How I Got Here

I suppose I've always had a fixation on British culture. Growing up, I heard stories of my Mom's upbringing, somewhat based on traditions passed down from my Great-Grandma. Decidedly, my love of British culture came to a head in high school, when I started studying Shakespeare, and other great English literature. I discovered the world of Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice still is one of my absolute favourites. This, of course, prompted me to major in English studies at University. As I studied more about English literature, and learned more about the culture and history of Great Britain, my fascination grew.

When the opportunity to teach in the UK was implanted in my mind last November by a friend, my wheels really began turning. What if I could live where this wonderful rich literature was written, and see the landmarks which are so integral to world history? Plus, I could be immersed in this culture, all while doing what I love (teaching, of course). It seemed like the perfect opportunity to me.

Engage Education offers new teachers a contract to supply teach in the UK for a school year, if you pass their screening process. I submitted my initial application (resume, written references, police check, photo, and passport) in December. I was contacted by the Canadian office for an interview in North Bay in January. I met with a representative from the UK, and he and I discussed what teaching in the UK was like, and he asked me some interview-type questions to gauge whether or not I would be a successful candidate for teaching in the UK.

A couple of weeks later, I was contacted by the Canadian Office, and was told that I was a successful candidate for a GPS contract. "GPS" stands for Guaranteed Payment Scheme. Essentially, this means that I am guaranteed 4 days of supply work per week. If there is no work, I will still receive payment for the 4 days a week.

Once I accepted this and signed the contract, there was much to be done! I had to apply for my UK Visa (this didn't occur without quite a few bumps in the road!), get police checks for Canada and the UK, send all of my teaching qualifications, make sure I had enough money to live there, plus a plethora of little details that had to be taken care of. This did not happen without loads of stress and a lot of money spent. It was quite the waiting game, needless to say. However, everything came together with a few days to spare.

I have been told that Canadian teachers are quite often offered longer-term contracts once they become known in schools. Once I get a feeling for teaching in the UK, I would love to have my "own" classroom! I am so grateful for every single thing that has happened to me during this process. It has been such a growing and learning experience. One never knows what one is capable of until they are tried and tested. Perseverance is one of the most important skills for a teacher to have; this process has surely tested my capabilities, but I'm glad to say that I've passed the test!

Now, the fun part begins!