average on their last ten undergraduate full-course

equivalents

For intermediate/senior teacher applicants five (5) full university course equivalents in the first teaching subject three (3) full university course equivalents in the second teaching

subject

For applicants meeting these minimum academic requirements, admission decisions are based equally on grades and a Profile of Experience written statement.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Education Plan

My plan is to become a secondary teacher in the subjects of English and Drama. In order to do this, I will first have to be accepted into a Bachelor of Arts undergraduate program, and then pursue a Bachelor of Education after its successful completion.

Because I intend to study English and theatre at university, I have selected electives from the English, drama, and humanities areas.

GRADE 11 ENG 3U (English) – 90% MCR 3U (Functions) – 90% ADA 4E (Drama) – 90% FDF 3U (French) – 90% HSP 3U (Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology)- 90% EMS 3O (Media Studies) – 90% CHW 3M (World History to the 16th Century) – 90% HHS 4U (Families in Canada) – 90%

Education Plan

I would like to complete my Honours Bachelor of Arts at Trent University. As such, in my final year, I need to be aware of their undergraduate admission requirements:Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program specific prerequisites

I will be pursuing a Bachelor of Arts, which has no additional program pre-requisites.

A minimum 70% overall final averageENG 4U with a minimum of 60%

GRADE 12ENG 4U (English) – 90%ADA 4M (Drama) – 95%FDF 4U (French) – 90%EWC 4U (Writer’s Craft) – 95%ETS 4U (Studies in Literature) – 90%COP4X2 (Co Op) – 95%

*If I can maintain a minimum 90% average, I will get my first year of tuition free.*

Education Plan

ADITIONAL EXPERIENCE I will volunteer at a summer residential camp to gain further experience

working with children, as well as planning and leading interesting and engaging activities.

I will work as a tutor within my community in order to practice my teaching skills, and gain experience in lesson planning that meets the needs of students who have difficulty in school.

I will work as a babysitter within my community in order to gain experience working with children, and learn behaviour management techniques when an issue arises.

I will participate in school theatre projects to gain a variety of experience in the realm of performing, directing, writing, and other aspects of theatre so that I will be able to contribute these skills to future extracurricular commitments when I’m teaching.

I will continue to play soccer to further practice the skills and techniques required to excel in the sport, as well as to learn drills and coaching techniques that could be used when coaching at the secondary level.