From students to educators: journeys of the class of 2026

Bachelor of Education graduates share their learning experiences.

group of students
Estimated Read Time:
6 minutes
Estimated Read Time:
6 minutes
By

Faculty of Education

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.

Nina Thach
 

Who or what had the most impact on you during your studies? 

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.

What are your plans for the future?

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

Do you have any advice for current or future B.Ed. students?  

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.

female student with grad cap holding diploma
Nina Thach [B.ED./2026]
I have accepted a permanent position teaching high school math and science starting this September. I am so excited to begin my career and for the opportunity to share my passion for these subjects in the classroom.

Nina Thach [B.Ed./2026]

Mathieu Cornborough
 

What was one of your top memories from your time at the Faculty of Education?

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.

What are your plans for the future?

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.

Do you have any advice for current or future B.Ed. students? 

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.

male on a rock near lake giving thumbs up
Mathieu Cornborough [B.Ed./2026|
I hope to be a French Immersion teacher in the Seine River School Division.

Mathieu Cornborough [B.Ed./2026]

Danielle Ostermann
 

What made you want to become a teacher?

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. 

Who or what had the most impact on you during your studies? 

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.

What are your plans for the future?

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.
 

female graduate wearing cap and gown
Danielle Ostermann [B.Ed./2026]
It is never too late to get your Bachelor of Education!

Danielle Ostermann [B.Ed./2026]

Anmol Ghuman
 

What was one of your top memories from your time at the Faculty of Education?

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!

What are your plans for the future?

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.

Do you have any advice for current or future B.Ed. students? 

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.

female student wearing glasses in front of bookshelf
Anmol Ghuman [B.Ed./2026]
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!

Anmol Ghuman [B.Ed./2026]

Hayden Brander
 

What made you want to become a teacher?

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.

What was your experience like in the Bachelor of Education program?

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.

Do you have any advice for current or future B.Ed. students?

Don't be afraid to try new things in your practicum experiences, and then discuss them with your classmates and faculty members.

male student wearing baseball hat
Hayden Brander [B.Ed./2026]
The relationships with other students, faculty, practicum advisors, and mentor teachers are so valuable as we grow into great teachers.

Hayden Brander [B.Ed./2026]

Linda Maclean
 

What made you want to become a teacher?

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.

Who or what had the most impact on you during your studies? 

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.

What are your plans for the future?

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.

female student wearing glasses
Linda Maclean [B.Ed./2026]
My plans for the future are to teach Kindergarten at my old elementary school. 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.

Linda Maclean [B.Ed./2026]

Boilerplate: Convocation

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.