Junior High School Teacher Talk with Peter Medina
Peter Medina is currently a Junior High Teacher for the Edmonton Catholic School District. He is entering his 19th year of teaching in the 2022-23 school year. Peter also spent his first three years of teaching with the Calgary Catholic School District where he taught combined Grade 5/6 classes. A major highlight of his job includes leading teens to discover social justice issues in Edmonton and the organizations that are trying to help people facing these issues. Some organizations Peter and his school have worked with are: United Way’s Tools for School, Autism Edmonton, and Warm Hands Warm Hearts. Peter graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Concordia University of Edmonton in 2001. Afterwards, he followed up with a 2-year Bachelor of Education (After Degree) from the University of Alberta. In 2004, Peter was nominated for the Edwin Parr Teacher Award which is awarded to first-year teachers who have displayed outstanding skills and performance during their initial year of teaching. Outside of work, Peter can be found being active in the local fitness community, parenting 2 young boys alongside his wife Kaila (an elementary school teacher), and cheering on the Edmonton Oilers.
Description
Secondary school teachers prepare and teach academic, technical, vocational or specialized subjects at public and private secondary schools. Secondary school teachers who are heads of departments are included in this unit group.
Job Forecast
Over the 2016-2018 period, labour market conditions have not changed significantly for this occupational group. Employment declined slightly, which was reflected in a small increase in the unemployment rate, reaching 5.2% in 2018. On the other hand, the number of job vacancies increased mildly, but only in 2018. As a result, the number of unemployed available to fill those vacant positions remained relatively stable over the past three years. Nevertheless, the jobless rate remained below the national average of 5.8%.
Employment Requirements
Teachers of academic subjects require a bachelor’s degree in education which is often preceded by a bachelor’s degree in the arts or sciences.
Teachers of vocational or technical subjects require a bachelor’s degree in education which is usually preceded by specialized training or experience in the subject.
Instructors of trades in Quebec require completion of an apprenticeship training program and industry or trade certification.
Department heads usually require several years of teaching experience.
To specialize in special education or English or French as a second language, additional training is required.
A provincial teaching certificate is required.
Membership in a provincial or territorial teachers’ association or federation may be required.
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