Teaching is one of the noblest professions, and being able to do it in a different country adds an extra level of excitement and adventure. As a Canadian teacher teaching in London, I have experienced a unique perspective on education and the lifestyle that comes with it.
My day starts early, as I wake up at 5:30 am to get ready for the day ahead. I live in a cozy apartment in East London, so my commute to the school where I teach takes about 30 minutes on the tube. The journey is always filled with a mix of commuters going to work and students heading to school, creating a vibrant atmosphere on the train.
I teach at a secondary school that is located in the heart of the city. When I arrive, I head straight to the staff room to grab a coffee and chat with my colleagues before the start of the day. One of the things that I have noticed about the teaching culture in London is the sense of community and collaboration amongst teachers. We are constantly bouncing ideas off each other and discussing ways to improve our lessons and teaching methods.
As the bell rings, I head to my classroom, where I teach a mixed ability class of Year 8 students. The lessons are always interactive, and I try to incorporate technology as much as possible to keep the students engaged. The students come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and I enjoy learning about their cultures and experiences.
After teaching my first two lessons, I have a free period, which I use to catch up on marking and planning. As a teacher, there is never enough time in the day, so any spare moment is precious.
Lunchtime is always a highlight of the day. I grab a quick bite to eat with my colleagues, and we often discuss the latest teaching trends and techniques. It is also a chance to unwind and take a break from the hectic pace of the day.
After lunch, I teach another two lessons before the end of the school day. I find that teaching in London is very fast-paced, and there is a lot of ground to cover in a short amount of time. However, the students are always eager to learn, and their enthusiasm is infectious.
Once the final bell rings, I often stay behind to attend meetings or catch up on work. However, on some days, I like to explore the city and soak up the culture. London is a bustling metropolis, and there is always something new to discover. Whether it is visiting a museum or checking out a new restaurant, there is never a dull moment in this city.
As the evening approaches, I head back to my apartment and unwind with some Netflix or a good book. Teaching can be exhausting, so it is important to take some time to relax and recharge.
One of the biggest challenges of teaching in a foreign country is the cultural differences. Although Canada and the UK share many similarities, there are still some subtle nuances that take time to get used to. For example, the British school system is different from the Canadian one, and there are certain procedures and protocols that I had to learn.
Another challenge is the distance from home. Although I have made many new friends and have settled into my new life in London, there are still times when I miss my family and friends back in Canada. However, I have found that staying connected through social media and video calls helps to alleviate some of the homesickness.
Overall, teaching in London has been an incredible experience. The city is vibrant and diverse, and the teaching culture is collaborative and supportive. Although there have been challenges along the way, the rewards have far outweighed the difficulties. I have learned so much about myself and have grown both personally and professionally.
