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From the Field
 

To teach or not to teach? That is the question..

After graduation, some of our graduates are fortunate to start an exciting career teaching in a classroom. Others may start their career path in work experiences closely-related to education.

Rima Khullar, 2011-12 B. Ed., is one of our graduates who is taking the the road less travelled and is working for the Ontario Ministry of Education. She tells us about her experiences at OISE and offers us a look into her journey in the field of education after graduation.

Rima Khullar,
2011-12 Bachelor of Education, Intermediate/Senior, Toronto East Cohort

What drew you to OISE?

OISE offers a myriad of meaningful opportunities for teacher candidates to make their experience professionally profound. Take full advantage of these opportunities; attend workshops, connect with faculty, network with professionals, engage in student life, and have fun with your practicum placements. OISE provides you with an open platform and accommodating support system to truly learn more about your educational identity. Make the most out of your journey, it goes by quick!

I was initially drawn to OISE’s unique practicum design, in which teacher candidates have the opportunity to work in three different placements. This allowed me to build more meaningful connections and experiences that truly did help me find work after graduation. This dynamic exposure helped me learn more about my interests and my educational identity. I encourage all prospective students to make the most out of their placements; be creative, volunteer, network with teachers and staff, and just have fun with it!

I was drawn to OISE’s final Internship component, which is entirely self-directed. Candidates have the opportunity to explore alternative placements in education, which can be situated at a school, a non-school site, or even internationally. I chose to pursue my final Internship at the Ministry of Education, which eventually developed into a more formal, long-term position from my initial role as an intern. OISE’s self-directed Internship is exceptionally dynamic; it challenges candidates to independently explore work in education they are interested in learning more about. I strongly advise prospective students to take advantage of their final Internship and customize it to your goals and emerging interests!
 

What did you learn about yourself at OISE?

During my time at OISE, I genuinely learned the importance of learning from one another. In a career such as teaching, we all bring such unique identities and creative ideas, in which we are encouraged to borrow and share. We are constantly learning from our mentors, our colleagues, and especially, our students. I learned that as a teacher, we are life-long learners.

My educational experience at OISE has empowered me to be both a risk-taker, and open-minded individual in my professional and educational endeavors. Through the support and guidance from faculty members, I have learned that it’s okay to explore new areas in education that interested me. I stepped outside of my previously fixed realm by completing my internship at a non-school site (Ministry of Education), and also pursuing Master-level studies at OISE, upon graduation.

In light of this, I have discovered the valuable utility of my Bachelor of Education degree in other aspects of education that is not necessarily limited to the classroom. I have recognized that there are many other alternatives to achieve my overarching passion to improve education in Ontario.

 

What did you do in the field of education after graduation?

After graduation, I was later hired at the Ministry of Education as a Project and Communications Assistant, and currently as an Education Officer. Along with this, I have been pursuing my Masters of Education at OISE as a full time student.

Despite the less favourable teaching employment context for teachers, I have learned from my OISE instructors that there are many avenues in education where teacher candidates can still continue to make a difference. Personally, I continued my involvement in education through my work at the Ministry.

One of my key projects was enhancing the EduGains website, helping teachers to access sound resources on assessment and evaluation. I also volunteered part-time at a community-learning centre because at times, I felt disconnected to the classroom.

I believe my involvement in education both at the macro and micro level demonstrates a balanced contribution towards Ontario’s education culture. I hope to explore more alternative avenues by hopefully teaching abroad in the near future. I truly do believe that OISE provides candidates with a platform to learn about broad-based career option in education

What advice would you give to future students?

One thing I will continue to advise all teacher candidates is to take meaningful advantage of the final alternative practicum, which is entirely self-directed. If candidates are slightly interested in exploring an area of education that has not been fulfilled in the two previous placements, learn more about it, and pursue it in the final one!

Throughout this whole journey, I have also learned the importance of networking. The employment context for teachers is uncertain; I have understood the value in building my own professional network. It is important to create a professional relationship with your Teacher Associate and respective staff members, keep in touch with your OISE peers, go to workshops and meet influential educators and academics in the field and especially connect and learn from your instructors.
 

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→  Read more about our Consecutive B. Ed. graduates in Meet our Students.