Prior to enrolling at PACE, Thomas Estante was working in an inclusion support program in a child care centre, but he knew that he wanted to widen his skill set, and find work in a school setting.
“PACE helped me by giving me the tools of the trade—how to become a better educator in the school system,” says Estante. “They not only have real life situations given as examples but it was also a very visual and hands-on type of learning.”
Estante says the program came recommended by a friend, and he when he learned more, he discovered the flexible nature of the part-time program made it manageable with his schedule.
In his current job as an educational assistant with the Winnipeg School Division, Estante spends his mornings working one-on-one with a child who needs support and guidance with school work, and his afternoons with a group of students who are learning English as an additional language. “I thoroughly enjoy teaching them,” he says. “And helping them become more confident in their English skills, and their reading comprehension.”
Thomas Estante Speech and Language Educator Winnipeg School Division
Areej Tahboub is using the opportunities she received in PACE to help provide opportunities for others.
Areej arrived in Canada in 2013 and began working as a substitute educational assistant with Louis Riel School Division. Despite prior work as a teacher in her home country of Jordan, Areej found she lacked experience working with students who have learning disabilities. That, coupled with a desire to learn more about the Canadian school system, led her to seek out the advice of colleagues, who recommended she enroll in PACE’s Educational Assistant program.
Areej appreciated the engaging and accessible approach of her instructors, who often used interactive presentations and one-on-one instruction in place of traditional lectures. She found the most rewarding aspect of the program to be the practicum, which allowed her to translate the theoretical knowledge she gained into practical experience.
Areej gained from the program a better understanding of behaviour management and crisis intervention, and the staff at Louis Riel School Division has noticed her increased confidence when working with students. Her new skillset is also helping her prepare classroom projects and teaching materials.
Building on the lessons she’s learned at PACE, Tahboub now plans to further her education and become a full-time teacher.
I am a graduate of the Educational Assistant Diploma Program offered through the University of Winnipeg. I think one of the best features of this program is the instructors and staff. It was obvious that they really wanted to see their students succeed and worked hard to bring out our talents and confidence. The environment at the Buhler Centre was positive and inspiring. I liked that the program offered a practicum in my school division. It was instrumental in securing a job once I had finished the program. I started out in Nursery/Kindergarten at my practicum school immediately after completing the diploma program and thoroughly loved working with the little ones. However, always one to push myself, I received numerous phone calls to substitute at a high school level. I was hesitant at first, but I now realize that it was their height that intimidated me. I am now enjoying my second year at Kelvin High School and I've never been happier! I love working in the Winnipeg School Division where I have made lasting friendships with other staff within the division.
I knew I needed to make a change in my life for me and my son and to continue my education was the only way to make that happen. Following in the footsteps of my mother and sister-in-law, I chose to become an EA after seeing what a rewarding career it was for them. As a single mom, the Educational Assistant Diploma Program was a perfect fit for me! The program schedule worked well with daycare and I still had enough quality time to spend with my son at the end of each day. I am so grateful to everyone who supported me, at home and at The University of Winnipeg and would like to thank them for my success!
Nanci Potton Educational Assistant/Child Care Assistant Winnipeg School Division
As a recent graduate of the Educational Assistant Diploma Program it is extremely satisfying to apply what I learned in class to a school environment. I am currently working for the Winnipeg School Division, at École Sacré-Coeur and École Robert H. Smith, as an EA level B and C respectively. Having worked in daycare prior to attending the University I discovered both my passion for working with children, and the responsibility that we as adults have to nurture children to realize their fullest potential. I chose the University of Winnipeg as it has high academic standards, and its EA program is well respected by school divisions in the city. The courses have helped me to understand the numerous ways in which individuals think and learn, and therefore how best to modify my own approach to suit each child with whom I work. I have also learned invaluable tools to aid children who have learning disabilities, behavioural difficulties, as well as those who are physically, mentally, and/or emotionally challenged. In a classroom setting there are a multitude of different needs and as an EA I have the daily satisfaction of providing support to both teachers and students. I go home at the end of the day feeling that I have made a positive impact in the lives of others, and that I have truly made a difference... I can’t think of a greater reward for having chosen this challenging yet exciting new career path!
I am from West Africa. I am married and have three children. Two weeks after my arrival to Canada, I started working in a retail store in order to improve my English. As I am originally from a French speaking country my English level was low. I worked in retail for three years. I found that I was able to adapt quickly and efficiently to the Canadian culture and to many different working environments. My strong interpersonal skills and positive attitude have enabled me to integrate with my colleagues and customers and develop valuable friendships. I have become an effective communicator who learns by asking questions.
After the birth of my second child, I stayed at home for six years and received English instruction from my husband, an English teacher. I decided that I needed to go back to school in order to resume my career in the teaching field, rather than just drifting from one minimum wage job to another. With the help of EDGE Career, an Employment Assistance Service, and Employment Manitoba I decided to take the full time Educational Assistant Diploma Program at the University of Winnipeg. I successfully completed the program in February 2013. This was a wonderful opportunity and I came away with a great deal of new knowledge. I was fortunate enough to gain employment immediately in Winnipeg School Division.
Presently I am working every day at two schools and enjoying it very much. My future plan is to further my education and become a teacher as I was in my home country.
Faith Kamara Educational Assistant Winnipeg School Division
Just as staff at PACE supported her efforts to learning, Victoire is helping kids of every ability to flourish in school.
Victoire is working in her chosen career as an educational assistant after graduating from PACE in February 2014. Prior to enrolling she was working as a child care assistant in a daycare, but she had her eye on something more. Victoire’s sister told her about PACE’s full-time Educational Assistant Diploma. Originally from Ivory Coast, Victoire hesitated initially because of her developing English skills. With her sister’s encouragement she took courses to enhance her English, and was eventually accepted into the PACE program which left her feeling as nervous as she was excited.
Victoire says, thanks to the support she received from PACE’s staff and instructors, her nervousness quickly disappeared. With help she gained trust in herself, became comfortable studying hard, and eventually obtained her current educational assistant position with the Winnipeg School Division.
Victoire says she would recommend this program because it equipped her with knowledge of the many different challenges children face in school and with the skills to help them realize their full potential.
Victoire Digbe Educational Assistant Seven Oaks School Division
After working as a pharmacy technician for 22 years, I was faced with having to leave my job due to repetitive motion injuries I sustained at work. At the age of 49, I was extremely scared. I knew I would need to go back to school, but what could I do at my age?
I always wanted to be a teacher but I couldn’t go back to school for 5 years due to lack of finances. That’s when I decided to take the full time Educational Assistant course at the University of Winnipeg, PACE.
I had real mixed feelings about going back to school as I hadn’t attended school for many years. Could I study? Could I retain information and actually learn? I quickly learned that I could do all of those things!
The material was so interesting and the instructors were so engaging that the retaining and learning just came naturally. I loved all of the courses and it was really great to be taught about all the diverse ways students learn. The instructor’s way of teaching was an interesting combination of lectures, videos, games and presentations. They were always available to help if needed and encouraged everyone along the way. I am now employed as a part-time educational assistant in the Pembina Trails School Division and on my days off, I work on a casual basis in the Seven Oaks School Division.
Choosing this as my second career was an excellent choice for me. I am so glad that I took the training I needed to get to where I am today. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in becoming an educational assistant. I absolutely LOVE my job!
Angie Chabot Educational Assistant Seven Oaks School Division
I graduated from the Educational Assistant Diploma Program in 2011. Prior to doing this I worked in retail for ten years. I wasn’t satisfied with this profession, but I was fearful of doing something different. I wanted to do the program for over ten years, but never worked up the courage to actually do it. When I finally enrolled and was accepted, I was excited but still a little apprehensive. After all, it had been over fifteen years since I had graduated from high school. My experience in school hadn’t been ideal and I had come away with negative feelings about my abilities and my learning.
While I was in the Educational Assistant program, my eyes were opened to the wide range of learning disorders and needs that plague children these days. I had faced so many challenges as a child and felt that I would be able to relate and be able to assist children in my new role as an EA. During the program, I also gained confidence in my learning abilities. I realized that there are many different ways to learn. The instructors and staff in this program were extremely helpful. They provided assistance wherever needed, and did their best to ensure that we were successful in our studies. This positive experience whetted my appetite for learning. I plan to further my studies and have applied to the Faculty of Education. I am currently employed as a casual EA, working daily in the Seven Oaks School Division. I am really enjoying the experience and wish that I had done this a lot sooner.
Shonette Babb Educational Assistant Seven Oaks School Division
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