Below is a collection of important links along with a reflection of what they mean to me as a teacher candidate. Please click on the underlined hyperlinks below each piece of media to navigate to each website.
First Peoples Principles of Learning
The First Peoples’ Principles of Learning is a document that holds significant importance in my teaching journey. This document serves as a guideline for me to begin the process of Indigenizing my practice. I particularly appreciate visiting Jo Chrona’s website, where she offers comprehensive explanations about each principle and how they manifest both in the classroom and in life. I believe that the FPPLs serve as an excellent foundation once you have a clear idea of the lesson you intend to teach. It is essential to fully integrate them into the lesson rather than merely selecting one that somewhat aligns after completing the planning process. The FPPLs act as a stepping stone toward Indigenizing your practice, guiding you in the right direction. However, it is crucial to continue working towards incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing and teaching to achieve the full impact.
BC Curriculum
The BC Curriculum serves as another valuable guideline in my lesson and unit planning process. This website offers a wealth of information and criteria that outline what I am expected to teach my students. However, as a first-year student teacher, I sometimes find it overwhelming to navigate this site and visualize how I can ensure that all my students meet the specified criteria. Nevertheless, I view this site as akin to a map: the more time I spend exploring it and gaining experience in the classroom, the more the pieces begin to fall into place. Gradually, the broader picture of teaching becomes a bit clearer to me.
Photo from: BC Curriculum
BCTC Professional Standards
The BCTC Professional Standards offer a clear guideline of what is expected from me as a future educator in BC. While many points in this document seem like common sense, having a comprehensive outline of expectations for my future career is reassuring. Reviewing this document has provided me with a glimpse into what my professional life will entail. It serves as a reminder of the responsibilities and standards that society expects from me as a professional. Understanding and adhering to this document will help me uphold the professional expectations placed upon me.
Photo from: BCTC Professional Standards
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
The Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action hold significant weight for me as a future educator. I recognize a special responsibility to thoroughly research and educate myself on the necessary steps toward reconciliation and decolonization. This responsibility extends to educating my future students on how we can collectively work toward these crucial goals. The Calls to Action offer a concrete list of actionable steps, some of which I may not be able to undertake individually. However, many of these actions can be implemented in small ways to effect change. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or uncertain about how to contribute or Indigenize my teaching, I return to this document. It serves as a reminder that even the smallest steps can have a profound impact on the students in my classroom.
Photo from: Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action