I teach at the middle years level (grade 5-7) For the most part Grade 6. In the past I have taught French to a couple classes, this year just my home room. Most schools will want you to teach all core subjects, very few specialists at this level. I don't mind teaching French to my own class, but not so much other classes. Even though rench is an official language, the attitude around it isn't great. Keep in mind I live in Alberta - a LONG way from Quebec. I using a new program this year that is helping. It gets the students very involved, and forces participation. Both the students and I are enjoying it more.

As far as behaviour, I would definitly say it is better in smaller towns - as a general rule (I suppose there are always exceptions) I work in a town with a pop. of approx. 6500. Our school, grade5-7, has approx. 375 students. 5 classes at each grade level with about 25 students per class. I love this school! We have great support from our admin, and the community in general.

We are fortunately not tied down with a pile of paper work. I spent a year in the US and it was not the case there. We are going through some BIG changes in assessment. The whole assessment FOR learning vs OF learning. I know this has also been big in the UK. However, at this point it is impacting our practices (hopefully improving them) rather than causing us addition work. Reporting is also changing, but slowly , as we try to figure out what works best. The trend is to report on outcomes/objectives vs assignments. ( I am a team leader for these changes within our school and district, so it is a bit of a passion of mine)

Hope this helps and that I answered your questions.

Bonne chance!