Margaret Murray

What memories will you keep talking about for years to come?

Imagine that it’s the day of your retirement party. As you look back on your career, what makes you proud? What will you say to the people who have gathered to celebrate with you? What do you hope to hear them speak about you and your work?

I am celebrating two years of retirement and continue to learn what I can from every situation while working with teacher candidates at the University of Manitoba and being a guest teacher in my former school division. A message to new grads and retirees is to enjoy your time. Don’t worry about the little things because life changes quickly.

What is next for graduates and retirees? During the summer, I look forward to leisurely drinking my Cortado, going for long walks, and
I reflect this time of year on my fondest memories of teaching students. I am grateful to have met so many great kids and supportive staff members over the years. I loved getting to know students because they have stories, backgrounds, and experiences. Teaching is such a rewarding career. I feel lucky to have enjoyed the camaraderie of the staff at many schools. Also, I have loved that every day is different.

The best thing about being a teacher is having made a lifelong positive impact on students in many ways, from opportunities for career choices to advice on their direction in life. The yearly relationships teachers create with each new class, and the growth we see in our students are admirable at the end of each school year.

Whether teachers are retiring or students are graduating, it is an emotional rollercoaster. Excitement, nervousness and at least a hint of sadness are just a few of the many emotions senior students feel as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.

I can remember all the “lasts” of 2022:

The last semester
The last spring break
The last parent-teacher conference
The last report card
The last graduation class
The highly anticipated last day of school, and many more.

It’s a lot to take in. Before catching your breath, it’s time to toss the caps and gowns for pomp and circumstance, accept the diploma you’ve worked so hard to get, say your farewells, and celebrate with your favourite playlist as you depart the parking lot on that last day of school. You all have many skills to share with the world – continue to work hard, take reasonable risks, and push yourself to excel in all areas of your life! Have a much-deserved summer holiday.

Reflective Practicum Advisor Experience Year Two

Completing my second-year university practicum advisor role has been rewarding. It’s an opportunity to share my knowledge and skills to prepare new teachers to use diverse instructional practices and evaluation procedures that support today’s learners—reflecting upon my experiences and continuing to learn and grow as I provide learning opportunities for myself and others has been worthwhile this year.

Students learn best when they feel safe and comfortable in their surroundings and valued. For those reasons, my teacher candidates took the time to plan and establish a positive, responsive classroom community. Every student needs to know that they are a significant part of the class and that their voice matters. Creating a nurturing environment where there is respect amongst the students and the teacher makes the classroom where everyone can succeed. I was most proud of my TCs this year, who met the required practicum expectation outcomes.

One of the most essential members of a classroom is the teacher. Each day requires unlimited effort between knowing the content, caring for the students, and managing the classroom. Teachers teach their students the curriculum and serve as positive role models for their students.

I noted my teacher candidates’ strengths and areas they needed to spend more time on and provided suggestions and opportunities for reflection. They implemented lesson plans and collaborated with their mentor teachers to promote student success. I observed them and offered ideas on various classroom management strategies, curriculum implementation, and activities for the learners to grasp. At the beginning of their practicum, TCs learned about their mentor teachers’ willingness to go above and beyond and their eagerness always to teach.

Teacher candidates’ practicums allowed them the freedom to grow into the teachers they hoped to be. They were encouraged to inspire hope, ignite imagination and foster a love of learning in all students who entered the school doors. Excellent teachers have techniques that can design unique lesson plans, manage their classes well and adapt their lessons when needed. Teachers love what they teach, and there is a stronger bond with students when there is enthusiasm. They accept all their students, recognize that each has something unique to bring into the classroom, and are compassionate and caring about their students’ learning.

Additionally, teachers are helpful to their students, constantly encourage them to improve, and give them incentives to keep succeeding. Great teachers reflect on their practice, and in turn, they grow as well. It was another year of success working alongside teacher candidates and mentor teachers.

Teacher candidates have observed with surprise and relished the number of experienced teachers who still possessed a deep passion for teaching, which is vital, yet managed everyday demands while remaining motivated and empowered, allowing them to be their best selves. The zest and the belief in the value of teaching and learning remind us of the motivations for becoming a teacher and maintaining enthusiasm.

My message to the 2023-2024 teacher candidates included a warm welcome to a great profession. The passion for teaching and dedication to their students will make a difference in their lives. Using different technologies in the classroom and other resources assists in imparting and developing vital skills and knowledge that lead students to think critically and creatively. Collaboration with staff and active involvement beyond the school, including coaching and running a club, creates positive collegial relationships and makes learning in school meaningful.

Share the Joy of Literacy

Credit: Anne of Green Gables, L.M. Montgomery

Our school community of learners must be valued as readers because reading exercises a person’s mind, improves concentration, vocabulary skills, the child’s ability to write, and develops a child’s imagination. February is “I Love to Read Month,” each year, the Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg encourages educators to promote reading, writing, and sharing the joy of literacy. The theme this year is” Our Voices are Unique”. Sharing our own stories and listening to others’ stories can promote different perspectives.

We can teach students to read for personal enjoyment and help them develop a love for books by conveying a love of literature by reading and discussing it with them. Teachers’ and librarians’ goal is to expose students to a wide variety of books by many authors.

Displaying books using current titles and featuring authors are ways I have noticed libraries generating buzz and interest in books in the schools where I am a guest teacher for the day and when visiting teacher candidates as a Practicum Advisor for the B.Ed program.

If the students see that their teachers value reading, it will encourage them to find value in accessing information for personal enrichment and learning.

During my years as a teacher, I valued choice reading because it encouraged lifelong readers; therefore, our ELA department collected numerous books for our classroom libraries so that our students had access to diverse books that covered a multitude of topics, including fantasy and mystery, love, friendship, family relationships, LGBTQ, and the classics. In addition, there are also non-fiction books that explore various individuals’ life stories, scientific research, history, and travel.

Make the memories of autumn last forever

It’s almost the end of October, and I realize I haven’t blogged recently. Ah, the beautiful embrace of autumn. As the leaves turn shades of gold and russet and the air takes on a crispness, nothing is better than sweater weather because it signals the beginning of autumn. There is something so magical about these months, with the colourful leaves falling gracefully to the ground. I can pack away my canvas sneakers, collection of summer dresses and shorts for cozy and soft layers, especially my oversized shacket. It’s like getting a warm hug from an old friend. But one bonus of dipping temperatures is that I cozy up in warmer clothing. I adore my mock turtlenecks, which pair well with some of my higher-waisted pants and jeans.

With sweater weather, it’s the perfect time to take leisurely walks in the neighbourhood, breathing in the crisp air and crunching on the fallen leaves. It is also the season for pumpkin carving, dressing up for Halloween and taking scenic drives on the outskirts of Winnipeg. With the arrival of cooler weather, I rediscover the joy of warming my hands around a cup of hot chamomile tea with a dash of honey paired with a delicious pumpkin spice cookie topped with buttery cream icing.

As the days grow shorter, I treasure the coziness of our home with a thick comforter and reading a good book. It is the perfect time for moments of reflection and gratitude. Autumn is lovely and forces me to savour every moment, including the traditional excitement of giving out Halloween treats to the little ones who can barely walk with their pumpkin buckets and decorative costumes. “I’m so glad I live in a world with Octobers.” — L. M. Montgomery

Reflective Practicum Advisor Experience

I am grateful for applying and accepting the Practicum Advisor representative role of the Bachelor of Education (BEd) program at the University of Manitoba.

I am grateful for the professionalism and support of other PAs who provided me with different perspectives.

I am grateful for the opportunities to work with teacher candidates and mentor teachers to interact and collaborate with diverse personnel.

I am grateful to you all for the guidance and for building partnerships to allow my educational landscape to flourish.

I’m grateful for all the conversations, whether it was phone calls, emails, in-person or via Zoom, our voices were valued, and because of that, we grew more assertive.

I am grateful that the Practicum office provided many learning opportunities for us in this new role.

And I am grateful to be with a caring and supportive team.

My goal was to grow as a reflective Practicum Advisor and to offer my wealth of learning to my teacher candidates. I will continue to pause and reflect, to impact teachers and learn along with them.

The Practicum office is a niche where everyone is knowledgeable, communicates and offers many opportunities for us to be open-minded, reflective, and successful.

Teacher candidates were compassionate, resilient, and thoughtful individuals who instilled curiosity, energy, and kindness in their students. They ranged wildly in their learning abilities and preferences and taught me something new during each school visit.

As an educator, I passed on my passion for teachers to plan cross-curricular teaching plans and create a fun, inspiring, safe and inclusive classroom. Students should love coming to school, feel safe within the classroom, learn about topics that interest them, and be able to make mistakes and learn from them in all courses.

When working with teachers, I often shared that I try to learn something new every day and hope that I can bring this into our reflective practice. The best teachers are those who strive to learn and reflect on their work so that they can continually grow not only as teachers but also as individuals.

I was nervous and excited when I started as a Practicum Advisor last September. The first month was a blur. During my Fall term, I experienced some of the most profound learning with teacher candidates. Valuing each other’s differences and accepting our similarities allowed us to collaborate on what worked well and how to improve their lessons. It highlighted the importance of building community, self-confidence, and collaboration. My first year as a Practicum Advisor was an incredible experience and allowed me to learn and grow.

I brought what I learned in 39 years as an educator into my PA experience, which scaffolded my learning. It is essential as a teacher to look at what works and what we can do better and to gain new insights and perspectives while constantly searching for relevant, meaningful lessons matched to the curricula outcomes. Students should also be allowed to make choices in their learning, and teachers provide them with real-world learning experiences.

I asked the teachers to reflect and respond to the following two questions in their self-assessments. What is your most important goal for the upcoming week? Tell me about a time when you positively impacted a student’s life. What specific things did you do that promoted a positive outcome?

If you look at these famous hockey players, Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux, Gordie Howe, and Mark Messier, they got better every game, and that’s how I see myself, becoming a more decisive leader and learning new things all the time throughout each practicum season. We are all learners, and let’s continue to have casual conversations with our students and get to know who they are and their interests.

Roadtrip and girlfriends

Hanging out with a couple of girlfriends – not to study or work on a committee but just plain chilling out together on a mini-road trip was a perfect way to begin the spring 2023 season. Our purpose was to have an unstructured time with no specific agenda and catch up on conversations with the gals.

Getting together with friends, starting a road trip and getting there is more than half the fun. Some of us struggle to map out unstructured social time with our friends. However, I like to schedule time with friends and have quality visits with them for coffee, lunch, shopping, or an evening out at one of our favourite restaurants.

The overnight mini-road trip proved beneficial because it helped us confirm what matters most about friendship: carving out time, reminiscing about the great times in our lives, and shopping at unique boutiques. We all lived exciting lives and told stories about our families, friends, and colleagues. One day away with girlfriends was a time to reminisce and make new memories together. Fargo is a destination where all of us can sit back and relax and shop along Broadway Avenue. There is something for everyone in our group.

Nothing brings friends closer together than a road trip. After two years of travel restrictions, getting away and exploring a different place felt terrific. I appreciated the fact that no one spent time on their social media. The trip was an opportunity to unwind, reconnect, mellow out and recharge about life. No matter where you go, immersing oneself in the experience while creating memories with friends is essential. An all-girls escape overnight can have a therapeutic effect. Good times, hearty laughs, and fresh perspectives can renew anyone’s energy. “It’s not the destination; it’s the journey.” __Ralph Waldo Emerson

Get moving; summer is here.

Summer 2022 has arrived. Have you found your exercise passion?

Why not carve out a few minutes of your morning and build a foundation for your summer walking adventures? It might consist of a trip to the beach or a walk in the park. Start slowly and increase your steps. Soon you will exceed many kilometres.

Having summer days free to go for an early morning walk is a splendid opportunity to see many other people exercising and feeling confident. Building your passion for walking is essential rather than seeing it as a must-do. I like to walk 5k or more daily and reflect on how grateful I am to be in good health. I increase my distance gradually and walk at a comfortable pace.

Walking is a fun way to exercise. It doesn’t require expensive equipment and provides a sense of calmness. Also, walking boosts one’s awareness of sights and sounds that I cannot get while working out at our gym. For example, I might look at the canopy of trees and colourful flowers or pay attention to people as they zoom past me on their bikes or running. Therefore, mindful walking is supposed to be suitable for everyone.

We spend most of our days driving to work and sitting in front of computers and TVs. However, one’s sedentary routine can change with a quick mindset to list walking as one of your daily recommended activities to improve your lifestyle.

My daily walks take me on the path of sustaining awareness and taking it all in. So give it a try, and I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Teacher candidates and their vision for observable impact on their students

For a number of my teaching years, I have worked collaboratively with teacher candidates, and it is the hope that both of us collectively agree that there is a noticeable impact on our students. I recently attended Cale Birk’s three-part series on how we observe educators doing and demonstrating if they were effectively meeting the needs of all of their students.

My teacher candidate this year consistently coordinated his time and ideas with mine. He was always flexible, adaptable and respectful. He demonstrated a somewhat reflective practice in his performance. During our daily feedback sessions, he was able to look at the strengths and areas of improvement in his lessons. Teacher candidates must apply new ideas and suggestions to enhance their development as teachers and lifelong learners.

Across the first three weeks of the practicum, he developed a learning plan that somewhat demonstrated an inquiry-oriented teacher. His inquiry questions focus on a novel study, getting to know the students and how to meet their learning styles better, using technology in the classroom and exploring instructional strategies. In addition, a teacher candidate shares their learning plan before the teaching block, indicating a commitment to their growth as a developing teacher. Indeed, he did, and I offered suggestions along the way.

It takes practice and time to devote to the success of all students. I demonstrated accommodations and modifications to meet the needs of learners, recognizing the diversity and abilities within a class of 28 students of all students. The teacher candidate is sincerely devoted to the success of all students. It’s not an easy task to create an effective program and interactive activities to ensure the success of every student. It takes practice to be attentive to those who occasionally lose their focus. He encouraged risk-taking, asking questions and encouraging feedback while building on the existing classroom structures to maintain an inclusive learning environment for all. On his last day, we both celebrated the successes of all students.

Steve Bollar, in his “The Art of Relationships” chapter, for example, recalls how his art teacher nurtured his growth by providing a safe space in her classroom for him to work before the beginning of the school day. When he suggested “letting a few of my friends hang out in the morning with me,” the teacher readily agreed that “by the end of the school year, there was a sizable group of students hanging out in the art room before the school day began.” Hearing that story brought back memories of how teachers need to connect with their students to nurture their growth as lifelong learners.

Some examples of observable evidence that impacted my students included that he encourages students to develop and have confidence in their ability to think independently and with others. I promote voice and choice when producing a final product. Teachers must shift ownership to students. Using the KAHOOT learning tool, students could generate questions after they complete their novel study.

Choose a Word of the Year.

What one word encapsulates what you require for the year ahead?

How can you focus on “one word” for the year that allows you to simplify what you want to accomplish? I couldn’t settle on one word; therefore, I chose an overarching theme of the three C’s, with connections being my first pick followed by consistency and creativity. Human connections are imperative. I will lean in a bit more to connect with students, colleagues, families and friends. If you believe in your one 2022 word, sprinkles of joy will find you. Consistency is how I want to simplify and strive for more balance in my life. Finally, I will carve out a mindset change that permits creativity to work its way into my blog posts and learn to take photos that will tell an anecdote in a single shot.

Tim Cavey, educator, podcaster, and a middle school vice-principal in Surrey, BC, hosted a thought-provoking live podcast on January 1, 2022, titled #oneword2022. Tim is the Teachers on Fire podcast host who profiles inspiring educators about what and who shapes their thinking. Voice is important. I was intrigued with his kickoff to 2022 with the essential question: What’s the one word in 2022 that will change your life? Tim interviewed educators on the podcast, and they chose words such as to invest, firm, lift, purpose, energy, etc.

When our January 2022 classes went online for the third week of January, I proceeded with the one-word motivator check-in question for my grade 12 students. However, I chose to do something different for the new year. I challenged my students to select a word encompassing their graduating year. Their one-word focuses on them thinking about themselves and their goals. It’s important to allow young teens to know how powerful their voices and ideas are. They do not need to wait to experience their one word; do something now. It begins with fine-tuning your mindset. I introduced them to the musician Matthew West’s song Do Something, Amanda Gorman’s 2021 US inaugural speech, and The Hill We Climb to inspire them.

I have included a sample of my students’ one-word and their responses:

Satisfaction – having satisfaction will bring positivity to your goals.

Positivity – during these last few months at high school, I want to be optimistic and not think about the negative things; I will get through my graduating year by having a positive mindset.

Music – throughout the pandemic, it is used as a way to de-stress.

Grow – I want to see myself grow into a better person as the year moves forward.

Understand – I have to understand that it’s time for me to get ready and leave behind what has been my life for the past twelve years; I need to realize that these last couple of months will be the end of many relationships with people that I have called friends for years.

Conversations – as this year is stressful, I value meaningful connections and discussions with friends more so than ever.

Graduation – it’s a big deal to graduate on time; not many people in my family have; I’m excited to pursue post-secondary education; therefore, not graduating on time is not an option.

Notice – I hope my teachers will notice how much effort I have put into my final semester assignments.

Motivation – To succeed in high school is a necessity; with the right incentives, you can accomplish anything.

Culmination – it’s the culmination of twelve years of school; all these years signify a new beginning; while one journey is ending, a new one is also in the works; an expensive one.

The overall notion of selecting “one word” could be a great return to school idea for September or January. Students sent their one word to me using Microsoft Teams chat after viewing and listening to a few motivational speeches and songs. Also, students can research their one-word create art or blog. I informed my students that there is no perfect time, the perfect moment, or the perfect word. The time is now. Explore your one-word; write it down; learn as you go but go!

Back to school reflections

Has your September and October teaching style generated curiosity, engagement, and opportunities for your students?

My usual introduction to my students went something like this: I hope you all had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful summer weather we’ve had these last few months. I am optimistic that the 2021-2022 school year will be one of safe, caring, and engaging. I am grateful as I will see all of my students in person and aim to engage them in their learning.

While reflecting on the first two months of school, teaching students is a job that evolves daily. So, I begin with an essential question. How can teachers create an environment within which students will motivate themselves? Unfortunately, I’ve discovered that some teachers are ‘stuck’ and do not see the enthusiasm in teaching as many of us do. I’m thankful that I have grown as a teacher over thirty-eight years and as a person.

One of the ways educators can create learning environments and assist their students with the desire to learn is to praise students’ efforts and acknowledge how they persevere to overcome their learning challenges. By doing so, we reinforce a growth mindset. Therefore, I aim to give feedback verbally or written in their writer’s notebooks. Some examples I have used include: it’s impressive that you have completed two writing drafts, and it’s incredible that you have put extra effort into your writing.

The first week of school, I read the children’s book LIFE by Cynthia Rylant. Students reflected on what and who they appreciated about life. The opening begins like this. “Life begins small. Even for the elephants. Then it grows.” The book generates many wonderings and thoughts about gratitude and appreciation, especially the more minor things in life. There is also a message about being hopeful when struggling with today’s challenges. As we know, life is not always easy. My grade 12 students reflect on the theme because it percolates many fabulous writing ideas. I thrive on reading students’ drafts in their writer’s notebooks and assessing their final writing pieces.

September and October flew by quickly. The weather was warm and delightful. I cannot believe we are already eight weeks in, and hopefully, it has been a great start to the school year for everyone. Additionally, it has been rewarding to get to know students, such as reading their autobiographies and memoirs. However, we must continue to ask thought-provoking questions to engage students further and sustain deep learning. In ELA classes, it’s pertinent to ask students to reflect and have conversations about what they are reading.

Our school has started voluntary extracurricular activities, and everyone is thrilled to welcome students to clubs and fall sports. As long as we can stay safe and get back to doing the things at school that we love, it’s the little things that make the day that much better. I tend to view each step in my growth journey as a piece of the giant puzzle.