Hello, my name is Jessica and I am a student in the faculty of education in the Imagination, Creativity and Innovation cohort at the University of Ottawa. I did my undergraduate degree at Carleton University where I majored in psychology and minored in French.
Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to become a teacher for young children at the primary/junior level. In the past, I have expressed my love for helping others and working with young children through several placements in an elementary school. However, I gained the majority of my experience in teaching through my job as a gymnastics coach. In my opinion, teaching is the most rewarding job and I cannot imagine doing anything else in the future. Right from the beginning of kindergarten, teachers are some of the strongest influences in the lives of many children at such a critical period in their development. It is the teachers that teach the children the basics and encourage their curiosity. In turn, this gives children all the necessary tools to succeed in the world and achieve great things. Their sense of accomplishment and gratitude attained while learning is infectious and I cannot get enough of that feeling. I have always looked up to teachers ever since I was in elementary school and my desire to learn new things has never ceased.
As I am only just beginning to embark on my journey of self-discovery in my teaching career, I am not quite sure of who I am as a teacher just yet. Therefore this professional space will allow me to collaborate with other more experienced teachers and share my ideas with the world. All in all, I am beyond excited about all the teaching opportunities that await me in the near future!!