The semester has given me wonderful gifts to nurture, while also presenting some challenges along the way where I had to question what I thought I knew about education and what kind of teacher I may want to be. This semester opened up my mind to new ideas and revealed histories and epistemologies that I was not taught during my K-12 schooling. The darker and upsetting past in Canada’s education system and society as a whole was difficult to hear, but necessary to confront. All educators must know the dark history and inequitable realities of education so we can go into the classrooms with clear philosophies and intentions. All of these experiences made us teachers aware that this is a serious job that is more than a nine-to-five commitment. Teaching is more than lesson planning and assessments. Being a teacher is a heavy responsibility in educating and shaping our future society, and that cannot be taken lightly.

I also learned a lot about myself in terms of who I am and how I value myself and my knowledge. I used to struggle with saying I am a musician, a teacher, and educator, etc. I hadn’t felt that I was deserving of these titles yet because I am still learning and did not feel like an “official” musician, teacher, etc. However, I now see that I will always be learning in these roles, and that does not take away from the knowledge I have and the value I bring to my role. I need to see myself in this way and be more confident in my personal value and achievements.

I am excited to go into my EDUC 401/2 semester and short practicum with the foundations that EDUC 400 supplied me with. I feel grounded in my beliefs and my knowledge, now it is time to work on my skills and put everything into practice!