Teachers and students learn together
The best teachers do more than just teach; they inspire young minds, ignite passions and instill a love of lifelong learning.
And, in many cases, their own positive experiences in school are what encouraged them to become the transformative forces that each new generation needs in the field of education. Such was the case for both Tiff Pino and Jackie Sernowski.
“I loved being part of teams and found myself gravitating into leadership and captain roles where I could help guide and motivate others to do their best,” says Pino, who has been teaching for 14 years and is currently a High School Graduation Coach at the School of Alternative Education within the Edmonton Catholic School District. “I had an amazing experience in my own high school being part of athletics, drama productions and several school groups, and I wanted to create those opportunities for others.”
Opportunities, according to Pino, that include character-building in students and making their school experience more than just about the academics.
“I love meeting students and helping them set and achieve goals while letting them know that, if things are rough now, we have the resources to help them get better,” she says. “It’s also awesome to see the excitement they can have when learning new facts and skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.”
For Sernowski, who teaches Grade 6 at Baturyn Elementary School in Edmonton’s north end, her inspiration came in the form of a teacher who believed in her at an early age.
“I became a teacher because I was inspired by my own Grade 3/4 teacher,” she says. “He made me feel loved, important and cared about.”
This sentiment is echoed by many in the field of education, who often incorporate the best qualities of their own educators in their teaching style today.
“The relationships I build with my little ones are integral pieces of my life,” Sernowski says. “And I want them to know that I believe in them and their potential, and that they should always persevere, even on days when they don’t feel like doing so.”
And while Sernowski seeks to empower her students each day, they might be surprised to know that they, too, serve as inspirations for her.
“Teaching has changed me in more ways than I can count,” she says of the students that have helped her to continually grow as a person and an educator. “I used to lack confidence in my abilities; however, I’ve learned that resiliency, dedication and believing in yourself can help you to move through life’s obstacles.”
For Pino, whose students are between the ages of 15 and 20 and are hoping to receive a non-traditional, selfpaced way of completing high school, she often finds it can be more than just a basic education they’re seeking.
“My most rewarding experiences always include a student that may feel alone, afraid or different, and then helping them find a place that is safe and welcoming in my classroom where they can be themselves without judgement,” she says. “We want them to know their diversity is valued and appreciated.”
Experiencing the reward of everyday moments with her students has also reinforced to Sernowski the importance of reaching out to children and witnessing their progress over time.
“My favourite things about teaching are my students and the ability to be creative,” she says. “But to have the chance, every day, to reach each and every child on an academic and emotional level is really something special.”