In name, I am a teacher. I passed all the tests, I took the courses, I paid the dues and I signed the papers. I have a degree, a certification and a card. I was a teacher before all of this, as well, but now I am a BC recognized teacher. So I am a BC recognized teacher. Yet, as of now, I have not taught a single class as a BC recognized teacher.

As of tomorrow that may all change.  At 2:45pm, I have a meeting with members of the Vancouver School Board. An interview meeting. The type of meeting that you prep for or, at least, attempt to. Yet, as I sit here the night before the interview, looking over new curriculum notes, my teaching philosophy and pet a very needy cat, I realize that I am prepped. I’ve prepped to teach a classroom my entire life. I have always been a teacher and a learner. And while a teacher is designated in the role to teach, I believe that the best teachers are even better learners, better listeners and better collaborators.

I don’t know what this interview/meeting/occasion to comb my hair entails, but I am confident that I will walk into it with the same amount of positively I will have when I walk out of it.

Wish me luck.

Sincerely,

Ira Cooper