Janet Kochon never let go of her dream to become an educator, and even though the path has been full of twists and turns, sheSA国际影视传媒檚 fulfilling that aspiration in Colville Lake.

SA国际影视传媒淚 always wished to be a teacher,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Most of her own early education came on the land in Fort Good Hope, where she grew up in the 1970s.

Her father was a trapper. She and her eight siblings would accompany their parents on lengthy expeditions into the bush SA国际影视传媒渁nd learn the ways of our ancestors on the land,SA国际影视传媒� she recalled.

In the 1990s, she upgraded her academic education in Yellowknife and then began working as a classroom assistant at the Aboriginal Head Start preschool in Ndilo.

In the early 2000s, she continued moving toward a teaching career by enrolling in the Teacher Education Program through Aurora College. But as a single mother with three children and bills to pay, she also saw the allure of a steady income at the Ekati diamond mine, where she accepted a job and quickly climbed the ladder to become supervisor of housekeeping services.

Sixteen years went by, along with shorter stints at Snap Lake and Diavik diamond mines.

Then a conversation with her cousin in Colville Lake changed her perspective, and Kochon decided to relocate to that small Sahtu community, population close to 150. She didnSA国际影视传媒檛 have a job lined up, but the preschool co-ordinator eventually approached her and offered her a position.

She later was hired at Colville Lake School as a student support assistant.

Last September, she jumped at the chance to be the junior kindergarten to Grade 1 teacher. Although sheSA国际影视传媒檚 in a mentoring role, she still had much to learn, she admitted, citing report cards and correcting the youngstersSA国际影视传媒� misbehaviour as examples.

She was eager to decorate her classroom and introduce numerous educational toys to make her nine students feel comfortable, but another teacher who observed her in action later explained that it was too much stimulation.

SA国际影视传媒淗e said, SA国际影视传媒榊ouSA国际影视传媒檙e a really good teacher. YouSA国际影视传媒檙e really connected with the students,SA国际影视传媒� but he said, SA国际影视传媒榊ou have too much stuff in your classroom. ThereSA国际影视传媒檚 too much distraction.SA国际影视传媒橲A国际影视传媒�

Kochon scaled back and she said it has made a difference.

Another helpful resource has been going online.

SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檓 so thankful for the internet, where I get lots of information,SA国际影视传媒� she said, adding that a colleague who teaches Grades 2-4 also gives her helpful advice.

When it comes to keeping the energetic youngsters in line, Kochon has introduced a SA国际影视传媒渢hree strikeSA国际影视传媒� approach to discipline and, in worst cases, makes offenders sit out gym class, which is one of the most popular activities.

She also makes a point of rewarding good behaviour.

SA国际影视传媒淏y giving them stars, they go home and tell their parents they got a star today for cleaning up,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Her students are learning numbers, shapes and a sense of self, among other lessons.

SA国际影视传媒淚 have two eyes and one nose,SA国际影视传媒� she said of a typical exclamation from her students.

They love making art too, she added.

SA国际影视传媒淭heySA国际影视传媒檙e very creative. It just surprises me, all the things ISA国际影视传媒檝e seen and the change from when I started to what ISA国际影视传媒檓 seeing now,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Still possessing a thirst for higher-level credentials, Kochon registered in a couple of courses through NorQuest College in Edmonton a few years ago, passing both.

SA国际影视传媒淪o I did all kinds of stuff just to be where ISA国际影视传媒檓 at right now,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

SheSA国际影视传媒檚 also determined to be accepted at a university and attain her masters.

SA国际影视传媒淚 have a passion for teaching,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 all coming together now.SA国际影视传媒�

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