From students to educators: journeys of the class of 2026
Bachelor of Education graduates share their learning experiences.
Bachelor of Education graduates share their learning experiences.
Becoming a teacher is rarely a single defining moment—it is shaped over time through relationships, challenges and moments of clarity. For the class of spring 2026, that journey was marked not only by what they learned, but by who they learned alongside. Supported by close-knit cohorts and inspired by mentors who modelled care, curiosity, and confidence, these graduates discovered their own approaches to teaching and the kind of educators they hope to become.
When I think back on my time in the Faculty of Education, what stands out most is the incredible instructors who supported my growth as an educator. Their expertise, experience, and passion for teaching inspired me as both student and teacher, and reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning.
I have accepted a permanent position teaching high school math and science starting this September. I am so excited to begin my career and to share my passion for these subjects in the classroom. I also hope to return to the University of Manitoba in the near future to pursue a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Education. Outside of my professional life, I am looking forward to travelling, taking time to relax, and spending quality time with my friends and family
Take the time to get to know your peers - whether it’s attending events, chatting in class, or grabbing lunch together, I encourage B.Ed. students to connect with each other. Having a group of people going through the same program as you with similar goals has made this experience so much more meaningful and enjoyable, and has given me a strong support system of teacher friends.
When we went on a mini "field trip" with my "Teaching French" class at the start of my second term to Direction des ressources éducatives françaises in St. Boniface, which was super useful. La DREF is full of teaching resources for French teachers to access and rent.
I hope to be a French Immersion teacher in the Seine River School Division. I've done a lot of subbing for that school division, and I've really enjoyed my time there. Being able to coach a football team for a school on top of all that would be the dream.
Enjoy it and make the most of it. Talk to your profs and don't be afraid to ask them questions or e-mail them for extra resources. The professors in this faculty are second to none. Talk with other students, get to know them in group projects, and you may make lifelong friends.
I grew up around teachers because my mom is a teacher. I started working as an Educational Assistant in the Winnipeg School Division for a couple of years, and then in St. James Assiniboia School Division for about 4 years after that, until I started my B.Ed. I struggled internally as a student growing up, as I went my whole life with undiagnosed ADHD until I was in my early 20's, and I wanted to be the teacher that I needed when I was a child.
First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge Neil Dempsey as one of the best instructors the faculty has to offer. I was someone who always said, "I can't do math, I'm not a math person," but Neil changed that - he made math make sense in ways that I wish I could have learned as a student. He treated us all as real teachers, rather than just students on a class list, and that is what made Neil stand out.
In September, I am teaching my "dream grade" 3 at the French immersion school where I was an educational assistant for roughly 4 years. Later on, I hope to pursue a Post-Baccalaureate in Education so that I can apply for a Special Education Teaching Certificate.
During practicum when I taught a lesson and the students were really engaged. I could see their confidence building throughout the activity. Seeing students excited to participate was a really meaningful moment for me. It reminded me why I wanted to become a teacher in the first place!
I’m excited to build meaningful connections with students and create engaging classroom experiences. In the future, I’d love to become a teacher that students remember as supportive, encouraging, and someone who helped them feel confident in themselves.
Don't be afraid to ask questions! Remember that you do not need to have everything figured out right away and that every experience can teach you something.
I always felt comfortable working in settings with kids around. After my first week or so in practicum, I knew I was in the right place. The relationships and connections you make in a classroom, and seeing how those relationships can make a kid's day better, is so rewarding.
I loved my time in the Faculty of Education. My cohort was truly the best, and I made friends that I will have for years to come. The relationships with other students, faculty, practicum advisors, and mentor teachers are so valuable as we grow into great teachers.
Don't be afraid to try new things in your practicum experiences, and then discuss them with your classmates and faculty members.
I was previously in the Bachelor of Nursing program at the university, but over time I realized it was no longer something I was truly passionate about. One of my advisors suggested that I look into education because of how much I enjoyed working with children.
Honestly, my entire cohort has had the biggest impact on my experience in this program. We’ve been close since starting the program together in September 2024, and throughout the journey, we’ve supported one another both academically and personally. We’ve truly become like a family.
My plans for the future are to teach Kindergarten at my old elementary school. I’m incredibly excited to be returning to my childhood school, as it truly feels like a full-circle moment for me. Being able to begin my teaching career in a place that played such an important role in my own education is very meaningful. In the future, I also hope to return to university to complete my post-baccalaureate degree and continue growing both personally and professionally as an educator.
UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. Many graduates recognized at Convocation will stay in Manitoba, supplying high-demand skills to the labour market and contributing to UM’s economic impact on our community.
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