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Author: Marianne Stephens

  • When Silence Can Be Golden in Social Situations

    When Silence Can Be Golden in Social Situations

    Silence is definitely golden when it comes to social situations, especially when you don’t know exactly what is going on. There are many different reasons why this awkward situation may come up, such as gossiping about other friends or co-workers, but it all comes back to one key word: miscommunication.

    Essentially, miscommunication is the bane of social situations. This can happen in many ways.  I’ll give an example to help demonstrate why silence can be golden: gossip and a lack of knowledge.

    High school life is an excellent example of gossip. You can very easily hear two, three, sixteen different versions of the same event, all told by different people. This happens in real-life police investigations as well, as you have to figure out who is telling the truth and who is not. For example, a classmate of yours has been bullied for months now. Now, rumours are flying over the details of the bullying, why the bully did it, and what the bully is going to get (suspension, expulsion, etc.) Now, this is a completely fake scenario I am talking about, but cases like these exist. If I was a neutral person, with no emotions attached to these people, I would keep silent.

    Here’s why: I don’t want to add to the gossip mill over what actually happened so the people can keep investigating over what happened and what didn’t happen. For example, what if the bullying didn’t last as long as the gossip said it did? What if the bullying was not as “tame” as the gossip said, but much worse? What if the person who was hurt was actually the bully, and turning the tables to the people investigating the incident? (There are several mystery books that take this on as a theme: playing ‘victim’.)  That doesn’t happen all the time.

    This is why silence is golden: further gossip creates more miscommunication, hurting the people involved even more. Especially if the person who was hurt gets hurt more because there’s this fog of rumours that make other outsiders doubt the truth. And this doesn’t help anyone involved.

    Another type is not bully-related. Instead, it’s a social situation and you’re at a complete loss to what your friends are discussing. This is where the silence-is-golden rule comes into play. You would like to be involved; I understand that, but what if you are talking about something else and not what they are talking about? What if you accidentally insult someone? What if your political views don’t match up with the group? There are many different questions to ask here, so silence can be golden until you know for sure: it’s safe to talk without causing an incident, someone gives you an opening to ask questions, or you finally understand what people are talking about. For me, personally, I like to wait for an opening to ask a broad question that helps get me a brief summary of the topic, so if I don’t understand what they are talking about, I can look it up at another time.

    These two examples are ideas I had for how to demonstrate the silence-is-golden rule. Another minor example would be if you talk a lot and how to allow people to bring up their ideas, which is always welcome for group projects. By listening to the social situations, you can help those who are involved avoid miscommunication and to help to get their point across as honestly and clearly as possible.

  • Put that Pen and Paper to Work: Tips for Improving Your Writing

    Put that Pen and Paper to Work: Tips for Improving Your Writing

    Author extraordinaire J.K. Rowling completed the beloved “Harry Potter” series when she was 42 years old, proving that it’s never too late to go after your dreams. On the other end of the spectrum, Mary Shelley, released her most famous work, “Frankenstein,” by her 20th birthday, proving that it’s never too early to get a head start on a masterpiece.

    Whether you’re thinking of getting into writing as a career or a hobby, improving your writing is a vital skill as it teaches you to express yourself and maintain a clear line of communication with others, something that’s useful no matter which educational or career path you take. To kick you off to a good start, here are tips to keep in mind to enhance your writing abilities:

    Learn the basics.

    Refreshing yourself on basic grammar and spelling rules is a good first step. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to be a grammar stickler through and through, but being aware of basic guidelines can lead you to the right track. You’ll find great sources online like Grammar Girl and Purdue Online Writing Lab to provide you with the grammar and spelling rubrics. If you prefer books, “The Elements of Style” by Strunk and White is something you can’t go wrong with as well.

    Practice, practice, practice!

    Some people have the misconception that since writing isn’t a physical skill, it doesn’t require practice—that it comes naturally. While it will be an awesome thing to wake up one morning and realize that you’re blessed with superb writing skills, it isn’t realistic. As with physical skills like ice skating or swimming, devoting time and effort and instilling self-discipline to write on a daily basis can greatly help take your writing skills up a notch.

    Join a writing group.

    No man is an island, and that goes for writing too. It’s always to your advantage if you’re able to share your work with like-minded individuals. Find out if your school offers writing groups. If not, designate a schoolmate or classmate to be your writing partner. This way, you can get feedback for your work, and even edits.

    Read, read, read.

    The most respected filmmakers of today like Quentin Tarantino and Guillermo del Toro grew up devouring films. It only follows that if you would like to get more actively involved in writing, you would have to devour books as much as you can. You’d have to expose yourself to the works of other writers and derive motivation from them. Best-selling author Emma Donoghue, who’s famous for her work “Room,” shared that she looked into fellow author’s Cormac McCarthy’s work “The Road” to draw inspiration.

    Get inspiration.

    Writers all have their own quirks. If being an ardent book lover is not your cup of tea, you probably just require a different method to inspire your creativity. Colson Whitehead, author of The Underground Railroad, for example, turns to movies to rouse him into writing. On the other hand, Melanie Banjamin, author of “Alice I Have Been,” revealed that art exhibits are her catalysts for writing.

    Now that you’ve gone through these tips, are you ready to put the pen and paper to work? Time to get going!

    SOURCES:

    https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2014/08/07/improve-writing-skills

    http://mentalfloss.com/article/12334/23-writers-who-were-famous-age-23

    10 Good Grammar Resources

     

    How 50 Famous Authors Find Writing Inspiration

  • How You Can Grow Your Career as a Agricultural Sciences Teacher

    How You Can Grow Your Career as a Agricultural Sciences Teacher

    When you go to the grocery store, it is easy to take the wide selection of fruits and vegetables for granted. Getting this wide selection into your local store requires a lot of work from the agricultural production industry, a load of expertise from scientists that know the soil like the back of their hand and a solid understanding of trade regulations. Agriculture plays a huge role in our economy and it will always be an essential industry to not only sustain the nation, but to provide products to export. Despite the importance and job availability, the Calgary Herald reported a significant labour shortage in the farming industry, presenting a problem in sales shortages and reliance on foreign labour. This essential industry requires more expertise and labour power. Above all, it needs experts to educate the future workforce to keep this industry going strong. This is where the agricultural science teacher comes in.

    Agricultural science teachers are professors that teach in postsecondary educational institutions and cover subjects related to agriculture. A few of their responsibilities include: instructing a classroom full of students on courses related to agriculture and writing scholarly articles on the field to provide additional research to the field with your own findings.

    What are the perks of the job?

    Professors can generally enjoy flexible hours and a fulfilling engagement with the future workforce. If you are particularly passionate about the agricultural sciences, the perks of this career choice are many. However, it doesn’t hurt that professors can generally receive an average salary of $89,895 (which is well over the Canadian national average salary of $51,000, according to Workopolis). It is also a career with a higher demand than most careers since there is a shortage of labour and expertise in the industry.

    What are some of the setbacks?

    The most notable setbacks associated with this career path can be the educational requirements which may present a barrier to some. Professors generally require a Master’s degree on top of a Bachelor’s degree and a standard high school education. The workload can also be excessive as professors have to grade many papers, set up tests and prepare courses.

    How can I grow with this career?

    Like with many professor careers, agricultural science teachers can grow to become the heads of their department as well as grow into a well-respected lecturer within the community. Professors can also become non-fiction writers that specialize in the field of their expertise. There are a few ways to grow within the role and expand it as well.

    That’s all great, but could I be hired for other careers?

    Of course! Having an expertise in agricultural sciences can land you a decent career within the agricultural field, including work as a farm manager, a researcher or research assistant for agriculture, a soil scientist or practice other forms of geology with additional training, plant breeder or geneticist, etc. There are many options to choose from, as long as they hold some form of knowledge surrounding the growth of crops and science of agriculture.

    Reference:

    Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Employment Statistics: Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary”: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2017/may/oes251041.htm

    MyPlan.com, “Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary”: https://www.myplan.com/careers/agricultural-sciences-teachers-postsecondary/summary-25-1041.00.html

    PayScale.com, “Average Professor, Postsecondary / Higher Education Salary”:

    https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Professor%2C_Postsecondary_%2F_Higher_Education/Salary

  • A Closer Look at a Career as an Education Administrator

    A Closer Look at a Career as an Education Administrator

    When it comes to setting goals for an educational institution, very few people know that it’s an education administrator who is the master planner behind the measures and efforts to ensure the school reaches the targets it has set for itself. While not as in direct interaction with the students on a daily basis–unlike teachers–education administrators are equally important in paving the path for the students’ academic future.

    If this career is something that rouses your interest, continue reading below as we delve deeper into this profession that’s extremely important in building a well-integrated and efficient community.

    Education Administrator – What You Need to Know

    Education administrators are more commonly known as the school’s principal and vice principal for public schools or head master or head mistresses for private schools. They work onsite in the school, typically working long hours than normal during the entire term. However, like with teachers, they do get much-needed respite from work during school breaks, including the summer break.

    Education administrators’ main tasks is to oversee the teaching staff and ensure they hand over their lesson plans and syllabi for the academic year, which they would have to approve. It’s the education administrator who is responsible for administering a student code of conduct, often working with with students and parents directly to address disciplinary violations or other issues. Education administrators are also accountable for the safety and security of the student body not just within the campus grounds, but also during school-sponsored events and field trips.

    Apart from ensuring the school is in line with academic objectives, education administrators are also in charge of keeping to district enrollment standards and ensuring that operational expenses are in line with annual budgets. At times, they are also required to contribute to the hiring process should additional staff be required and make hiring recommendations. Should the school find itself short-staffed, education administrators must see to it that a handful of supply teachers is in place. Additional tasks also include providing mentorship to teachers, as well as teachers.

    Salary

    According to PayScale.com, education administrators can earn a salary within the range of $36,065 – $105,684 a year with potential for bonus.

    Skills

    Since an education administrator is essentially the manager of the school, they should possess excellent management and leadership abilities. As they interact with students, teachers, parents, and school staff and collaborate with them to achieve common objectives, an education administrator will require impeccable communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well in a team and the skill to motivate others and build learning communities. Education administrators must be able to lead, support, and motivate teachers and other staff and faculty members and build solid relationships with students, parents, and fellow educators.

    Challenges are also common in educational institutions and therefore education administrators must also be a strategic problem-solver and systems thinker to resolve complex problems and handle stress effectively.

    A master’s degree in education administration or education leadership is often mandatory for anyone aspiring to be an education administrator so they can acquire the knowledge of best practices in instructional strategies, assessment and evaluation and the enhancement of student achievement in the school they will be assigned to. It’s also necessary for education administrators to have proper licensing for the area in which they work. At times, however, each educational institution has specific requirements as determined upon consultations with the school division or employment authority.

    Pros and Cons

    Working as an education administrator can be taxing as he or she bears the burden of leading the school and achieve the goals in line with the educational institution’s mission and vision. A lot of patience and diplomacy is also required to be able to resolve issues with students facing disciplinary actions and handle complaints from parents regarding any decision that affects the students. At times, problems can stem for the sudden change of tasks on a daily basis. According to a CBC article, some principals and vice principals in Ontario are so swamped with work that they also have to deal not just with the academic curriculum but also property maintenance and such.

    However, the profession is rewarding as education administrators play an integral role in a student’s success as a valuable community member in the future. To have an opportunity to make a positive difference in an individual’s life is something that not everyone has, and this is certainly something education administrators don’t take for granted.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-principals-overloaded-with-administration-have-less-time-for-education-report-1.4848681

    https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Education_Administrator%2c_Elementary_and_Secondary_School/Salary

    https://www.academicinvest.com/business-careers/business-administration-careers/how-to-become-a-school-administrator

    https://www.canadianbusiness.com/lists-and-rankings/best-jobs/2016-top-8-education-jobs/

  • A Closer Look at a Career as a Special Events Coordinator

    A Closer Look at a Career as a Special Events Coordinator

    If you like attending events with your family or friends within your city or province, whether it’s the launch of the latest iPhone model or a fundraising concert that raises money for cancer research and awareness, did you ever wonder how it all comes together? However, it’s common that when you pop into an event, say an album launch of your favourite artist, you pay little attention to the big picture. After all, you’re there to enjoy what you came for, and hopefully meet like-minded individuals who share similar interests with you.

    However, there’s painstaking work behind every special event, and an important individual who makes sure everything is in place before, during, and after the event is the special events coordinator. Read on to understand more about this exciting profession, and if this is something you can consider if you’re looking into a career that offers excitement and spontaneity.

    Special Events Coordinator – What You Need to Know

    Special event coordinators are mainly responsible for overseeing the full life cycle of special events from its inception to implementation. The special events can range from private events like conferences for CEOs of large-scale companies or birthday parties for a prominent member of a community or a high-ranking official. It can also be a public event like a trade show or a charity event.

    Special event coordinators play a key role in planning the event, but often in collaboration with their own company, a particular client, and their team. They make major decisions from the event’s concept or theme up to the clean-up committee or media coverage following the event. In addition, they hold the responsibility of finding entertainment, catering, and venues, ensuring that every item is in line with the company’s timelines and budget. Special event coordinators also take on other tasks including sampling food, deciding on the decorations and floral arrangements, and finalizing the guest list and seating arrangements. For high-profile company events such as a fundraising event with special dignitaries as guests, special events coordinators also take charge of promotional and marketing duties to ensure it gains media and public attention.

    Salary

    According to PayScale.com, special events coordinator can earn up to an average of C$42,765 a year, with bonus and profit sharing earning potential.

    Skills

    As the main tasks of special events coordinator revolve around planning and organizing, it’s required to have strengths in time management and organization. In addition, since they often work with a team or have staff members working for them, it’s also a must for a special event coordinator to have excellent leadership abilities and collaborative skills. They also need to be outstanding in analytical and critical thinking as they must always ensure they keep to an established schedule and budget. As the profession is often under time constraints, special events coordinator must be able to handle pressure well and be someone who’s quick on their feet for resolving conflicts.

    To kick off a career as a special events coordinator, an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in any related field such as Business Administration or Public Relations is required, plus experience in customer service and/or public relations with at least one year at a supervisor level can be a huge advantage.

    Pros and Cons

    Working as a special events coordinator can be an exciting one. It’s definitely spontaneous and not monotonous as with other professions as you have the authority to handle a special event in any way you want, which means you can make it different every time.

    Due to budget or time constraints, however, being in charge of special events can mean a lot of pressure and stress. You also have to have the stamina to keep up with the tasks and sometimes you may be required to work beyond office hours or even weekends just to meet requirements for a special event.

    However, what will keep you going is the excitement that each event has to offer.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.mediabistro.com/climb-the-ladder/skills-expertise/what-does-an-event-coordinator-do/

     

    https://www.bizcommunity.com/Job/196/40/358799.html

    https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Special_Events_Coordinator/Salary

  • Financial Aid Available for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities in New Brunswick

    Financial Aid Available for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities in New Brunswick

    Moving west to east, we have now arrived at New Brunswick: this province will be the focus of this article, the next in this series of articles exploring each Canadian province and territory’s approach to financial assistance for post-secondary students with disabilities. Although there are similarities, there are enough differences in eligibility, application requirements, and the amount of funding available that each place warrants their own article.

    In the Government of New Brunswick’s Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, it is the Student Financial Services that is responsible for processing and administering financial aid. Funding comes from both the Government of New Brunswick and the Government of Canada. This is significant for two reasons.

    One, anyone applying for aid in the form of loans, grants, and bursaries need only submit one application in order to be considered for funding from both levels of government. Make note that it is the province’s Student Financial Services that will handle all applications.

    Two, all students with disabilities in this province may apply for the following two federal grants:

    1. The Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities

    The Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities provides a maximum of $2000 per academic year. It is geared towards covering costs like tuition, education materials, and living expenses.

    This is a federal grant so you would think that the eligibility requirements are the same across Canada but because it is New Brunswick that is administering the grant, the eligibility requirements are comparatively more extensive than other provinces’. For example, there is still the shared requirements of having financial need; enrollment in either part-time or full-time studies; and documentation of permanent disability. The New Brunswick Student Financial Services also stipulates applicants must achieve satisfactory academic performance; must not be in default of any previous student loans; must not be studying beyond the program’s length; and must not be beyond their lifetime assistance limit. This limit is the maximum total number of weeks a student may receive financial assistance and for students with permanent disabilities, the limit is 520 weeks.

    1. The Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities for Services and Equipment

    This grant is geared towards ensuring students with permanent disabilities have equitable access to higher education and the attendant benefits. The maximum annual coverage is $8000 and this is meant to pay for necessary education-related costs like educational attendant care fees, specialized transportation to and from campus, and educational materials in alternative formats.

    Students applying for the Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities apply via the online application; they must indicate that their status and provide medical documentation. However, if applying for the Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities for Services and Equipment, a separate application is required. All sections of this application must be completed by the student, with the exception of one specific section that must be completed by an official at the student’s educational institution. Part of the application must indicate what services and equipment the funding is going to cover, and once the funding is provided, all receipts must be saved in order to demonstrate the funds were appropriately utilized. Any amounts remaining must be returned to Student Financial Services.

    Post-secondary students in New Brunswick have access to both provincial and federal funding. For students with disabilities, there are two federal grants specifically geared towards their needs. Because it is the provincial government that administers the funding, make sure you check and double-check all requirements—eligibility, documentation, deadline—before hitting submit.

    References:

    1. https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_renderer.201390.Canada_Student_Grant_for_Students_with_Permanent_Disabilities.html#serviceDescription
    2. https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/petl-epft/PDF/SFS/csg-pd-e.pdf
    3. https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/petl-epft/PDF/SFS/Guide-e.pdf
  • Financial Aid Available for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador

    Financial Aid Available for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador

    This is the ninth article in a series of articles focusing on the financial assistance available for Canadian post-secondary students with disabilities. Each province and territory gets their own specific article in order to properly cover differences in eligibility, application process, and the amount of funding available. In this article, it is Newfoundland and Labrador’s turn to get the spotlight!

    First, let’s begin with some background information. The Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour is the overarching entity that administers among other programs, the Student Financial Services Division. This is the financial aid program for students in Newfoundland and Labrador. The funding provided comes from both the federal and provincial governments—the advantage of this arrangement is that you submit one application and you will be considered for loans and grants from two funding sources.

    This is not exactly the case for students with disabilities. You will still need to complete and submit the same application that everyone else has to, but if you are interested in the following three grants, additional documentation and applications are required. See below for specific information:

    1. The Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities

    The maximum funding offered by this grant is $2000 per academic year (defined as August 1st to July 31st). Eligible applicants must have a permanent functional limitation and must have been assessed to need at least $1 in order to attend their program. Applicants may be either undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in either full-time or part-time studies, and the grant may be awarded for every single year of study. The grant may be put towards tuition, textbooks, and living costs.

    This grant does not require a separate application: in the application for student financial assistance submitted to the Student Financial Services Division, you must indicate that you are a student with a permanent disability. There is however a requirement to submit a completed Verification of Eligibility Form for Students with Permanent Disability. Once this verification form has been reviewed and approved, you will never need to submit it again for each subsequent academic year and each year’s financial aid application.

    1. The Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities

    The maximum funding offered by this grant is $8000 per academic year. If you are eligible for the Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities, you are eligible for the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities. This grant is meant to cover costs incurred in the course of pursuing post-secondary education with a permanent disability. It is advised that before you submit the separate application required, speak to the disability counsellor or coordinator at your school to determine what resources and supports are already freely available there.

    This grant requires a separate application (called the Application for Grants for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities), and please note that this application must be submitted every single year you wish to apply for this grant. The application will require you to clearly indicate the cost of the required services and equipment. In addition, relevant receipts must be provided to the Student Financial Assistance Division or possibility for future funding may be jeopardized.

    1. The Grant for High Need Students with Permanent Disabilities

    With this grant, the Newfoundland and Labrador government is acknowledging that students with disabilities may have additional costs that more than what the first two grants will be able to cover. If your applications indicate that your expense estimates will exceed the maximum amounts the grants will provide, your application will automatically be assessed for the Grant for High Need Students with Permanent Disabilities. You must have been approved for funding from the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities. No maximum funding amount is given.

    Post-secondary students with disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador have three grants available for them. Make note of which require additional documentation and applications. The Student Financial Services Division has set up two separate email addresses depending on what you need. If you have a question, direct it to studentaidenquiry@gov.nl.ca. If you have documents to submit, use studentaidmailbox@gov.nl.ca. Check before you hit send!

    References:

    1. https://www.aesl.gov.nl.ca/studentaid/disabilities/index.html
    2. https://www.aesl.gov.nl.ca/studentaid/apply/2018_2019/pd_overview.pdf
    3. https://www.aesl.gov.nl.ca/studentaid/faq/index.html
    4. https://www.aesl.gov.nl.ca/studentaid/changes/index.html

  • Jobs for People with Great Interpersonal Skills

    Interpersonal skills are a common skill that means your strengths lie with understanding people and being able to work with them as leaders or team members, service providers or customers.  This includes skills such as being a good listener, having strong communication skills both speaking and writing, being responsible and dependable in your work, and having patience.  Emotional skills such as empathy and sympathy can also be considered interpersonal skills, as they help you relate to other people.

    There are many jobs and careers that are a great fit for people with strong interpersonal skills, so if you like working with people there is sure to be a job that is perfect for you.  Below are a three examples, though there are many others!

    Teachers

    Whether you want to teach young kids or adults, teachers need to have strong interpersonal skills. You need to be able to explain concepts in a way your students can understand, as well as be able to understand how other people think and feel so that you can teach them effectively. You will also need to work collaboratively with other teachers, and be able to interact with people at all levels, from your students to parents or family members, to school administrators or school board representatives.

    Marketing and Public Relations

    Careers in marketing or public relations rely heavily on your ability to understand, interact with, and react to the actions of other people.  Marketers need to understand what people want, and determine the best way to sell and provide a product or service.  This requires being a good listener and strong communicator, as you will have to speak with customers, supervisors, designers, and salespeople in order to determine what they need.  This can involve things like interviewing individuals, leading focus groups, and engaging in research projects.

    Public relations is similar in that you need to understand how people think in order to present information to them in a way that they will understand and relate to. Empathy and sympathy skills are essential, as you need to know how other people will feel about a story or piece of information, and then be able to present that information in the right light.  This can involve giving presentations to small and large groups, providing written memos to internal executives or to external media, and a host of other information-sharing tasks.

    Healthcare Aides (Nurses and Personal Support)

    Nurses and Personal Care workers are the front lines of our healthcare system, and as such are the ones who deal most often and most directly with individual people.  Whether you work in a hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, or a worker who visits patients in their own home, you will be closely involved with people from all walks of life.  Nurses and other care workers need to be strong communicators, strong listeners, and have a great deal of empathy so that they can understand and respond to their patient’s feelings and attitudes in order to provide emotional comfort and physical care.

    Sources:

    https://www.oxbridgeacademy.edu.za/blog/careers-for-people-with-good-communication-skills/

    https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/interpersonal-skills

    https://www.thebalancecareers.com/interpersonal-skills-list-2063724

    https://study.com/articles/jobs_for_people_with_good_interpersonal_skills.html

  • Moulding Miniature Minds: A Kindergarten Teacher Career Profile

    Moulding Miniature Minds: A Kindergarten Teacher Career Profile

    Learning is both a lifelong journey and challenge. We open up many opportunities when we gain new skills and knowledge, but it can be difficult to find the best ways to learn. Teachers play the important role of helping students on that path. In this job, you can work with everyone from toddlers, to adults, to the elderly. Teachers are especially important for kindergarteners, who are at an age where they are gaining fundamental skills and beginning a lifelong adventure. The career of a kindergarten teacher comes with great pressure and challenges, but is also very engaging and rewarding.

    Kindergarten teachers are responsible for classrooms of children four to six years of age. These instructors are helping students prepare for elementary school and beyond. At this age, kids are learning basic skills and knowledge, as well as important social lessons related to sharing, working together, and how to behave. Teachers at this level have to handle the stress of working with a group of children who are at a very critical stage of learning and will not always be at their best behaviour. The job requires you to be focused and to have the energy to teach and engage with young minds. It also involves many fun classroom activities and gives you the pride in getting to shape those growing minds.

    In Canada, kindergarten teachers make around $44,100 per year. This can range from about $29,500 to over $85,000, depending on experience and location. Median hourly wages range from $34.19 in Manitoba and $50.68 in the Northwest Territories. The median wage for all of Canada is $36.95. Being an experienced teacher can increase your salary by 38% over the average.

    Finding a job as a kindergarten teacher should not be overly difficult between now and 2026. There will be about 98,900 positions for kindergarten and elementary school teachers, and 101,800 people looking for those jobs. A lot of job opportunities will happen as older teachers retire, and because there will be an increase in the number of students entering kindergarten. Most people who immigrate to Canada from other countries are unlikely to work as kindergarten teachers, as the career requires certification from the province you live in.

    You have to complete a bachelor’s in education in order to become a teacher. Each province has an organization that gives people certificates that allow them to teach. You have to complete the required education in order to become a member of that organization. After some years of experience, kindergarten teachers can try to find higher-paying jobs in different locations. It is also possible to advance into administrative roles, such as principal.

    We are all learning every single day. This allows us to grow as people and live better lives. Kindergarten teachers are extremely important for young children who are starting that journey. The things kids learn in kindergarten impact how they grow and develop, and play a big part in the adult they will become. Think back to your own memories of kindergarten, even if they are fuzzy. Remember how exciting and scary the world was, and how good it felt to learn more about it. This is why kindergarten teachers are so important, and why the role makes a wonderful career choice.

    Sources:

    Job Bank. “Kindergarten Teacher in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/2205/ca

    PayScale. “Average Kindergarten Teacher (but not Special Education) Salary.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Kindergarten_Teacher_(but_not_Special_Education)/Salary

  • Finding Variety and Balance in the Gig Economy

    Finding Variety and Balance in the Gig Economy

    The world of work is changing. Modern technology has allowed for far greater accessibility and the ability to work remotely. Our rapidly changing civilization also has less job security; the days of employees remaining at the same company for years are rapidly fading away. Despite the negatives, this is an opportunity to explore different jobs in a way that allows greater opportunities and flexibility compared to previous generations.

    During the last 40 years in Canada, the population of workers with more than one job has doubled. This number is only expected to increase. This non-traditional way of working is a scary unknown, with weird hours, vast uncertainty, and fluctuating income. Conversely, this is a great opportunity to customize your work hours to suit your schedule and needs. If you have trouble getting up in the morning, find work that starts later in the day. If you live with depression or anxiety, find the number of shifts and times of day that allow you to work without being overwhelmed.

    The gig economy is a great way to experience a variety of jobs. It has never been easier to juggle multiple titles. This is especially useful for discovering what kind of career path you want to pursue full-time. You can experiment with any job that looks intriguing on a part-time basis. There is less pressure to keep that job when you know that you have one or two others that you could supplement with more hours. This is also a great way to find jobs that match your physical or emotional needs. Multiple gigs allow you to discover the accessibility options that enable you to complete different tasks, as well as the environments and roles that best suit who you are.

    It is important to go about doing this properly. Many people with a variety of jobs often feel stretched thin, stressed out, and uncertain about their goals. Ideally, you want to have a longer-term goal in mind while pursuing multiple positions – whether it is a specific career, or working towards a work-life balance and environment that suits who you are as a person and your accessibility needs. Make sure your different jobs complement each other. They should not conflict in scheduling, and each one should offer you something different to form a cohesive whole. One high-paying gig might have flexible hours and help pay off debt, while another allows you to have a unique work experience, and yet another connects you with the right people for your long-term goals.

    Outside of work, make sure to maintain a healthy life balance. Take advantage of your unconventional work hours to make plans during the daytime and pursue other interests and hobbies. Make sure to be saving money into a Tax-Free Savings Account or Registered Retirement Savings Plan, and to deduct expenses for income made from freelancing when it comes time for taxes. Organize your time with a digital calendar with different colours for work, social plans, and time for yourself.

    It is important to remember that a healthy life balance means not being consumed by work. The nature of work is destined to continue evolving. As machines take away more and more jobs, there is a greater likelihood that future generations will have more leisure time and the freedom to pursue their passions and interests. Take advantage of the present nature of work to explore your interests, needs, and what you want out of life. It is an exciting and terrifying adventure, and a unique journey for every one of us.

    Sources:

    Augustine, Avery. “How to Balance Multiple Jobs (Without Losing Your Mind).” The Muse. https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-balance-multiple-jobs-without-losing-your-mind

    Dolan, Ed. “More People Working Multiple Jobs – A Good Sign or a Bad One?”

    Medium. https://medium.com/@dolanecon/more-people-working-multiple-jobs-a-good-sign-or-a-bad-one-d73494003a65

    Leong, Melissa. “Rise of the moonlighters: Why more Canadians are taking on side jobs and how to make it work for you.” Financial Post. https://business.financialpost.com/personal-finance/young-money/rise-of-the-moonlighters-why-more-canadians-are-taking-on-side-jobs-and-how-to-make-it-work-for-you