At SJS, our faculty are the heart of every inspiring lesson, every spark of curiosity and every moment of discovery our students experience, and their impact doesn’t stop there. They’re also shaping the next generation of educators.
Each year, SJS welcomes teacher candidates completing their practicum or fieldwork experience. These aspiring educators bring a burst of fresh ideas and energy, along with a student’s-eye view of learning. Guided by our experienced faculty, they not only grow as teachers but also enrich our students’ experience—offering new perspectives, extra attention and a real-world example of lifelong learning in action.
Collaborative Mentorship
Having a teacher candidate in the classroom benefits everyone. As they collaborate with our skilled faculty, candidates contribute new approaches or teaching perspectives that can enrich the learning environment. The spirit and value of mentorship models lifelong learning not only for the candidates but for our students as well, who witness firsthand what it looks like to grow, reflect and adapt as a professional.
The teacher candidates serve as relatable role models for our students, especially those in the Senior School. They are still connected to their own high school experience and navigating through university life—something that many of our students aspire to themselves. For students it’s an example of a potential career path in action and a reminder that there is much more to be experienced beyond SJS.
The additional supervision also means students get further individualized attention. As teachers at the end of their four-year program, the teacher candidates have the training and expertise that makes them ready to jump in and contribute to the classroom.
Building Empathy and Community
Bringing a new teacher into the classroom also encourages students to be more empathetic and inclusive. Students play an important role in welcoming someone new to their learning space and offering them respect and compassion. This in turn teaches students what it means to build community and extend kindness.
Teacher Candidate Indira, who begins her first full-time placement in February, said after her initial visit to SJS: “I’m excited to meet people and be a part of the community. There’s a big family vibe here. The students know the teachers and the teachers know all the students down the hallway. It’s really nice to see.”
That sense of connection and community is something we pride ourselves on at SJS and resonates with everyone who walks through our doors.
The IB Experience
As an IB School, SJS also offers teacher candidates the opportunity to experience an internationally recognized approach to teaching and learning. For many candidates this may be their first experience with the IB framework, and it often leaves a lasting impression.
Catarina, a UBC student completing her fieldwork course in Term 1 with Mr. Deans, shared her thoughts:
“The IB Programme is a new and welcome experience for me. The IB’s focus on teaching students to understand what’s going on behind the music is really important. It changes the whole game and enhances the understanding of the instrument they’re playing. I think the IB is a really well-rounded way of looking at music.”
Through their SJS experience teacher candidates gain insight into the inquiry-based learning and global perspectives that are integral to the IB programmes. These skills will serve them well wherever their career takes them. Though we often see familiar faces as teacher candidates return to SJS either as teachers-on-call or as staff such as Ms. Van Inwegen, who joined our faculty after her practicum three years ago.
The Legacy of Great Teaching
One thing that becomes clear when speaking with our teacher candidates is the role that their own teachers played in inspiring their paths. Every candidate can point to a mentor or teacher who inspired their love of a subject or sparked an interest in becoming a teacher.
That kind of impact is something our SJS faculty demonstrate every day. Whether it’s leading an early morning co-curricular, organizing school-wide events or simply showing up with energy and care, our faculty model the kind of presence and professionalism that shapes lives. Their mentorship doesn’t just influence our students, it shapes the future of education.
