teachers Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

13 Easy and Fun Christmas Teacher Gifts

Paula — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 10:57:30 +0000

Every year I struggle with what to get for the kid’s teachers. Many years I have purchased something that benefits a charity. To me those gifts are impactful and meaningful. I know the kids are always proud to give them too. But this year I thought it would be worth taking a look at some popular, fun, and easy teacher gifts to give this holiday season. This past two years in a row my kids have had amazing teachers. Now I know it’s not necessary to buy every single year, but sometimes it is a nice thing to do. Do you give teacher gifts at Christmas? Here are 13 Easy Teacher Gifts: Teacher Life: A Snarky Chalkboard Coloring Book: A fun way for a teacher to relax after a hard day. Hallmark Keepsake 2017 Teachers Change the World Apple Globe Christmas Ornament: Show appreciation for a special educator with this Christmas tree ornament, a perfect teacher’s gift. Globe spins with message: “Teachers change the world…one child at a time.” DCI Pop Quiz Clock: As the clock ticks, the hands move around the dial indicating the time of day through a different math problem for each hour. DCI Pop Quiz Clock: As the clock ticks, the hands move around the dial indicating the time of day through a different math problem for each hour. Teaching Gifts Teacher Nutritional Facts Label Classroom Decorations Gift Coffee Mug/Tea Cup: This mug is a great way to give the teacher who loves coffee or tea a smile. Blue Blessings to the Teacher “Big Heart” Keyring: “#1 Teacher” Etched Stainless Steel Keyring that reminds teachers how special they are. Infinity Collection Teacher Bracelet: What better way to show your teacher appreciation than with a unique teacher bracelet. Teacher Office Desk Name Plate or Door Sign: Customize the sign that marks the classroom or for the teacher’s desk. Large Pursetti Teacher Bag with Pockets: This multi-purpose tote combines utility with style. This teacher tote is an ultimate solution to carry all. Teacher Notebook: An Awesome Teacher Is: This extra special teacher appreciation notebook or journal is the perfect way to express your gratitude to the best teacher ever! Kikkerland Apple Memo Pad: This apple shaped memo pad has150 ‘slices’ of notepaper and includes paper clip will help keep your place. Ensianth- Teach Love Inspire Cuff Bracelet: Beautiful Handstamped Cuff Bracelet with “TEACH LOVE INSPIRE” stamped in the middle. Pavilion Gift Company “Teacher” Angel Figurine: Self Standing Angel Ornament with Beautiful Woodgrain Finish Includes ribbon for hanging. Now this is one my Mom would have adored so much. In fact I might just buy one and hang it on the tree to remember her this year. So pretty! Keep Your Apple I’d Rather Have Wine – Stemless Wine Glass: This is a 16oz plastic wine glass that has a wide base for less spills. My kind of gift! [tweetthis]Still time to order any of these cute Christmas-y Teacher gifts. [/tweetthis] Teacher Gifts for Christmas Whether you splurge or donate to a charity in a teacher’s name, it’s the thought that counts. My Mom was teacher and she loved getting these personal special gifts every season. They reminded her of all the great kids she taught. Happy Hunting! This post contains affiliate links to simplify the shopping process for you. When you make a purchase I receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for reading!

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Printable Fill In The Blank Teacher Notes for Back to School

Paula — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 11:12:28 +0000

It’s almost time for back to school, which also sadly means it will soon be time for school colds, and flu bugs and doctor’s appointments. This year, I’m prepared with these handy printable Fill in the Blank Teacher Notes and you can be too. These are ideal for those occasions when you have a sudden appointment in the middle of the school day. The Inspiration One of the first ever blogger conferences I attended featured a sponsor with the cutest pre-printed teacher notes. In fact, they were such a hit that I used them all year round. They simplified my job as a Mom. I attached a pre-printed note like these ones below and folded it into an envelope with a cheque that stated clearly this money is for the Scholastic Books Order, or this money is for the Lunch Order. The teachers knew immediately what the money was meant for and I received many comments on how cute the notes were that year. The teacher notes were a wonderful communication tool for me and for the teachers too. Let’s face it, communication between school and home can be challenging sometimes. Use these to stay connected and organized too. How To Use These: One of my amazing helpers here made these cute little Teacher Notes to simplify your life this school year. I hope they are helpful. So far, I know we have a dentist appointment in September, and a specialist in October, so we will be using these notes as well. They are perfect for grade school and preschool too. Remember to read up on your school’s policies regarding lateness and who can sign the child in and out of school and what is required to do so. These teacher notes are intended to help give your child’s teacher a heads up, and that should help your child too. More Back to School Ideas Are you ready for back to school or not? I have a cute Back to School printable the kids might enjoy as well. Oh and don’t forget the back to school crafts that can get them in the mood as well. Back to School Teacher Notes: To print this page out right click the above page or click on this PDF file link below. Notes For Teachers 2 ps-2

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Social Media Issues – How Ontario Teachers Navigate the Waters

Paula — Sun, 04 Sep 2016 07:07:20 +0000

Social media issues can be challenging. It’s a field that is in a constant state of flux. Facebook changes its algorithm. Twitter offers a new feed. One network wanes while another jets off into the stratosphere. And just when you think you have it all figured out, suddenly your high schooler comes home talking about some new chat service that nobody over the age of 20 has EVER heard of before. Social media issues can be a real danger to both children and the teachers responsible for their education. Teachers are the people who spend 5 to 6 hours a day with your child. They need to know how to navigate the social media waters, just like the rest of us. When social media issues like bullying happen it spills over into the school environment. Last September we dealt with a serious social media incident here when someone set up a fake Instagram account using my daughter’s name (spelled incorrectly.) It was an upsetting time for everyone. In the hallway, one day during school another teen showed by daughter a fake Instagram account in her name. The fake account called many classmates Fat, Ugly and worse. Thankfully my teary-eyed grade nine daughter knew enough to go that day to a trusted adult in the school. She called me as well. Police were then also called to investigate. Although my daughter’s school did not yet have an Instagram policy one year ago, they handled the whole experience beautifully. The other child eventually confessed and we went through a restorative justice process with the teen. School staff supported us throughout. Social media issues like bullying should not happen, but they do. Fortunately, Ontario teachers are fully equipped with the knowledge of how to deal with social media issues and how to keep them from occurring. Ontario College of Teachers Advises Teachers The Ontario College of Teachers has developed an advisory board to help teachers understand the impact that their own social media accounts can have on their students and their students’ parents. Although the College believes that e-communication and social media can and should play a large part in the relationship between teacher, student, and parent, the College also recognizes that there are inherent pitfalls that should be avoided. The aim of the advisory is to educate teachers, reminding them that as professionals in a highly public field, they are always “on”. Just like doctors, nurses, lawyers, and other public professionals, teachers must adhere to a strict standard, whether it be at school or on their social media accounts. In fact, the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that teachers “do not necessarily check their teaching hats at the school yard gate”. The main takeaway from the advisory on social media issues is this: Teachers should conduct themselves on social media as they would conduct themselves in person. Which is something we should all do, really. Ontario College of Teachers – A Complete Resource In addition to providing teachers with an advisory board to help them navigate the waters of social media and social media issues, the Ontario College of Teachers is also an excellent resource for parents, as well. Find a Teacher Page The Ontario College of Teachers Find a Teacher page is a public register providing parents with information on every certified teacher in the Ontario public school system. Each teacher’s record includes: Qualifications Date of initial certification Current status with the Ontario College of Teachers Any applicable disciplinary history The Standard The Ontario College of Teachers The Standard e-newsletter is all about helping parents learn more about teachers. It’s another way that both teachers and parents can be connected on social media issues. The Standard e-newsletter includes: Information on College services to help you learn more about teacher qualifications Information on how the College ensures high standards in education College reports on trends in education Information on changes in education legislation Social Media Issues – Not an Issue for Ontario Teachers Social media issues aren’t an issue for Ontario teachers, or for you, thanks to the Ontario College of Teachers. The College works diligently to ensure teachers are aware of potential social media issues and prepared when a situation crops up. In addition, the College is also committed to keeping parents connected to Ontario’s school system and its teachers. For more information you can also follow the Ontario College of Teachers on their social media accounts. Twitter – @OCT_OEEO Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/OntarioTeachers Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/user/OCTvideoOEEO Sign up for their newsletter and stay informed – English: Newsletter for Parents French: Public Newsletter for Parents and Others – in French Thrifty Momma’s Tips worked with The Ontario College of Teachers and Main Street Creative to bring this post to you. It is a sponsored post, and as such I received compensation. My opinion is always truthful.

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Ten Cutest Gifts for Dads and Grads #LoveHallmarkCA #giveaways

Paula — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 15:30:45 +0000

It’s June already and that means chaos. I’m not overstating that one little bit. If you are a parent then you know June is gorgeous and it heralds summer and Father’s Day and graduation. But June you saucy little month you…you also bring a million other things that toss life into complete disarray. You are my Love/Hate month. I know I’m not alone. June is madness. So here’s a little help. PREPARE NOW for the gifting season with these recommendations for Dad and Grad gifts. June is beautiful weather and winding down for summer at school. It is paying for and sometimes attending the field trips with kids despite an already heavy schedule. It is frantically realizing you haven’t booked enough summer camps. It is plotting the summer cottage getaway and budgeting for all the extra expenses while having your children home more hours of the day. Internet bill hike for instance and data bill. OUCH! June means Father’s Day gifts, or Dads and grad gifts, and teacher gifts too. We have three of our four birthdays in my family happening in June and July. Then there’s my wedding anniversary too! And although this year there’s no massive graduation celebration here thank goodness, there will be some work trips, parties and events that we have happening starting this weekend. So because this month goes by in the blink of an eye I need to be ready. YOU need to be prepared too. Luckily I am here, with Hallmark, to help you with my top ten cutest gifts for Dads and Grads. You need to bookmark this post and then save it for later when you are in dire need of Father’s Day presents or graduation gifts. [tweetthis]Hallmark Canada has some adorable gifts this year for Dads and Grads #LOVEHallmarkCA[/tweetthis] Father’s Day is fast approaching. June 19th is not far off. This year I love so many of the Hallmark Canada offerings that I can’t pick just one. In fact I also have a host of beautiful graduation gifts for grads of all sorts. Read to end of the post to find out how you can win a Life is Good sentiment sign too. Ten Cutest Gifts for Dads and Grads Father’s Day Presents and Grad Gifts: Five Father’s Day Gifts: Beer Flight – This is my favourite. ( see above and in the collage as well). I have one of these for husband already. I love this idea for a home party or even just a special gift for someone you know who loves craft beer. The Beer flight looks great. $29.95 with four glasses too. So much awesome! Life Is Good sentiment sign – Life is Good and this is a positive reminder of something we sometimes forget. I am going to give husband this one to put up on a wall in our house. I am thinking it would be great in the laundry room actually. Because I want to redo that room and make it cuter and I think that’s the one room that we need a reminder in because doing laundry can make you feel like life is not fun. And Life is Good. We are blessed to have a home, a family and a space to be able to do the laundry and frankly clean water to be able to wash with. Or maybe upstairs in the hall. I love this. $29.95. There’s also a Good Vibes sign that is the same price. This would also look amazing on a photo wall. So excited to have this one for Me, I mean, Dad. I have one of these to gift to one lucky reader! Grill mitt – Dad can always use one of these. It’s $12.95 and super cute and has a denim look to it. There’s a matching grill apron you can buy too. Who doesn’t love denim for its versatility and durability? Epic Dad copper mug – great keepsake. $16.95 Smore Stick Kit – for your camping Dad. This is adorable and functional. $14.95 GRAD Gifts: Autograph Owl. Last year we had an autograph bear and my daughter who graduated from grade eight took it to school and got everyone to sign it the final week of elementary school. I can’t stress how big a treasure this is for her. She adores it. At $16.95 this is well worth it and such a sweet memory to hold onto forever. Autograph Poster – $9.95 – if you can’t get the owl then get this. It will be treasured. Like having a small snapshot of people and special memories from grade school to keep forever. Preschool Graduation Frame – so sweet – $16.95 Dr. Suess inspired Luggage Tags and gift card holders Tags are each $12.95 and $6.95 Adorable crystal paperweight that states Take On The World. I need to keep this for when my daughter finishes high school because it is that precious. $16.95 I am a Hallmark ambassador and I receive perks for participating in the program. My opinion is all my own. This giveaway is open to Canada only. Entry-Form

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Teacher Appreciation Week Free Printables

Paula — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 04:48:33 +0000

Did you know that it is Teacher Appreciation Week coming up May 2 – 6? Teachers can and often do make a huge impact on a child’s life. A really dedicated and kind, caring professional can change the course of a child’s future. I believe in rewarding people and other classmates who help my children at school. So, for instance, with certain classmates of my daughter, I make sure to buy Christmas presents, or send an extra snack once in awhile so my daughter can share. When we were KinderCanada ambassadors a couple of years ago I would have her take 2 or 3 of the treats to school to share the love. These small things go a long way. Small things can make a dramatic impact. A little handwritten note or an email can make someone’s day. So with that in mind I thought that today I would share these printable teacher notes for you and your child to give to someone that makes an impact at school. Free Printables Notes Use these Free Printable Teacher Notes for Teacher Appreciation Week. Last year I wrote about World Vision Canada’s Teacher Appreciation Gifts. These are still an amazing way to honour a teacher in your child’s life. We support World Vision Canada all year long. These free printable teacher notes are not meant to replace any charitable giving that you might have in mind, but if this year you want a small token that is not going to cost you anything, then these teacher notes are the ticket. One year I posted about some preschool teacher gifts here too. If you have a preschooler you can engage your child in making a special craft just for the teacher. Have a great week! What kinds of things have you given to your child’s teacher in the past? Have you written teacher notes? Have you given a gift? DO YOU HAVE A STORY ABOUT A TEACHER WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE? TELL ME MORE…

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5 Handmade Gift Ideas for the Preschool Teacher in Your Life

Paula — Wed, 20 May 2015 15:14:48 +0000

5 Handmade Gift Ideas for the Preschool Teacher in Your Life Preschool teachers do so much to help our children grow and learn. They are the educational force that helps prepare our kids for grade school, high school, and beyond. In the context of my younger daughter’s entire education so far, the preschool teachers might have had the greatest impact. My younger daughter, as some of you know, has some special needs. I talk about that here from time to time. When my daughter was very small she had a lot of trouble with socializing, so all of her helpers, the therapists and doctors and social workers too, stated clearly that she needed to get started early in preschool so that she would grow the skills needed to help her succeed socially in school. In these early years her preschool teachers worked beautifully with the entire team of specialists to help our girl succeed. This was so valuable to her, and to us, that we would have given anything to these teachers for helping her, and sometimes loving her as if she was their own child, or grandchild. From time to time even our little one wanted to show the teachers how much she appreciated their help. So we would make little notes and pictures and things that were simple but heartfelt. As the school year slowly draws to a close, I know many parents and children will be wanting to show some affection and gratitude to these special educators. These handmade gift ideas are a great way to show our preschool teachers how much they mean to us and to our kids. Handmade Gift Ideas the Kids Can Make Handmade gifts are so much more special than a card or a gift basket. These handmade gift ideas tell your child’s teacher that they’re important enough to warrant some actual time taken out of the day. Handmade Cards Nothing is quite as cute as child’s handmade card. From their creative – if sometimes indecipherable – drawings and writings to their color choices to the big hugs that always come when they gift it, a handmade card pulls at the heartstrings like nothing else. Paper Plate Crafts Our kids’ preschool teachers love to remember their students at this adorable age just like we parents do. Why not give them the granddaddy of all homemade gift ideas. The paper plate/hand print combo. Just get yourself some washable paint, a paper plate, and have your little one leave his or her hand prints in center of the paper plate. You can then put a nice saying like “You’re the best teacher. Hands down” on it to add to the cuteness. A Personalized Video In this electronic age, a handmade gift can be more that paper plates or drawn cards. Why not take a video of your child giving the teacher a sweet message and then transfer it to a thumb drive so his or her teacher can have it forever. You can combine the thumb drive video with a card for a one-two gratitude punch! A Finger Paint Masterpiece Finger painting is a big part of preschool, so I think that makes it a winner on the handmade gift ideas front. You could have your child finger paint a masterpiece of his or her teacher’s favorite movie, pet, animal, or any other personal touch you can think of. It’s an instant keepsake that your child’s preschool teacher will treasure forever. Photos from Your Child Recently, children’s cameras have become a big thing. We see them in stores and online all the time now. Why not have your child take their little camera to school and snap pictures of their favorite activity area, friends, and of course, their favorite teacher. You can then put all of those pictures into a nice album for the teacher. It’s always fun and interesting to see the world through a child’s perspective, and it’s a great personalized gift. My Personal Favourite – a Scrapbook I hope you’ve gotten some inspiration from these handmade gift ideas for preschool teachers. Between reinforcing the interpersonal lessons we’re already teaching our children at home and preparing them for the K – 12 years by giving them a strong basic foundation, our preschool teachers deserve to be honored. These homemade gift ideas for our preschool teachers are a great way to do that. Do you have any great homemade gift ideas for preschool teachers? I’d love to hear about them.

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Microsoft Summit on 21st Century Learners – EVENT in Windsor, Ontario, April 11 Geared Towards Teachers

Paula — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 14:47:58 +0000

When I see educational opportunities like this Microsoft Summit on 21st Century Learners happening nearby in Windsor, Ontario I get excited, for several reasons. I am a parent of two children who are still in grade school. Digital kids. I arm both of my girls daily with technology at home and at school and I am abundantly aware of how they absorb media and how they learn. It’s radically different than how I learned 20 to 30 years ago. Only 20 to 30 years ago we trotted off to school with books and pencils and paper. Now kids carry tablets, iPhones, iPods and sometimes laptops too – technology that for the most part wasn’t even close to invented until this decade! When I spy brilliant events like the Microsoft Summit on 21st Century Learners (happening this Saturday in Windsor) I also wish I could sit in on this type of educational opportunity just to be inspired about the future of learning, the emerging and evolving economy, and the ways in which digital learners will carve out their space, forging brilliant new paths where we might not even be able to imagine them yet. Five years ago my job did not exist. Social media marketing consultant and professional blogger was not even a term. The future is boundless. The potential for kids to build amazing paths and creative jobs and businesses is stunning. But the challenge is the now. How do we get the students and the teachers of today ready to negotiate the environment of tomorrow? Microsoft has some thoughts about that and has a beautiful, inexpensive opportunity this weekend in Windsor that will help teachers guide 21st century learners along the way. Gamification!!?? Well, that topic alone would make me drop everything and run to the summit. But you need to register first. Details below. Microsoft Summit on 21st Century Learners: Read more about why you should attend: GET HANDS-ON! Have fun and participate as we demo how collaboration and sharing comes alive with Microsoft technology and devices. Explore the unique benefits of OneNote to collaborate and track student portfolios, deliver innovative math and science lessons using pen inputs, and learn the benefits of the complete Microsoft suite of tools that can deliver what no one else can. In addition, join Desire2Learn who will share best practices for online learning. COLLABORATE WITH YOUR PEERS! We will poll the audience and host teacher-driven round tables discussions focusing on topics such as Gamification, Advanced O365 and Collaboration. FEES: Only $25/person for a full day of fun and learning. Lunch included. PLEASE NOTE: your registration is not complete until payment has been received. Please click the link below to pay securely via PayPal. http://www.kaleidoscoperesults.com/Microsoft/Summit2015/windsor/index.html There is also a special speaker who jumped right off the page at me when I noted his topic matter that hits upon learning differences and indicates he has a background dealing with ADHD and LD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities.) Learnstyle CEO DJ Cunningham will talk about his experience with ADHD and LDs and he will also discuss the importance of technology to the lives of 21st century learners. There are so many ways technology is changing the lives of kids with special needs inside educational systems. Both of my girls require and use technology as part of their school experience. I see technology opening doors and paths to learning and that is such a blessing and a necessity for kids like mine. From using technology to simply take a picture of the homework board, to using a calendar app to track assignments and special days at school, digital tools are so very useful to kids of all abilities. Technology is a gift to every child and every teacher and it can expand the potential for learning and creating inspired learners in your classroom. This is a brilliant and inexpensive chance to build your classroom technology skills. Microsoft Summit on 21st Century Learners: APRIL 11th 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Microsoft Summit St. Clair College – Centre for the Arts Building 201 Riverside Dr. W – WINDSOR $25 fee and you need to register here or click on one of the links above: Microsoft Summit Registry. This event is geared towards teachers BUT is also open to the public (recommended age of 20 and up.) This is a sponsored conversation which means I was compensated to share this, but as you might be able to tell I am enthusiastic about learning opportunities for children and teachers. This is an event you should not miss if you are a teacher. My opinion is all my own and always truthful.

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Three Ways to Stay Connected with Your Child’s School – The Ontario College of Teachers

Paula — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 12:20:00 +0000

Shutterstock images This is a sponsored post. I have been compensated. My opinion is all my own. If you parent a child that is in school then you will be familiar with this timeless afterschool exchange. “How was school today?” “Fine.” “Anything exciting happen?” “No.” “What did you do today at school?” “Nothing.” It’s the communications challenge of parents everywhere. Sometimes staying in the loop regarding your child’s education seems like an insurmountable task. So what’s an educated, involved, parent to do? Luckily there are a lot of tools available to you these days with digital assets and email to help keep parents informed of teaching practices and changes. The first place to start is with your child and the next person in line is of course the teacher. Three Ways to Stay Connected to Your Child’s School: 1. Sign up for The Standard emails: The Ontario College of Teachers has many assets available to help parents understand and make sense of the curriculum, teaching goals and standards and basic education news updates. Sign up for their electronic newsletter to help keep you informed. Click on the link below to sign up. English http://www.oct.ca/public/public-enewsletter?utm_source=blogcampaign&utm_medium=externalLink&utm_campaign=PublicInterest French http://www.oct.ca/public/public-enewsletter?sc_lang=fr-ca&utm_source=blogcampaign&utm_medium=externalLink&utm_campaign=PublicInterest 2. Join the Parent Involvement Committee: I did this for several years because it was the best way to get communication straight from the source. It helped me to know when the PD Days were and when the reports were coming home and even simple things such as how big all the classes were that year. 3. Check the school web site often. It’s a simple thing but easy to forget. Often there are updates about assemblies and things posted on the main site. It doesn’t hurt to check. There are numerous other tools available to you as a parent to help you understand more about your child’s school and the education professionals working in that environment. For instance if you want to check a teacher’s criteria and special skills out, you can check in with the Ontario College of Teachers Web site to learn how Ontario teachers are certified. All teachers who wish to teach in Ontario’s elementary and secondary schools have to be certified. Prospective teachers complete a teacher education program in Ontario and then apply to be certified by the Ontario College of Teachers. Many teachers are committed to lifelong professional development. It’s a philosophy the college and professional body subscribe to. Each year, thousands of Ontario teachers engage in a wide range of learning activities that help members expand their knowledge, increase their skills and prepare for career changes. The Ontario College of Teachers recognizes exemplary teachers in their magazine, Professionally Speaking. – check out their stories here: http://professionallyspeaking.oct.ca/exemplary.aspx Teachers have a strong commitment to ethical standards laid out by the Ontario College of Teachers. They practice care, trust, respect and integrity. The college also has a disciplinary hearing process to vet complaints. They are mandated to hear complaints if they occur. There are 239,000 members and roughly 90 complaints a year are heard. You can read more about that process here: (http://www.oct.ca/public/complaints-and-discipline) Teachers are important partners in helping educate your child. There are a lot of resources available to help you maintain a better understanding of, and communication with your child’s school and the teacher. Pin this post so you have it if ever an issue or concern arises.

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Does Your Child’s Teacher Make the Grade?

Paula — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 20:40:00 +0000

I am the daughter of a teacher. My memories of marking papers and playing games at the back of my mother’s grade two classroom are strong. Many August days at end of the summer, I worked with my Mom, steadying the ladder as she lovingly decorated her classroom. Teaching is a calling I respect. A teacher’s job can be hard, rewarding and trying all at once. This post was sponsored by the Ontario College of Teachers. I was compensated as a result. My opinion is my own. However, as the parent of two girls in the school system and I am very often frustrated with education. Funding decisions, allocation of resources, and even teachers in my kid’s lives sometimes don’t meet my expectations. Over the years I have had legitimate occasions to disagree with my daughter’s teachers, question IEPs and challenge some decisions. As a parent, I have felt, at times discounted, ignored, annoyed, frustrated and angry. Occasionally I have felt valued as a team member, but not nearly as often as I would like. From the time my kids were in senior kindergarten I took a strong interest in school events. For many years I sat on the Parent Teacher Association at my children’s school. I also volunteered at the school board and sat on the SEAC – special education advisory committee. When work here at my business, Thrifty Mom Media, became all encompassing I recently stopped volunteering. One year, the Parent Teacher Association at my daughter’s school nominated one of our strongest teachers for a Premier’s Award. The annual awards recognize Ontario teachers who go above and beyond. When I was writing the recommendation, I interviewed the principal of the school and the other teachers, but I needed more information on this particular teacher’s education and history. That was when I found this: http://www.oct.ca/Home/FindATeacher/ The Ontario College of Teachers web site is a great resource for the public. OCT web site has a public registry anyone can use to check teaching qualifications and history with the college. Plug in the teacher’s name and see when and where they went to school and any special qualifications they have to teach. Check the professional standards and aspirations of teachers here: http://www.oct.ca/public/professional-standards Did you know that the Ontario Teacher’s College also has a mandate to investigate any complaints against members? http://www.oct.ca/public/complaints-and-discipline/submit-a-complaint One year, I checked out a teacher rumored to have a criminal complaint against him. That summer I heard he was scheduled to teach my daughter’s grade and I wanted to know the truth about any allegations. In fact the record did show some sort of disciplinary action had occurred. It didn’t state specifics, but it helped me to advocate for my child. I didn’t want her in that class and I didn’t want to take a chance on a year of her education being jeopardized. This situation concerned me even though I have faith in most Ontario teachers. Sign Up For The Newsletter The Ontario College of Teachers has several free educational tools and initiatives many parents don’t know about. Find out more about how qualified Ontario teachers are to serve our children’s needs and shape their education. https://www.oct.ca/public/public-awareness-initiative/ There is also a quarterly newsletter you can subscribe to. It’s called TheStandard and it’s free. Many resources exist for parents, and they help grow my confidence when I send my child off to school each day. You might not be able to control everything about the learning environment and the socialization that takes place at school, but you can take an active approach to staying involved. The OCT web site helps you to know how qualified your child’s teachers are. That’s valuable to me, as a parent and a taxpayer. Follow Ontario Teachers on Social Media The Ontario College of Teachers licenses, governs and regulates Ontario teachers. You can follow them on twitter and Facebook and https://www.facebook.com/OntarioTeachers/

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