Week 2

Hello 3260! I'm so please to be here. My name is Julie and this is my LAST PIDP course before my capstone project, WAHOOOO!

I love teaching and this program has invited me to take a deeper dive into many areas that I never really gave much thought to. It has also led me to a teaching position with the British Columbia Ambulance Service, for whom I work for. How cool is that??

I've ben out of the game for quite some time and don't currently teach. It almost feels like I'm starting from scratch again. Cue imposter syndrome! It's the oddest feeling... I never used to think twice about lesson plans, or being up in front of a group but now I'm a little anxious. I know deep down I have all the tools I need including 11 years of paramedic experience, I just need to use that to empower myself to get there! Anyone else ever feel that way?

A few things that I'm trying to focus on to boost my confidence are what I value most about teaching. Personally, I like to feel connected to the students and the subject. Creating authentic relationships is very important to me. Finding time to get to know my students is time never wasted. I want to know who they are? What they are excited for? What they are worried about? Next, creating a lesson plan that reflects the goals and objectives that are important to me. I've tried to borrow someone else's plans and it never "shines" the way I want. This takes some extra time but it always pays off!

Lastly, I am a firm believer in professionalism and modelling. These are two key areas that are non negotiable. Again, this boils down to authenticity. I take great pride in my profession . In my eyes it's the best job out there and I want to model that passion to my peers and students.

Teaching is on my horizon. I have some work to do before I set foot in the classroom. I know it'll all be worth it :)