Rebecca Adams. Photo: Haley Walton
EDIBLE SITS DOWN WITH REBECCA ADAMS
Psychology, English and Education at York University
Nicholas Catania, News Director
Why did you choose to become a teacher?
I began teaching as an instructor in Martial Arts at a young age, and I was inspired by the enthusiasm of the community I was teaching in. The most important moment within that experience that made me consider teaching as a career was when I worked with a student who had Asperger's Syndrome. Their determination and unique way of thinking taught me a lot about teaching, and I realized how interesting and exciting it was to see a student progress and change when encouraged and listened to.
What do you value most about York’s education program?
What I value most about York's education program are the students and staff within the program who have helped me grow personally and as a teacher.
Describe your own personal pedagogy. What does this mean to you?
I find that my personal pedagogy is to always be adaptable to the students and their needs, and to always try to provide a safe and effective learning environment in any way I can. This means to give the students a lot of opportunities to become independent and work together to find how they learn best. I feel that is extremely important to teach in a way that also shows students the relevance of the curriculum they are learning, and give students ways to explore this relevance so that it captures their interest and creativity.
If you could provide insight into becoming a teacher, what advice would you give based on your experience thus far?
My advice for anyone considering teaching would be to begin working with students in any way they can, and to take the time to observe how these students are learning as individuals and as a class. If you grow to become passionate about their progress and successes, big and small, then definitely consider teaching. I would also advise them to be in constant reflection as teachers about how they are developing, because I feel that this has really helped me to make this decision myself. Talking to other experienced teachers who are from different teaching experiences can also be a very useful insight, and this can really broaden your horizons and realize all the opportunities for teach outside the classroom setting as well!
