Chinna prepares tomorrow's educators
Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Jan 26/01) - Instructing the teachers of tomorrow is challenging, Una Chinna says.
"You learn a lot for yourself in this job," said Chinna, co-ordinator of the teacher education program (TEP) at the Inuvik campus of Aurora College.
Chinna has taught the program in Inuvik and surrounding communities for the past seven years.
Before that she was an elementary school teacher in Fort Good Hope. This marks her 30th year working in the NWT.
"I did enjoy being a classroom teacher, and I like passing on the things that worked," Chinna said. "Things I pass on are things I'm not reading from a book."
This year, Chinna works strictly in Inuvik. She noted this year is different due to a change in requirements.
The TEP used to consist of two years, and graduates would receive a teaching certificate. TEP now lasts three years, after which students transfer for one year to the University of Saskatchewan, from which they graduate with a bachelor of education degree.
Therefore, Inuvik campus is conducting a special third year so that teachers needing their degree can brush up on their skills before heading to university.
Chinna also is involved in a special preparation program designed for those who have not completed high school but want to enrol in the TEP.
Starting in September, the college will offer year one of the revised TEP, with year two going from 2002-2003, followed by year three.
Chinna said she spends about nine hours a week instructing. She also does all the book work associated with running the program, as well as marking tests and assignments and planning lessons.
She said there's a nice atmosphere at the college.
"There's a feeling of trust," Chinna said. "In all the years I've taught in the college, we never have any trouble with our students."
She said one big difference with her present job is she has more time to prepare her lessons.
"I like the mixture of teaching and office work," she said. "I go into my work happy in the morning."
Chinna is originally from Northern Ireland and has four children and two grandchildren.
