There has been a lot of discussion and research about the different generations of teachers working in our schools across the province. It is not unusual in some of our schools to see three generations — Baby Boomers, Gen X’ers and Millennials — working side by side. This mix creates opportunities and challenges. It can add an extra layer of excitement as we (I speak as a Gen X’er) learn from those who have never known a world without the Internet, but it can also raise some complications as different generations and their understandings of work and school contexts intertwine and collide.
Recently, I had the chance to meet some of the newer generation of teachers joining our profession when I attended the Edmonton Beginning Teachers’ Conference and the Student Local Conference this fall. As I looked around the rooms and saw these new, yet exhausted, teachers and preservice teachers, I was reminded of the early days of my career. The hopes, aspirations and fears that come when you get your first teaching job or when you begin your first teaching practicum — everything can be overwhelming, and the imposter syndrome can be strong. I know I spent the first month in my first teaching job just waiting for a knock on the door telling me a mistake had been made, and my time was up. At the same time, starting my teaching career in a small rural school, I had a building filled with mentors who supported me in a variety of ways.
Association research on our newer colleagues tells us that these teachers crave mentorship and support on aspects such as classroom management, behavioural supports and mental health supports, as well as guidance on employment issues such as contracts (call the Alberta Teachers’ Association for that!). I can attest that at any and every stage in our careers, we all crave those things.
Knowing this, it is important for us as a profession and an Association to support our newest colleagues the best we can. It takes time — and we all know that time is often in short supply — but the dividends will pay off for the profession in the long run. Moreover, the supports for our new teachers do not have to rest on the shoulders of just one person. All of us can work together to help our newest colleagues build the foundations for a long career in education.
And one day, those new teachers will be like me, watching two-week-old TikTok videos on Instagram in the morning while drinking coffee and wondering why their back hurts so much. So much to look forward to!
ATA President
