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Reflecting on my memories during school, I always think back to teachers who made school feel so exciting to be at, and who were so loving and caring towards us. I think about how I felt as a student, and how those teachers must feel knowing the amazing impact they have made on hundreds and hundreds of little learners. I want to be able to provide children with a positive learning experience. I worked with children for many years in different settings (ABA therapy, resource consulting, ECE, coaching and more).

I know that there is more opportunity in school systems for experiencing different roles and I am excited to explore the different roles available.

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Being a teacher was something that always spoke to me. I've never really been influenced as to why, but I always loved the role a teacher played and the idea of having your classroom. Being the oldest in my house and one of the oldest cousins in my family, I always used to gather my siblings and cousins and pretend they were my students and either teach them a lesson like in school or choreograph dances for them. As I did my BA in Educational Studies and now throughout thus far of my bED, I've realized even more how amazing the profession is and how influential teachers are to students and their growth. This year, especially, has really given me the hands-on experience I've been wanting. These experiences keep me very excited and eager for what the future holds in terms of my teaching career and having my own classroom where I can inspire students and help them grow!

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Being a person of colour, I never saw much of myself represented in educators until late elementary/high school. This became my first motivation to become an educator and bring representation into the field. At the same time, I have been fortunate to have supportive and inclusive teachers throughout my education who have supported me and made me feel included in the classroom. I want to be that teacher who upholds equity and fosters an inclusive community in their classroom. The one where students say, “I wish I were in Ms. Mahmood’s class!”. I want to create a classroom where all students feel welcome and each feels worthy and ready to achieve their biggest goals. I hope to inspire students to be educators they can trust, ask to start a club, or foster their natural curiosity and support them in every way I can. And that is why I want to be an educator, to give back :)

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Unlike most, I unfortunately do not have a noble or admirable reason for my desire to be a teacher. From a young age, mainly due to my upbringing involving vigorous tutoring and an emphasis on education, I found myself excelling in most if not all subjects. But, I found Science to be the most enticing and so I did my undergrad in that.

I, however, quickly realized that I was not a fan of the higher level Sciences. I also did not have a desire for an extended and also difficult education - a requirement for many of the prominent careers in the Sciences (i.e, Medicine).

So in my first year of my undergrad I chose to dedicate myself to teaching - mostly on a whim. It was something that came easy to me as I found myself volunteering or working as a tutor and camp counselor all the time during my teen years.

That's my story!

- Abdullahi

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Honestly, as the eldest of 8, I feel like I've always been a teacher in a way. It came naturally to me and I was always praised for helping. during my childhood, as a very self aware child, I coud tell what teacher enjoyed their job and those that didnt. id see my grades fluctuate by that same difference. I dont ecpect teachers to dedicate their wholes lives to teaching, I dont think its healthy to let work consume you. but as humans, we feed off the passion of others. if you clearly dislike your teaching, why must I be excited to learn? once I understood that notion, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. to add, I believe being a teacher will allow me to live my life the way I see fit. I dont live to work, but working this job will allow me the time and resources towards other things, like buying a home, gardening, being active and traveling.

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The main reason that I want to be a teacher is to make a difference in students' lives. As a teacher, you have the ability to shape the minds of young people and pave the road for success in their future. I hear so many stories of very successful people that always remember that one teacher that helped them define all odds and maintain a positive mindset and I want to be that teacher for others. From a young age, as an elementary school student, I remember going into the JK/SK classes and wishing that I was the teacher working with those students. Therefore, from a young age, I had a goal that I wanted to be a teacher and to my surprise as an adult, I still held that same goal and continue to strive towards it. Overall, at the end of the day, I want to be the person that students can look up to and remember as the kind, hard-working and knowledgeable teacher that they will never forget.

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Why I want to be a teacher- Cherry-Ann London 

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Why I want to be a teacher- Cherry-Ann London 

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As an individual who identifies as Black, my greatest career aspiration is to become a teacher. I am drawn to the teaching profession because diversity and representation are essential in a progressive Educational System. I am one of six, Black female teachers at my current school where the majority of teachers are white female and males, and the majority of students are non-white. It is my belief that ‘children cannot be what they cannot see’ and it’s my responsibility as a Black female educator to help all students, especially minority students, to reimagine the possibilities they can achieve by furthering their education. As a Black educator, I am better equipped to understand the importance of showcasing authentic Black excellence in the classroom in a meaningful way for Black students. Having further education will empower me to address inequities and social justice issues faced by marginalized individuals in our society.

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As a Black woman living in a predominantly non-Black area, I grew up feeling underrepresented in the education system. I rarely saw teachers who looked like me, which made it hard to imagine myself in their roles. Adding to this challenge, I have a learning disability and was often underestimated in school. At one point, my Grade 10 science teacher even suggested I drop out, reinforcing the idea that I wasn’t “smart enough” to succeed academically.

However, despite these challenges, I encountered teachers who believed in me and pushed me to see my potential. One of these was my Grade 9 teacher, Mr. Hall. He later became a leader in the accessibility services at my school and was instrumental in helping me recognize my capabilities. His encouragement and belief in me inspired me to persevere and pursue education, ultimately shaping who I am today.

These experiences fueled my passion for teaching and my determination to defy the limitations others placed on me. Before pursuing my Bachelor of Education, I completed my Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification and have been a registered early childhood educator since 2021. In this role, I’ve had the privilege of supporting children during some of their most formative years.

One experience that stands out was working with a child from a Cantonese-speaking household. To ensure they felt included, I learned basic phrases from their parents, like asking if they needed water or were hungry. Over time, with consistent communication in both Cantonese and English, I watched this shy, reserved child blossom into a confident, talkative individual who was ready to take on kindergarten. Moments like these remind me of the profound impact educators can have on children’s lives, helping them grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.

In my current role in childcare, I’ve discovered the incredible value of sensory play and working with loose parts, particularly when supporting children with exceptionalities. Providing opportunities for sensory engagement not only encourages creativity but also supports the diverse needs of learners in a way that fosters their growth. I’ve seen firsthand how these materials can help children explore and learn through touch, sound, and movement, creating a safe space for curiosity and development.

As I transition into teaching students from kindergarten through Grade 6, I want to incorporate this hands-on, play-based approach into my classroom. Children learn best when they’re actively engaged, and I believe sensory play, loose parts, and other interactive activities are vital tools for making learning meaningful and enjoyable. While academics are important, I want my students to experience learning in a way that feels dynamic and tailored to their natural curiosity. I aim to move away from traditional, lecture-style teaching and instead focus on creating an environment where children can explore concepts through play that aligns with their developmental stage and curriculum goals.

I see teaching as a meaningful profession that shapes the minds of future generations. Additionally, as a Black woman, I understand the importance of representation in education. My presence in the classroom can serve as a powerful reminder to students of all backgrounds—especially those who may feel marginalized—that they matter and can achieve anything they set their minds to. I want to be the teacher who inspires students to see their worth, defy expectations, and chase their dreams, just as others did for me.

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Why do i want to be a teacher? - Reena M

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Why do i want to be a teacher? - Reena M

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Whenever someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my first answer was always a mom. Right after that, I’d say a teacher. I’ve always wanted to create a positive learning environment where kids feel supported, encouraged, and safe. I want to be someone they can look up to and turn to when they need guidance. I also think being a teacher is a great fit for me because I genuinely love helping others. There’s something so rewarding about being able to guide and inspire kids, especially during such an important stage in their lives. On a personal level, I also see how teaching would be a good balance for my own family one day. Having summers and holidays off, great benefits, and the chance to be actively involved in my own kids education is a big plus for me. Being a teacher combines everything I’m passionate about; helping others, being a role model, and creating a positive impact both in my future classroom and with my own family!