The most significant learning in the first month was how closely tied the education profession is to the Truth and Reconciliation movement and how important it is to reform ourselves by challenging our existing knowledge.  Discerning what kind of teacher and learner we want to be and reconciling that person with who we are.  The more time I spend with professors in lecture, peers in the cohort and studying theory and history, the more I find myself confronted with varying opinions and perspectives that either challenge my own or build my depth of understanding.  Therefore, I feel we must each develop the strength of character and courage to examine and modify our identities to retain our integrity.  Truly, as educators we possess the duty to inform the ignorant and disseminate truth while challenging or reinforcing existing opinions of culturally diverse and inclusive classrooms and communities.  All this while providing youth with the socio-emotional tools and critical thinking to function in a globalised world.  Afterall, students spend a large portion of their time with us, and without properly preparing our hearts, we cannot expect to effect the positive change needed to break down the divisions created by history, language, religion, and culture.

The expected learning is immense, and no amount of time seems enough to cover all subjects in the breadth and depth they deserve.  However, our learning so far is focused on the history of education in Canada, indigenous ways of knowing and being, preparing for our professional responsibilities, developing our digital literacy, and developing our knowledge of educational praxis and pedagogy.  Furthermore, we are expected to understand the intimate connections that all these subjects have with each other.  It seems the deeper we go into any subject the larger the pool of knowledge becomes and the more connected they are to one another. Everything from professional development days, lectures, assignments, blogs, group discussions, and practicum observations elucidate more unspoken connections that cannot be discovered or deconstructed without transformative inquiry and reflexivity.

Personal learning was vague at first while I tried to assimilate and integrate information into coherent sets I could articulate.  Even now, I struggle from assignment to assignment, not because they are difficult to complete, but because I know the week coming will change or modify how I felt or what I knew the week before.  If anything, I have learned that my identity and integrity remain intact, as I prided myself with the abilities to change and adapt, without losing my sense of direction.  I anticipated I would enjoy educating, and without a doubt I was correct.  At the end of every day I am satisfied and emotionally full of joy while I look forward to the next day of activities.