George Stribopoulos has taken up teaching after 10 years in the private sector. Just as students are nervous about the upcoming school year, new teachers also share in their jitters, but Mr Stribopoulos, who grew up in Thornhill and went to Thornlea Secondary School is also excited about teaching history and civics at Thornhill Secondary School.

York Region students aren’t the only ones feeling nervous about the first day of school.

It is common to be nervous, having a fear of the unknown, a new teacher, new grade and not knowing quite what will be expected of them in the coming months.

However, it may be of some relief to know some teachers are experiencing the same anxiety.

This is the first time George Stribopoulos will step into the classroom as a teacher.

He will return to his hometown of Thornhill to teach at a different school.

He graduated from Thornlea Secondary School, but will serve as a Grade 10 history and civics teacher at Thornhill Secondary School.

“I always wanted to be a teacher,” he said. “I got sidetracked with starting my own business, but now I’m going to live my dream.”

Part of owning his own business included educating, training and organizing his employees, so he knows he can teach.

He obtained his post-secondary education at McGill University and obtained his certification with the Ontario College of Teachers.

He can’t wait for the opportunity to work with students.

“You want to be good,” he said.

“The first years are very hard work.”

To prepare himself for the career change, he completed his required education and continued to take courses that will help him excel as a teacher.

He expanded his course abilities from just history to include senior basic accounting and physical education.

At home, he has researched online to pick up theories and ideas for best practices.

“I would love to be the teacher who gets a child interested and excited about history,” he said.

He remembers a few teachers who have created lasting memories.

Even as far back as his Grade 2 teacher who was obsessed with teaching her student proper manners.

“Aside from my mom, I have her to thank for my please and thank yous,” he said.

He is looking forward to working in the York Region District School Board and considers himself lucky to have landed a job with the forward-thinking, innovative and technology driven board.

Mr. Stribopoulos admits the first day of school won’t come without a small bout of nerves.

“The kids aren’t so much the scary part,” he said. “It’s the total change of career.”

Coming into a new job, having an idea of how things work in a classroom, but not yet having the chance to plant his feet is a little nerve racking but he insists he is up for the challenge.

Besides his passion to teach, his second passion is history and he can’t wait to start talking about the subject once again.

“That’s what I get to do all day,” he smiled. “Isn’t it great?”

Are you looking forward to going back to school? E-mail info@acrossuhub.com