A JMSS Original Returns

Michael Linden is JMSS’s new vice principal, starting during the 2022 to 2023 school year. Something that many people probably don't know, is that he has previously taught at John McCrae for 4 years, and we are thrilled to have him back.

Michael Linden is originally from New Brunswick, specifically the town of Sussex, which is located in between three major cities in New Brunswick; Saint John, Fredericton and Moncton. He went to study at the University of New Brunswick and got his first degree in marine biology there. Shortly after, he realized he wanted to become a teacher, as he enjoys helping students decide on their career paths and wants to inspire a love of science among his students. He moved to Ottawa to begin his teaching career.

He has taught science and math primarily to high school students, but after he left JMSS, he moved back to New Brunswick and taught grade eight for a year. He came back to Ottawa afterwards, and spent a decade here working at many different schools, such as Osgoode Township High School, Bell High School (being a VP for former JMSS principal Steve Collins), and most interestingly, alternate school Norman-Johnston. An alternative high school is for people ages 16–21 who are unable to finish school in a regular high school. At alternative schools, there are some modifications to the typical learning environment you would find anywhere else, such as smaller class sizes. Students have access to many resources to help them with their learning as well as their outside school lives. He worked at Norman-Johnston for three years before returning to JMSS in 2022.

During his 23-year career, he has been a teacher for 15, but for the last 8 years, he has been working in the administrative field. He has enjoyed both positions, but there are some extreme differences between the two. According to him, he talks more to teachers and other adults than students as vice principal. Teachers are only in charge of their classes, so they have a lot more time to concentrate on individual students, but being vice principal is a lot of organizing all the teachers, as well as making sure all students can succeed at their full potential. As he puts it, “The big picture stuff.” He does try to be out of his office as much as possible, and he says his days are usually a 50-50 split between computer and interactive work. Another difference is that many teachers stay at one school for most of their careers, and they get more of a choice of where they work. For administrators, you move schools every 3-4 years, and most of the time, you just have to go with it. Though you may be asked for your preference on different schools on occasion.

I asked him how he thought JMSS compared to other schools in terms of resources available for students, variety of clubs, and overall atmosphere. He says, “There is such a great diversity of different things going on in the school.” Things that he liked about the other schools where he worked, for example, some schools have a better appreciation for the trades, some schools are more diverse, some schools help students struggling personally, were also present at JMSS. He says this school has most of the good qualities of places he's been and it’s much more diverse than when he first worked here.

Though JMSS does have many good qualities already, he says that the school could be doing more for the students learning English as a second language. There are some programs put into place but he says that the school should still be doing more, especially in terms of making the school a space where everyone feels like they fit in.

All in all, Mr. Linden is happy to be back with John McCrae and is looking forward to being as much of a positive force as he was during his first tenure. If you see him in the halls or in your classroom, take the opportunity to say hello or introduce yourself.