Teachers are on the front line of education. They live and breathe it everyday. They see what is happening, and they see what is not happening. So, when things need to change, who, logically, should be ones who have a say?
Teachers, right? New curriculum roll outs, policy changes, new and newer initiatives, standardized testing, priority schooling, specialists overseeing teachers, unbalanced class sizes, decreasing student supports, meetings, evaluations, reports, assessments, data, data, and more data… The list goes on. The thing is, for years, in Nova Scotia, teachers have not been asked. Changes are made, things keep piling on, but not by teachers, not by the ones who are teaching… in classrooms… today. We look at the above list of things coming down the pipes for teachers today and we’re left, scratching our heads, wondering - when do teachers get to actually get to do what they so truly love and prepared for - when do teachers actually get to teach? When are they given the time to get to know what each child needs? When do they have the opportunity to talk with each of their students, every day? When do they have time to pull together ideas, activities, and resources to better support each of their students? When are they supported in their judgment on how to best support the children in their class? When was it acknowledged that teachers, good teachers, were leaving the school systems behind to pursue other endeavors due to lack of support, resources, and freedom to teach in the way that best suits their students? When was it documented that each child is different, and therefore learns differently, so therefore, we need to support the teacher who is reaching each of those children in a different way? What about that each community holds a vast diversity of learners, with varying support networks of their own and that that should be taken into account when attempting to blanket assess students today, or rather, when administering standardized testing across the province? When were teachers recognized for being the ones who know, who really know, what their students need – be it extra one-on-one support, a breakfast, a moment to take a breath, a smile, or someone to listen? When was the last time a teacher was asked, in their professional opinion, because they are professionals who received specific post secondary and often post graduate education in their field, and they live and breathe the education system everyday – when were they asked how the education system could better prepare students for the world they are growing up in today? With the current conditions, teachers are working to make things work, but they’re hearts are breaking because they know many students are not getting what they need. They’re doing what they can with what they have, but there is so much standing in their way: piles of work unrelated to actually teaching the children sitting in front of them and funds that seem to be missing the connection to what these students actually need to prepare for a future so vast and ever-changing. Teachers need a voice. They need the help to make things change. We hear you, teachers of Nova Scotia, and we are proud to see more teachers taking a stand and making changes for the sake of our students and their future – our future. Our friends, our colleagues, our fellow professionals are making history by standing up for their students in the only way they can – the only way in which everyone will hear them all at once, finally. They’re saying it’s time for a change, and we couldn’t agree with them more. Meghan and I, owners and teachers at Via Vita Academy, are teachers, too, who, not that long ago, chose to take a different path in the field of education for the very reasons many teachers are standing up today. We believe there is a better way to teach, to educate, to inspire, and to make a positive change in our world. We opened a school in hopes to make a stand for that needed change in education in Nova Scotia. Education matters. Let teachers teach and stand up for our children. Let teachers do what they so truly love to do, inspiring students to succeed and making a better future for us all.
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Please welcome our guest blogger, Heidi, a parent at Via Vita. She shares her thoughts on our little school, or as she calls it, a "sweet little community school". We are overjoyed to have such wonderful families such as hers join our school. We hope you'll take a moment to read what she has to say. We're extremely grateful to have so much support. Right now, Via Vita is a bit of a well kept secret. Once word gets out, there will be a waiting list to this sweet little school community that is Via Vita. Once you step inside, take a tour, chat a bit with Adele and Meghan, the school’s owners/teachers, it’s hard not to be won over by their passion. I don't know about you, but I want my kids to have something interesting to report at the supper table each night. I want them to love learning and enjoy how they spend their 6 plus hours a day away from our home. And, I want to send them somewhere that I know that they are learning everything that they need to prepare them for their future. I also want to send them somewhere that the teacher’s know and really care for them. Sound about right? Well, I’ve found it. The best new little school in town. The best thing about Via Vita is that kids are having fun while learning. Even as an adult, I have learned that when something ignites my interest, I am much more likely to be engaged and remember it in the future. The teachers at Via Vita exude a passion for their jobs that is palpable. They are experienced in teaching methods that allow the student to bring their own interests to topics that are part of the curriculum. Now before you go thinking that this all sounds kind of wishy washy….just wait. They also teach all of the nuts and bolts that students need like Math, Science, Social Studies and Language Arts. The best part is that they do it in such a way that students are both learning and having fun. You won’t find repetitive worksheets at this school.
One of the approaches that is woven into the schools design “Theme Based Learning” utilizes a particular topic, for instance, a social studies topic on the environment. The students may be asked to work on a project that involves research, writing, presentation skills and even Math. A theme based project my daughter worked on entitled “junk as art” required her to create something useful out of garbage. She decided on a bracelet made from pop top lids. She was required to research all of the items that would be used in making the bracelet and write a report outlining how long each item would take to break down in the landfill. She also had to describe the project in writing, and all the steps entailed in making it. In addition, she provided visual aids (photos) for her classmates to observe. She later presented the project to her class on powerpoint. This project and others like it teach many skills, but my daughter learned so much and gleaned so much enjoyment and pride for her finished product. This is just one example of how them based learning works. Via Vita students will be moving their bodies approximately 2 hours daily. This high level of physical activity alone is something that very few private schools are able to offer, and something I am personally looking forward to. I believe kids are more likely to get out of bed in the mornings energized and looking forward to their day when they know they have gym and plenty of outdoor time every single day. In addition to the usual sports kids are exposed to, the students at Via Vita have the opportunity to try out new experiences and engage in the outdoors as often as possible. Classroom learning is often taken outside when it fits. Their interests come in to play, as well, including experiences that are driven by the students’ ideas and suggestions, like yoga, martial arts, drama, dance etc. Did I even mention yet that the average class size will be 10 students? Yup, you heard that right -TEN. I know of no other school that offers such a strong academic environment with so much physical activity, outdoor time, and hands-on learning. This little private school is our well kept secret. For now, at least. Us, other Via Vita parents - we know what we’ve found. A gem, really. We are proud to be apart of this little school community. For my kids and for our family, we’re looking forward to a fantastic year ahead. Please welcome our guest bloggers this week, Julie & Amanda. These two parents from Via Vita narrowed down their reasons for choosing us for their child's education and decided to share their thoughts with you today! We are thrilled they took a moment to write it all down! Enjoy the read! Perhaps give us a call afterwards, you know, if you'd like... Every parent knows that feeling... whether you're sending your "baby" into the world of school for the first time or it's time for a change and you want to get it right. How do you choose? In today's day and age there are many options, so how do you figure out which school is best? How can you choose a place where your child will spend the majority of his or her time ? Which school will teach them in such a way that they flourish, excel and accomplish what they need to in order to succeed and be happy in life?
Hard questions.... Unfortunately there are no easy answers but after all our lists of pros and cons, interviews, open houses, discussions and family meetings WE chose Via Vita Academy, and here's why. Reason #1 SMALL CLASS SIZES!! This was a real deal breaker for us with other schools. Upwards of 20 students to a class with 1 teacher does not work, even for the best teachers with the best intentions. What often ends up happening is behavior problems get simple discipline instead of someone working with them to figure out what happened today, kids who "get it" just get another book to read instead of being encouraged to learn beyond the class level and the ones in the middle ...well maybe they taught a bit. Via Vita Academy comes in at 10-15 students per group of multi grade levels (more on that in Reason #2!) individual attention ABOUND!! Reason #2 MULTI GRADE LEVELS!! We really don't know how this can go wrong, there are so many benefits. Children can take on leadership roles they may have never been exposed to, benefit from more review if needed or have the ability to continue to learn beyond their grade level. They can pre learn things simply by listening when the older group is being taught or reinforce skills by explaining them to the younger classmates. Another win-win for us. Reason #3 INQUIRY BASED THEME LEARNING!! What a way to learn, asking kids questions instead of delivering the information to them like a traditional classroom. Engaging the child and challenging them to think, basically learning how to learn, this is something that will be a huge asset for them in a world that keeps changing. This will give the children confidence and a sense of independence knowing that they can figure things out for themselves. Not to mention the hands on side of this, as we all know that there is no better way to learn than actually doing! Reason #4 LIFE SKIILS AND DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES!! If all of the great education they will already be getting isn't enough they will also be taught life skills that everyone could benefit from. Things like how to cook, fix basic things, how to grow your own food and the one thing I think we all wish had been taught in school; money management. Skills that will change their lives and have them better prepared to step into the "real world". Now add in physical activity everyday to help keep healthy, also helping them be focused and attentive during school time. What more could you ask for in a school... wait there is one more thing you could ask for.... Last but not least..... Reason #5 MEGHAN and ADELE!! Ok, so we had an advantage in knowing these amazing teachers before signing up. Thankfully all anyone else needs to do is attend an open house or request a private tour to see how passionate they are about teaching. They lead by example and are truly some of the most patient, positive and enthusiastic teachers we've ever met. To hear them talk about their plans and how it will directly benefit YOUR child is worth the drive over. Hopefully our list makes your life a little easier because whatever school you choose, you owe it to your child to make the most informed choice possible! |
Welcome to Our BlogEach post is written by a supportive member of Via Vita Academy, be it a teacher, parent, student, community member, who is invested in the topic of education. Take a read and comment below! Archives
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