Shereen Abdou

After UTM, I went on to complete a Master of Arts in French Studies and I am currently a French Teacher at the Ottawa Catholic School Board.

How did you balance your time as a student? 

As a student, balance was everything! I look back on my time at UTM and I can confidently say that I enjoyed it fully. I was always focused on my studies while maintaining a part-time job, spending time with friends and being part of an Academic Society. Juggling all of it required planning and time management, but it wasn’t impossible.

How has your program in the Concurrent Teacher Education Program (CTEP) from UTM set you apart from your colleagues and peer? 

Being a part of the first graduating class of the Concurrent Teacher Education Program (CTEP), I was set apart from my colleagues and peers at UTM. This program was completely new when I first started at UTM in 2007, which came with its challenges, however, I was given the opportunity to observe students in their classrooms from my first year within the program. Taking teaching and learning courses (most of which were offered by the Department of Language Studies) prepared me in my journey to become a teacher, much earlier than many of my colleagues today. I entered the field with confidence and certainty of myself within the profession. Additionally, I was able to be a part of the Department of Language Studies and Historical Studies at the same time considering the two teachables I worked to achieve were French and History of Religions. This allowed me to meet my peers in different programs and learn from each other as we were on our journey toward different careers.

How is your major related to your current work? 

With a double major in French Teaching & Learning and History of Religions, I was able to become an Ontario Certified Teacher in both French and Religion at the Intermediate/Senior level. All the courses I took gave me real knowledge of the subjects and I continue to pass along this knowledge to my students. At one point, I was even able to combine both subject matters and teach Religion courses in French. Bringing these two worlds together was a dream that I never fathomed would happen while I was a student!

What would you look for if you were in the position to hire new graduates from UTM? 

The qualities required when hiring new graduates are persistence, dedication, and a true love for education. There is a need for Occasional Teachers at this time meaning new graduates will find opportunities in their job search. If I were in the position to hire new graduates, I would look for candidates who are willing and ready for anything that comes their way. I have taught a variety of grades from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and have also taught both in-person and online. I have learnt that there is no “one way to teach” and it is important to be flexible.