Education
“I want to foster a love of learning and inspire students to change the world in their own unique way.” – Taylor Martin
Taylor Martin says that hands-on research, an international practicum, and extensive classroom experience provided a rich learning environment to prepare her for a career as a teacher.
“I didn’t expect to get so many different experiences,” she said. “That’s been very eye opening. I’m leaving this program with a deeper understanding of how education is approached all over the world.”
Taylor was inspired to take part in an international practicum while studying with Dr. Laura Sokal, co-ordinator of UWinnipeg’s Germany International Practicum. In the spring of 2019, Taylor travelled to Eringerfeld, Germany to teach English to grade 9 and 10 students.
“It was really interesting and fun,” she said. “I was working in a school with Turkish immigrants and refugees, but it was in Germany, so for me it was a major culture shock because I was exposed to two cultures that I’d never experienced.”
She continued to do work closely with Dr. Sokal when she returned to Canada. As a research assistant, she studied the effects of animal-assisted activities, such as Doggo Days, on the well-being and mental health of university students.
“I was very lucky to get such a wide range of experiences,” she said. “I expected to be mostly working in public high school classrooms in Winnipeg, but I've had the chance to work in elementary and high school classrooms, public and private schools, and locally and abroad."
Taylor says teaching is a perfect fit, which became clear once she sat down with her high school guidance counsellor. The conversation opened her eyes to the idea that teaching could be a fulfilling career that would allow her to make an impact on future generations.
“As a teacher, I have the ability to make a difference in the lives of my students, who will go on to change the world in their own unique way.”
Advice to future students: “Start with what you’re interested in because that makes a world of difference.”
What is Education?
By blending theoretical knowledge with classroom practice, you’ll be ready to shape young minds and mentor a generation of leaders. In addition to preparing students for provincial certification, UWinnipeg’s unique program also focuses on urban and inner-city education, helping students make the transition to professional educators by providing the opportunity to work with teachers and children in real classrooms.
Make an impact
Do you remember your favourite teacher growing up? As an educator, you'll have the unique ability to make an impact on students’ lives that can last a lifetime. Whether you’re inspiring the next generation of scientists, sharing your love of sports as a physical education teacher, or teaching English overseas, there’s no limit to what you can do as an educator.
Career opportunities
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UWinnipeg faculty, students, and alumni are leaving their mark in the field of Education. Read their stories:
ACCESS Awards evening honours five graduates
UWinnipeg Education students teach in Germany
High schoolers design accessible products through empathic engineering
View Education Factsheet [PDF] | See Academic Calendar Information [PDF] | Visit Department Website