Professional Identity: Who am I as a developing professional?

My professional journey started in Ukraine where I was born and received my primary and higher education. When I was in grade 5 I already knew I wanted to be a teacher. I had a passion for learning different languages, traveling around the world and educating young minds. In a few years, I completed my B.A. in Philology and gained experience working with children in a variety of fields. And although I was doing what I loved, I still saw myself teaching somewhere abroad and wanted to explore the world and broaden my outlook.  I was curious to learn different learning practices and methods of teaching, gain new knowledge and skills and potentially find a place to live and work that would speak to my heart.

When I moved to Canada, I decided to pursue my dreams of becoming a teacher and continued my studying at UBC. I chose to study and adopt a Montessori way of teaching and fell in love with this philosophy. Montessori is a child-centered approach that allows for differentiation and a freedom of choice. It’s famous for its beautiful Montessori materials, hands-on learning and inquiry. In about 11 months, the UBC program transformed me not only as a teacher but also as an individual. I’ve learned how to plan units and lesson plans for 3 different grades according to BC New Curriculum, differentiate my instruction, support students with a variety of needs and most-importantly follow a child. My experiences in Canada has been absolutely different than on the other side of the world and I could tell that this country shaped me and helped me become the best version of myself.

What have I learned from this year? What have I learned about inquiry?

1. Listen to your heart.
2. Follow your dreams and do what you are passionate about.
3. Be a risk-taker and think outside the box.
4. Do not forget who you are as a person.

My Philosophy of Teaching

I am passionately dedicated to the education of a diverse range of students by establishing a positive and productive learning environment that fosters and promotes the academic potential and social well-being of all students. My goal is to positively influence my students by showing them a good example and passion for life-long learning and improving. When I teach, I make sure that every student has a freedom of choice, is actively engaged and interested in learning. I teach lessons based on inquiry and Montessori principals of learning by differentiating each lesson to my students’ strengths, weaknesses, and interests.

Professional Growth Plan

What are my strengths?

• A desire to teach and a passion for life-long learning and improving
• A creative and experimentational spirit
• A strong sense of community

What am I working to improve? 

• Supporting students with a diverse range of needs in the classroom
• Languages
• Indigenous ways of teaching and learning

Where will my learning take me next? 

• Master’s degree
• Further Montessori training