Shifting Lenses: From My (Now) Consultant Self to (Former) Teacher Self.

I distinctly recall a conversation with the centre director during my tenure as a cooking teacher for the Lester B Pearson school board. She encouraged me to participate in professional development symposiums or conferences. At the time, I believed I was sufficiently growing as an educator through my university courses (pursuing a bachelor’s degree in vocational education at Université de Sherbrooke), involvement in centre projects, information gained from newsletter subscriptions*, training on pedagogical days, faculty discussions with colleagues, and more.

Reflecting on this after attending the Leadership Committee for English Education in Québec (LCEEQ) annual conference, I realise the validity of her point. What happened?

In a workshop focused on Truth, Reconciliation, and restorative practices, I unexpectedly delved into a pivotal moment involving “unintentional” racism early in my teaching career.

During a lively lunch conversation with educators from the youth sector, I clarified in my own mind the uniqueness of vocational training. I explained that an English teacher from general education cannot adequately teach Competency 11 of the Secretarial Studies program without understanding the profound difference between being competent to “Produce business correspondence” and being able to write in English.

What I hadn’t considered, as a busy vocational teacher, was that the neuroscience, adaptation strategies, and growth mindset discussed in workshops led by high school teachers are entirely transferable to vocational training. I overlooked the importance of collaboration, the notion that alone we go faster but together we go further, and the value of accepting confrontation and challenges to think outside my own box.

To my former self, I would like to suggest calling on a trusted colleague for companionship and debriefing, checking professional development resources for funding, and committing to events. Why not consider attending the QACVE conference in Thetford Mines in May 2024? I hope to see you there.

PS: Ms. Moran, my sincere apologies. In retrospect, I wish I had followed your advice.

* I thoroughly enjoy the George Lucas Educational Foundation’s Edutopia publications. Consider reading this 5-minute piece on six ways to capture students’ attention; you might find applicable strategies for your vocational training classroom.