I love school, I love school, I love school...
I feel the need to tell myself this because if I don't neither will the kids. It's not quite that simple though.
I especially love working at James Bay Eeyou School. But the problem is, not everyone is as enthusiastic. Not every substitute teacher takes their job seriously. And resources for teachers are few and far between here, it seems. They need more teachers. They need more passionate people.
So today was a challenge. This morning and yesterday morning, I worked with a rowdy kindergarten class, which is okay with me- I like the challenge, but these kids need more than just to be occupied. They should be learning and it feels like these days are being wasted since they're left to do whatever they please with a substitute. Especially energetic children. I wanted to teach them, but they're in Kindergarten, and I don't know what they know and don't know, I don't know if they really understand with the language barrier(they understand most things, but they often speak to me in Cree) , and I don't know how much they can handle. I'm not a teacher.
So I did a craft with them for Valentine's Day.
In the afternoon, I showed up after lunch and the door was locked (no teacher) and the kids were running around the hallway. I assembled them to play I spy - they were even sitting- and the Vice principal showed up and unlocked the door. He informed me that I wasn't to be left alone with these children as I am not qualified and for insurance reasons. If anything were to happen to them, for example, it would be a disaster for school, Katimavik, and myself. But I can't just leave them alone...
There's my pickle. I guess he, metaphorically, handed me a pickle. I was glad he told me this though, because it was something I absolutely needed to know. He also informed me that I shouldn't stay, because some subs would just leave me alone with the kids.
So the lady next door, Linda, who had a class, kept an eye on me. I read a story with them as Linda suggested (it was nice to have some guidance) and kept them pretty relaxed until the substitute showed up more than 30 minutes late. Responsible. Professional... (it's not my first encounter with a substitute either)
I don't mind the work, it's just that these kids are stuck in a stand-still of learning, and it's not fair to them. I want to do everything, but there's only so much I can do. So I'll do all that I can, of course, but I really think that these substitute teachers need to be more closely monitored or, at least guided. (The teacher didn't leave a lesson plan.)
I've also been working with a Grade 4 Class. I'm not sure how, but there is a child in that class that cannot read. Hopefully this child will take my offer of private tutoring, at least for the time I'm here.
There is certainly a huge problem with this education system, not just subs, but everything. It's not their fault. They're not even the problem, but they are the ones that suffer.
The drop-out rate here is astonishing. The graduating class of 2005 was a whopping number of about 12 students. There are approximately 1100 students at this school this year...
Yes, many go south for high school. Yes, there were fewer people in 2005, but regardless, those are incredible numbers, especially since, at home, I don't think I could name a single student that actually dropped out of school. (Only some that are still there)
School is made available for everyone to make everything more accessible and to create opportunity. These kids have potential that aren't being realized, simply because there is a lack of passion in the education here. The opportunity is here for the professionals, but should be made more accessible for children too!
Teachers for example. It's not easy but absolutely necessary. It seems to me that all they need is a smile, a little push and some good material. It's a really important job, especially in a remote community where the drop out rate is so high.
For anyone that is just coming out of university, coming to Chisasibi for a job is a really good idea, not just experience-wise, but money-wise as well. First, they need some more dedicated people (they're understaffed, and many of the staff are less qualified) And second, few people are willing to come up here since it's so remote. You also get so many excursions paid for per year that you can use. (So you wouldn't be completely stuck up here)
I'm actually really strongly considering returning here when I'm in crazy debt after university.
I made up a math game for the Grade 4s this afternoon. It was fun, even though I think I made it a little too complicated than it needed to be. It was a change, which I think they really needed. I get to do English class with them Monday! :)
My biggest concern though, is for the future of these children. They need means to go to school. To want to go to school. To feel fulfilled at school, and maybe even to enjoy it a little. Right now, though, that doesn't seem to be the case.
So I'm going to do what I can. If I can help one child progress while I'm here, my job is well done. So that's my goal, and the opportunity is right here. I'm just trying to digest this much.
Its a salty but satisfying pickle.