Red accepts teaching job

About 10 months ago, I began my journey to become a High School teacher. To be honest, I wasn’t sure it would be possible for me to teach effectively.

Would it matter that I use a wheelchair? Would the students be able to see me if I can’t stand up? How would I use the whiteboard? Is there any chance I’d ever get a job?
So many questions! And for the first 8 weeks of university, these remained largely unanswered.

We studied adolescent brain development, classroom management techniques and teaching strategies. But it wasn’t until I stood (well, sat) in front of my first class at Massey High School on practicum that it all came together - I really can do this!

As a CP Society academic grant recipient, I purchased a portable projector for use in my classroom, enabling me to use digital technologies to deliver lessons, effectively negating the need for a whiteboard. The kids responded to my use of technology really well, and a number of experienced teachers were asking how they could incorporate my teaching techniques into their lessons - high praise indeed!

10 months on, and I’ve been offered a job as an English teacher at Onehunga High School. I could scarcely believe it when I got the phone call, but it just goes to show that sheer determination and hard work (and the generosity of the CP Society!) really does pay off.

Bring on 2012!

Red Nicholson