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  • The Pros and Cons of Hybrid Learning (French version available)

    The Pros and Cons of Hybrid Learning (French version available)

    By Avreet Jagdev

    COVID changed the world in more ways than we can count – from the way that we shop, to the way we work and go to school. When the pandemic first hit, educational institutions switched primarily to online learning. As people became more accustomed to a world with COVID in it, things slowly began to switch back to in-person.

    Even now, years after the outbreak, many schools and post-secondary institutions are hybrid instead of fully in-person. This means that learning is partly online and partly in-person. Many students have gotten accustomed to learning in this way, but what are the pros and cons of the hybrid learning model?

    Pros:

    1. Flexibility

    One of the biggest pros of hybrid learning is the flexibility that it offers. Many courses are delivered asynchronously, meaning you can work on coursework whenever it works best for you. If you are a morning person, you can wake up early to get things done. If you are most productive after a meal, you can schedule your school time accordingly.

    1. Accommodates various learning styles

    Hybrid learning gives students more of an opportunity to study using learning styles that work for them. For example, if you learn better by reading, you can turn on the captions or read the transcript of your lecture instead of simply watching it. Visual learners can take their time studying slides, and auditory learners have the freedom of rewinding, fast-forwarding, slowing down or speeding up their lectures.

    1. Work at your own pace

    A large advantage of hybrid learning is that it allows students to work at their own pace. You don’t have to rush writing your notes because you can pause when needed. If you want to spend more time doing a reading or a class activity, you’re not restricted to the one- or two-hour block that your in-person class would be. If you want to spread work out over several days instead of getting it done in a single day, you’re free to do so!

    1. Access to a larger community of students

    A great thing about hybrid learning is that you can do it from your own home! This means that students who live further away from their schools can still access their education without having to travel too far, as often. This makes the hybrid model more inclusive and accessible to a variety of students.

    Cons:

    1. Reduced face-to-face interactions

    One of the most obvious drawbacks of hybrid learning is that it lessens the frequency of face-to-face interactions with teachers and peers, which can be instrumental in a student’s learning.

    1. Requires strong organization and self-motivation

    With the additional flexibility hybrid learning brings, it also brings the need for organization, self-motivation, and time management. It is easier to let things pile up when you don’t need to physically be somewhere in the morning, or when you have the opportunity to do it at your own pace.

    1. Requires a good study space and technology

    Lastly, hybrid learning requires access to reliable technology as well as a space you can study in. For students from lower-income or larger families, this isn’t always possible. Some learners might have to share a device with a sibling or study in an area with the rest of their family, which can be less than optimal.

  • Trades You Didn’t Know Were Trades

    Trades You Didn’t Know Were Trades

    If you had to name a trade, you would likely think of something like an electrician or a plumber. These are some of the jobs that people traditionally associate with the idea of a trade. However, the trades include some jobs that you might never have thought were trades. Working in these unusual trades can be a very good choice for you.

    Once every month or two, or even more often, most people get their hair cut. They might also get it coloured, permed, straightened, or braided. Unless they have a family member who can do all of this, they likely go to a hairstylist or a barber. Hairstyling is a trade that involves a variety of haircare techniques to keep people’s hair neat and healthy. Some hairstylists might choose to specialize in one or two aspects of the work, such as putting a customer’s hair into tiny braids that can last weeks or longer. Others might decide to do whatever work comes their way.

    Hairstyling involves research and study to stay current. Popular hairstyles, as well as new ways of dealing with very dry or very straight hair, can be part of what people need to know. Even after qualifying as a hairstylist, people in this trade need to keep on learning more about their tasks. Hairstyling is a Red Seal trade, and so people who choose this job need to have a certain amount of knowledge before they start to work.

    Landscape gardening is another trade in the Red Seal program. People in this trade work in parks, golf courses, landscape companies, plant nurseries, and garden centres. They grow a variety of plants and help plan their best possible arrangement. They have to know where plants grow best and how to take care of them. If a customer wanted a bush for a yard that faces north, for example, landscape gardeners would need to know which plants can grow well with the amount of sunlight that they would receive.

    Knowing about climate, soil, and other aspects of growth is important for landscape gardeners. Although plants and soil are unlikely to change much over time, there may be new techniques for dealing with sandy soil or areas with a lot of clay. Consulting colleagues and reading the latest research can help landscape gardeners understand their trade better.

    A third unusual trade is working as a cook. People in this trade can work in restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, and many other places where people need a large amount of food. Cooks might specialize in gourmet cooking for expensive restaurants or even hot dog stands. They can work as caterers for events like weddings and conferences, or even occasionally work for a wealthy family.

    Many tasks might be part of the work of a cook. Supervising other staff, estimating costs, ordering supplies, and planning menus can all be part of the work that a cook does. Knowing how to handle food safely is important since people can become very sick from spoiled food.

    If you would like to work in a trade but the traditional ones are not what you want, one of these trades might be right for you. Why not check them out?

     

    Bibliography:

    Red Seal. “Cook.” https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/c.4.4k.shtml.

    Red Seal. “Hairstylist.” https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/h.1.3rstyl.3st.shtml.

    Red Seal. “Landscape Horticulturist.” https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/l.1ndsc.1p.2.shtml.

    Skills Competencies Canada. “Landscape Gardening.” https://www.skillscompetencescanada.com/en/skill_area/landscape-gardening/.

  • American Sign Language Interpreter

    American Sign Language Interpreter

    By Helena Wright

    American Sign Language (ASL) is known as a language that uses various hand gestures to symbolize words and meanings. Sign language interpreters essentially translate the gestures that individuals use into a vocal language, whether it be English, French or any other. Though sign language is a visual language and could be seen as “common sense,” the gestures used are much more complex and difficult. People who practice ASL also move much quicker, and those who are uneducated in the language would have trouble keeping up or even recognizing the words that they are saying. That is why we have interpreters, because, like any other language, there are barriers.

    ASL is usually used for individuals who are hard of hearing, deaf, or non-verbal. Those who go into this profession would need to be educated on deaf culture and studies. It is said that just over 350,000 Canadians would be linguistically or culturally deaf. Meaning that many people in Canada don’t speak either English or French, but still have to communicate with others who do not sign. Interpreters, like translators, have a whole spectrum of varying jobs they can do. All of which have different hours, job descriptions and salaries. Interpreters must also be good at communication, quick thinkers and have a deep understanding of both ASL and the other languages. An example of contrasting positions would be as a child’s aid worker helping integrate a kindergarten student into their class or in a courtroom, in translating a testimony. There are universities such as Carlton and provincial colleges that allow individuals to learn academically, earning credits and, in some cases, degrees.

    The average salary is $84,000 for an interpreter; with more experience and proficiency, the opportunity for growth and advancement arises. The field of interpretation usually, though not always, leads to different fields of social work. Social work is mentally and emotionally straining and requires some discretion and support. Physically, the movement of sign language can be very difficult for those who do not have optimal mobility in their hands and wrists. Overall, sign language interpreters are seen as those who allow and help those who are unable to communicate their thoughts into words.

     

  • Career Profile: Developmental Services Worker (French version available)

    Career Profile: Developmental Services Worker (French version available)

    What the Job Is 

    Everyone needs help at some point, including people with various kinds of developmental disabilities. They might have difficulty keeping up at work, school, or other aspects of life. The best people to help with these types of issues are developmental services workers. This field involves working with people who have differing levels of ability to try to help them achieve the best life possible. If you like to help people, this career might be a good choice for you.

    Physical, mental, or intellectual disabilities can make life difficult. These are very different types of disability, but they can all be part of a developmental services worker’s job. The worker might help someone with a physical disability buy groceries or find ways to open doors and climb stairs. They might assist someone with intellectual or mental disabilities to find work or a good place to live. Depending on what people need, many different tasks can be part of a development services worker’s job.

    Education and Skills Needed

    Learning to work in this field can give the necessary background for jobs as personal support workers, registered practical nurses, registered nurses, and personal care workers. Normally, people in this field have at least a high school education, and often a post-secondary degree or diploma from a college or university. In high school, courses in English are useful for reading complicated documents, and anything related to psychology or social studies can be helpful in learning about people.

    Because workers in this job often work with vulnerable people, being prepared for emergencies is important. Knowing CPR and First Aid is necessary for most jobs in this field. Being able to give medication or shots can be very useful. If someone has severe allergies, for example, being able to give an injection could save the person’s life. Besides having the technical knowledge to deal with these situations, people in this field need to be calm and to be able to deal with crises effectively.

    How to Develop Necessary Skills 

    One way to develop the right qualities for the job is to volunteer in a hospital, group home, or other setting where it is possible to learn while gaining practical experience. Schools might set up opportunities for high school students to go help, or they might have information on community organizations that make these kinds of connections. Going to volunteer alone can be overwhelming, but joining with a friend or two can make the volunteer work much easier.

    Work Environment and Salary 

    Working in development services can be stressful and sometimes physically demanding, but many people can spend their entire career in this work. Salaries start at about $48,000 per year and can rise to more than $52,000 per year. 

    Most jobs for development services workers are in health care or social assistance services, including individual and family services, nursing, and residential care facilities. Some people can also work in public administration, deciding on policies, budgets, and other matters that affect the care of people who need these services.   

    If you are a helpful person who likes to make people’s lives better, the job of a developmental services worker could be a good fit. Why not explore the idea further?

     

    Bibliography:

    Job Bank. “Development Services Worker in Ontario.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/5069/ON;jsessionid=8D50683C21C67D74E00A9A6B04B6070B.jobsearch76.

    Ontario Colleges. “Developmental Services Worker / Special Needs.” https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/education-community-and-social-services/developmental-services-worker-special-needs.

    Payscale Canada. “Average Developmental Service Worker Hourly Pay in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Developmental_Service_Worker/Hourly_Rate.

    Talent.com. “Developmental Service Worker average salary in Canada, 2022.” https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=developmental+service+worker.

  • Career Profile: Watch Repairer

    Career Profile: Watch Repairer

    When people want to know the time, they often just look at the watches on their wrists. With so many people wearing them, a career as a watch repairer could be a good choice for anyone with the ability to do detailed work.

    Watches might look simple from the outside, but they can be very complicated inside. Watch repairers need to know all about the batteries and mechanisms inside the watches so that they can find out what is wrong if, for example, the watch is running fast or slow. They also need to know how to clean watches, attach new bands to them, and do many other tasks to help watches work well. If they work alone or in small shops, they also need to deal with customers and keep track of payments, supplies, and other needs of the business.

    Repairing watches requires an ability to use a variety of tools, from tiny screwdrivers to large drill presses and other machines. People in this type of work might need a certain amount of strength to use the larger machines, but they also need steady hands and good vision to be able to work with very tiny objects. Cleaning watches is a large part of the job, and people need to be able to take watches apart and put them back together.

    In some shops, watch repair people also need to estimate costs of repairs and be able to communicate well with customers. They might work alone or with a group of people in the same shop. In larger businesses, they might have no contact with customers.

    Canada used to have many places where students could learn to repair watches. But many of them have closed. The Ecole Nationale d’Horlogerie in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, is a good option for students who are able to study in French. Granton Institute of Technology in Toronto still teaches watch repair in English. Online courses are useful, and learning on the job is another good way of becoming qualified. In some parts of Canada, certification is required to work in watch repair.

    You can already begin to prepare for this career in high school. Classes in mathematics or business management can help with running a store, and any courses that help with manual dexterity can help. For example, a class in electronics could teach you how to handle small tools and delicate mechanisms.

    Working hours can vary for people in this field. In most shops, people can expect to work during regular opening hours. Still, deadlines for finishing a repair might mean working late into the evening or beginning early in the morning.

    Salaries for people in this field can vary, depending on their level of experience and where they work. The job is very close to watchmaking, where people generally earn between $46,000 and $80,000 per year. Watch repairers can expect to earn somewhat less, but their salaries are often very good, as well. As with other jobs, experience helps to increase people’s ability to earn a good salary.

    Watches are always changing, and the people who repair them need to keep their knowledge current. The need for watch repair might eventually decrease, but it is still a good career to choose.

    Bibliography:

    Canadian Universities. “Clock Servicing and Watch Repair Ontario.” http://www.canadian-universities.net/Career-Colleges/Programs/Clock_Servicing_and_Watch_Repair-Ontario.html

    ICS Canada. “Online Jewelry Design and Repair School.” https://www.icslearn.ca/programs/creative-design/jewelry-design-and-repair.

    Muschi, Christine. “Time is Running Out for Canada’s Last Watchmaking School.” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/time-is-running-out-for-canadas-last-watchmaking-school/article4899835/.

    Payscale.com. “Watchmaker Salary.” https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Watchmaker/Salary

  • From Paper to Screen: A Beginners’ Guide to Virtual Drawing

    From Paper to Screen: A Beginners’ Guide to Virtual Drawing

    When you think of drawing, the first image that probably comes into your mind is a pen and paper. However, did you know that in the mid-1950s, there was a French electrician who serendipitously found an alternative to the good ol’ pen and paper to show of one’s talent for illustrations? One day, Andre Cassagnes was simply installing a light switch plate and peeled off its translucent decal, making pencil marks on it. He realized then that he could make a drawing toy.

    This invention would eventually be known as the Etch A Sketch, and with the help of business partner Paul Chaze and accountant Arthur Granjean, the man who filed and paid for the patents, Cassagnes’ drawing toy has sold 175 million units worldwide since it hit the market in 1960. Today, surprisingly, it remains a well-loved toy despite the popularity of video games, gaming consoles, and mobile game apps.

    Etch A Sketch has helped countless artists develop their drawing skills. There has been a slew of impressive artworks created through this modest playing device, from the Mona Lisa to Mount Rushmore. This proves that honing your sketching skills doesn’t necessarily have to involve a pen and paper. It can be done through an Etch A Sketch or, if you’re tech-savvy, a tablet. If you’re interested in virtual drawing, here’s a guide to get you started.

    Get the right tools.

    Just as carpenters need the right tools to build, artists need to be well-equipped to create. Virtual drawing tools abound – you can use different types of tablets, pencils, or styluses to sketch your masterpiece. Tablets can range from graphic tablets, display tablets, or all-in-one tablets. The costs for these devices can vary, and the all-in-one tablets carry the highest price tag out of the three types. However, as the name suggests, you can use this type of tablet more as it’s a hybrid of a tablet and a computer.

    Choose the right software.

    There’s a plethora of apps you can put to the test, like Adobe Photoshop Sketch, Adobe Illustrator Draw, Inspire Pro, Procreate, Pixelmator Pro, Inkist, Sketch Club, and plenty of others. Make sure to take the time to look into the costs involved for these applications as some are free, while others entail fees, usually in the form of a monthly subscription. In addition, there are apps that are compatible with specific operating systems. It’s truly up to you to decide which you’ll be most comfortable with.

    Learn with the professionals.

    What’s great about virtual drawing is that there are various opportunities to learn without having to step out of your home. There are paid classes where professionals can teach you about techniques, and there are free ones which can offer you the same thing. If you want a more methodical approach, an actual class requiring enrollment seems like the ideal choice, but if you’re looking to expand your knowledge without necessarily spending anything, virtual drawing tutorials are available on YouTube.

    Connect with fellow virtual drawers.

    Building a connection with people with similar interests can also help you enhance your sketching skills since you can exchange tips and suggestions. It’s also a great way to learn about different types of artists, and this can help you figure out your own style. Plus, you can arrange for meet-ups like museum trips, where you can get inspired and get your creative juices flowing.

    While pen to paper will never die, it’s great that artists now have an option to doodle with their tablets and make it easily accessible to others. So it’s time to start drawing!

     

    Sources

    Belliveau, David. “Digital Painting: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide.” Paintable. https://paintable.cc/digital-painting-the-ultimate-beginners-guide/

    Eisley, Will. “The Benefits of Digital Drawing.” TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2016/02/24/the-benefits-of-digital-drawing/#:~:text=The%20benefit%20of%20drawing%20with,from%20scratch%20on%20the%20desktop

    Fawcett, Kristin. “11 Well-Drawn Facts About The Etch A Sketch.” Mental Floss. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/71947/11-well-drawn-facts-about-etch-sketch

    Hilder, Rosie. “The best online art classes in 2022.” Creative Bloq. https://www.creativebloq.com/features/online-art-classes

    HuffPost. “15 Amazing Etch-A-Sketch Creations.” https://www.huffpost.com/entry/etch-a-sketch-anniversary_n_3581395

    Mudgal, Amrish. “45 Best Drawing Apps and Art Apps in 2022 (Free & Paid).” Pixpa. https://www.pixpa.com/blog/drawing-apps

    Ravenscraft, Eric. “Can the iPad Replace a Professional Drawing Tablet?” PCMag. https://www.pcmag.com/news/can-the-ipad-replace-a-professional-drawing-tablet

    Rosenfeld, Laura. “A Brief History Of The Etch A Sketch: Why We’re Still Fascinated By The Toy After 55 Years.” Tech Times. https://www.techtimes.com/articles/67257/20150710/etch-a-sketch-history.htm

  • The Inclusivity of Young People’s Theatre

    The Inclusivity of Young People’s Theatre

    The Young People’s Theatre in Toronto, Ontario, was formed in 1966 with the goal of bringing high-quality productions to the stage for children to enjoy. Since then, they have brought a variety of great stories to the stage. Theatre is a powerful form of art for all ages that incorporates storytelling, music, and dance in a live setting to provide an experience unlike anything that a screen can offer. But the nature of live performance can also exclude large groups of individuals. The storytelling is lost on blind children who cannot see the onstage action. The music is nonexistent to those who are deaf. The entire experience can be overwhelming to those on the autism spectrum. Young People’s Theatre is aware of this and has found an ingenious solution.

    The theatre has strived to offer presentations of their shows with these specific groups in mind. The intention is not to dilute the art, but rather to increase inclusivity. For the deaf or hard-of-hearing, Young People’s Theatre offers interpreted performances. The play is presented as it usually is, but with the addition of interpreters who “shadow” the actors by following them as they move about the stage. These interpreters use American Sign Language to translate what the character they follow is saying. In 2018, this was utilized to bring the Frances Hodgson Burnett novel The Secret Garden to life, as well as a translation of Selfie, which was originally in French.

    Bringing theatre to the blind or partially sighted is another challenge. On television, audio descriptions can help describe the action. Yet this would be a distraction for others in the audience in a theatre setting. Young People’s Theatre utilizes technology to circumvent this. These performances feature live audio description provided by professionals, but done through earpieces and small receivers for audience members who will benefit from it. The information shared includes set pieces, costumes, and physical action onstage. This was done for The Secret Garden in 2018.

    For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the loud noises and high energy of the theatre can negatively affect them and tarnish any of the positives that the art provides. Young People’s Theatre presents relaxed performances in which the plays themselves remain intact, but the performances are subdued with a more relaxed attitude. Noise and movement are reduced, and the lighting is adjusted so that the room is not as dark as usual. A relief area is provided for those who need a break during the play. In addition to The Secret Garden and Selfie, Young People’s Theatre presented six other plays this way in 2017 and 2018.

    The theatre continues to strive to be an inclusive environment for kids of all ages. Their production of One Thing Leads to Another had babies and their parents sit on the floor and were encouraged to play during the performance. The performers utilized colours, sounds, and movement catered to those babies, who became as much performers as the professionals. In another example, Arabic interpreters were used at performances welcoming children of Syrian refugee families. Amber Ebert, the School and Community Programs Manager, stated that they “are not just welcoming people in,” but also “making people feel welcome when they are here.”

    The Young People’s Theatre has been around for over 50 years, and is not going anywhere anytime soon. That means more and more plays are being presented in new ways to encourage inclusivity. Instead of looking at it as an obligation, the company employs creative techniques that enhance the plays and bring them to life with new and exciting methods. This taps into the universality of the art of theatre, which brings stories to audiences in ways that no television, laptop, or phone screen ever could.

    Sources:

    Fields, Sabrina, and Andrea Pothiboon. “Young People’s Theatre: Building community and learning through play.” Neighbourhood Arts Network. http://www.neighbourhoodartsnetwork.org/learning-room/learning/young-people-s-theatre-building-community-and-lear.

    Young People’s Theatre. https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/.

  • Why Should I Take French Classes?

    Why Should I Take French Classes?

    French might not be your favourite subject. I mean, it might be – and if it is, you should definitely take it. Keep learning and improving, discover new words, and build on what you already know. But it probably isn’t your favourite subject, or you wouldn’t be having a hard time deciding whether or not to take it!

    If you struggle with French, why should you continue to take it?

    It’s always better to start early. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve heard, as adults, say that they wish they’d paid more attention to French while they were in school. Some have tried to learn French later, but it’s always easier to build on what you’ve known for years than to start from scratch.

    Knowing French will help you to learn other languages. Even if you aren’t interested in knowing French, learning it anyway will make it much easier for you to learn languages in the same “family.” For example, you will have an easier time learning Italian, Spanish, or Romanian if you already know French.

    Your job choices will double – at least – if you speak French. No matter what you want to do when you’re older, you will have many more opportunities to do it if you speak French. Most jobs in Ontario actually require people to speak and understand both English and French.

    You’ll be able to watch and read some pretty cool stuff. If you like reading comic books, your library will double. You’ll be able to read things that French kids enjoy, like Astérix and Obélix. You can watch movies like Le Roi et L’Oiseau. That has the added bonus of being little brother or little sister-proof, so when you feel like a break, you can pop in a French DVD – they won’t understand! Voilà – instant alone time.

    Before you decide to stop taking French, think carefully about whether or not you might one day wish that you hadn’t. Make a pro/con list. Talk to your parents, or do some French research online. If you decide that you definitely don’t want to keep learning French, fine – but make sure that you don’t stop just because it’s difficult. It’s usually the harder things in life that end up being most worthwhile.

  • Artistic Director Career Profile

    Artistic Director Career Profile

    An event like a play or a ballet can seem very simple to the people in the audience, but a lot of work goes into putting everything together. Many people are part of the process, but one of the most important is the artistic director. People in this job work with playwrights, directors, managers, and others involved in a production to help make it all come together. If you enjoy the performing arts and are good at dealing with people, this job could be a good choice.

    Many artistic directors work with theatre companies, where the first task is to choose what to perform with the group. This aspect can be difficult since the artistic director needs to consider the abilities of the performers, the cost of setting up the stage, and much more. An artistic director might choose a play that has already been written or commission someone to write a new one, depending on the theatrical group and what kinds of plays are available. The selection of plays might follow a theme or be based on other criteria.

    Once the schedule is set, the artistic director begins to make arrangements for the season. This part involves hiring managers, set and costume designers, performers, and anyone else who is needed for the show. Dealing with the budget is also an important part of an artistic director’s job, and being able to speak with people at charities, government agencies, and other funding groups is important.

    As with many jobs, being able to read and write well is important for artistic directors. In high school, courses in English and mathematics are useful. Theatre courses are also good, and business courses could also be valuable. Over half of artistic directors have a bachelor’s degree and some have a master’s degree. However, in some cases, someone with high school or a GED can find work as an artistic director. Generally, salaries start at $40,000 and can rise to $109,000 per year.

    Working as an artistic director normally does not involve much physical strength, but it can require endurance to manage long days. Normally the work is indoors, although some people might work in outdoor theatres. Being able to work with people, including possibly spending long periods on the phone, is important.

    Artistic directors require patience, persistence, and the ability to make good choices. A bad choice of play or a wrong theatre could cost the group large amounts of money. Thus, artistic directors need to be sure to gather their information carefully and to find the best options for what they need. Much of this kind of information comes with experience, but even young artistic directors can find a good group of people to help them.

    Normally, an artistic director will personally direct at least one performance each year. This task involves knowing about acting, movement on the stage, special effects, costumes, and anything else that is part of the performance. The artistic director should have a wide range of knowledge about the theatre and different styles of acting. For some productions, the artistic director might need to know about music, dancing, sword fighting, or other special skills.

    Working as an artistic director can be a challenging job, but it can also be exciting for people who enjoy the performing arts. It could be the right job for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    American Association of Community Theatre. “Artistic Director.” https://aact.org/artistic-director.

    Glassdoor. “Artistic Director Salaries in Canada.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/artistic-director-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm.

    IESA: Arts & Education. “Artistic Director: Job Description.” https://www.iesa.edu/paris/news-events/artistic-director.

    Payscale Canada. “Average Artistic Director Salary in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Artistic_Director/Salary.

    Zippia. “How To Become an Artistic Director.” https://www.zippia.com/artistic-director-jobs/.

  • Career Profile: Hippotherapist

    Career Profile: Hippotherapist

    Horses can be fun to ride, but they are good for much more. Hippotherapists work with horses to help people with physical and mental needs to recover from illnesses and injuries or to overcome other issues in their lives. If you are comfortable around horses and enjoy working with people, this job might be right for you.

    For people who have trouble walking long distances, riding a horse can be a good chance to get out into nature and to enjoy the fresh air. People who have trouble using their hands can benefit from the work of putting the bridle, reins, and saddle on a horse or from brushing the horse down after a ride. Sometimes, children or adults who have trouble connecting with other people have an easier time working with animals. Being around horses can be very calming, especially with a hippotherapist to guide the process.

    Hippotherapists (“horse healers”) should be very comfortable around horses and know all of the basics about how to ride, how to calm a frightened horse, what to feed the animals, and when to call a veterinarian for a sick horse. They also need to know about the different types of therapy, such as physical therapy for people with balance problems.

    Often, people in this field have training in another branch of therapy before they specialize in hippotherapy. This training could be a sixteen-month occupational therapy course where they learn about ways to keep people’s minds active as they recover from illnesses. It could be a physiotherapy diploma from a college or a four-year degree in therapy from a university. Short courses specifically in hippotherapy are also available at various colleges, and training on the job is also helpful.

    Most jobs in hippotherapy are likely to be away from large cities or towns, in places where there is enough room to keep several large horses. Still, they have to be close enough to people so that patients can come for their therapy. Jobs in this field are not common, but people can make their own jobs if they want. For example, they might want to offer hippotherapy in connection with riding stables at a summer camp so that the horses already have a place to stay and people to look after them.

    Starting salaries for hippotherapists are just under $42,000 and can rise to nearly $63,000. The job involves a lot of work outdoors or in barns, which can be very uncomfortable in winter. Hippotherapists might need to look after and feed the horses, as well as do paperwork to keep track of the patients and their therapy. Working with other therapists, doctors, and family members might also be necessary. People in this job might need to work long hours, especially in the evenings and on weekends when patients are available to come.

    Like any other job, hippotherapy can be difficult, but it can also be very interesting and useful. If you feel comfortable with horses and enjoy working with people, the job of hippotherapist might be right for you.

    Bibliography:

    BC Therapeutic Riding Association. “Therapeutic Writing and Hippotherapy.” http://bctherapeuticriding.com/therapeutic-riding/.

    Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. “A Career in Occupational Therapy.” https://www.caot.ca/site/rfs/res_for_students?nav=sidebar.

    Capilano University. “Rehabilitation Associate Diploma.” https://www.capilanou.ca/programs–courses/program-profiles/rehabilitation-assistant-diploma/.

    Salary Expert. “Therapeutic Riding Instructor.” https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/therapeutic-riding-instructor/canada.