My experiences as a student have shaped how I currently understand teaching and learning. One of the most influential people in my education was my high school English teacher. She consistently reminded me that I was more capable than I believed and pushed me to set higher expectations for myself. She also encouraged me to help other students, which helped me realize how much I enjoyed teaching and supporting others. Most importantly, she gave me confidence in my own abilities when I struggled to recognize them myself.
One of my most memorable learning experiences happened much earlier, when my elementary class read The Borrowers. After reading the book, our teacher asked us to use shoeboxes to recreate how we imagined the house from the story. I remember this experience because there was not one correct way to complete the activity. I was able to use my imagination, be creative, and demonstrate my understanding through hands-on learning.
This photo represents my metaphor for teaching: a teacher opens doors, but students choose which ones they walk through. This was inspired by both my elementary teacher allowing us to do this hands-on activity, as well as a trip I took to Vancouver last year, where I went to the Art Gallery at the same time as an elementary class. During this visit, I heard a teacher ask their students to draw their favourite exhibit. While most of the class gathered around the same piece, one student remained behind, interested in something completely different. To me, this represents an important part of teaching. Students enter the classroom with different interests, strengths, perspectives, and ways of learning.
I want to be a teacher who opens as many doors as possible by providing students with opportunities to explore, create, question, and discover what interests them. Just as my English teacher helped me recognize potential in myself, I hope to help students recognize their own abilities. Teaching is not about leading every student through the same door; it is about giving them the confidence, support, and opportunities to discover their own path.
*This is a photo from the Vancouver Art Gallery.*