By John Sarsfield
Most of my working life was as an educator in Independent Schools, also called Private Schools. In Canada, Independent Schools are not-for-profit institutions and are charitable, listed under the Societies Act. I started teaching in Independent Schools in 1972, having first cut my teaching teeth in public schools in Ontario, beginning in 1967.
I taught in two different communities, and eventually gave that up for two reasons:
I wanted to get more education in my field (English Literature) and I thought about teaching in Independent Schools.
I felt that I couldn't be involved enough in kids' lives in public high school-that I could give my kids about a minute each per day. That didn't seem adequate to me. I discovered that life in Independent Schools was very different. Over the years, the tasks one performs are myriad, and consuming-in a good way.
My own career encompassed roles as Academic Director, Dean of Faculty, coach, teacher, of course, but not just in English! Stints in science and economics were also on the agenda; counselling, tour director, evening residential duty, and ancillary items were also required. I enjoyed all of it. I felt that I could make a positive contribution to "my kids." I believe that is a great advantage for Independent Boarding Schools, and to a lesser extent, Independent Day Schools. With a great and dedicated staff, students can feel at home and in a situation where everyone-students, staff, administration, parents and support staff are all pulling in the same direction. In good schools, every student is accounted for: no one should fall through the cracks. Smaller class size should help with excellent performance, and some of the relationships formed are often life-long. Some of my former "kids," many of whom are now in their sixties, I remain in contact with.
Lessons learned in the Arts, and on the playing fields, are also of tremendous value and can be ongoing pursuits. It is true that attending such a school is a costly endeavour, and these places must do their utmost to counter charges of elitism. In that regard, Independent Schools I am familiar with provide scholarships and bursaries for around 50% of attendees. The school in which I taught the longest would not countenance any type of smug or elitist behavior. I consider students who attend such schools, and teachers who teach in them, to be very fortunate, indeed!
John Sarsfield is a retired teacher and administrator who worked at a variety of Canadian boarding schools.
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