Throughout all three of my practicums, from Grade 1 to Grade 5/6, I made it a priority to lead by example in how I interacted with students, colleagues, and the school community. No matter the grade level, I approached each day with professionalism, kindness, and integrity, ensuring that my students saw what it meant to be respectful, responsible, and fair.
In Grade 1, this meant modeling patience and empathy, showing my students how to communicate their feelings and solve problems in a positive way. With my Grade 5/6 class, I focused on fostering a sense of accountability and respect, encouraging open discussions and guiding students to think critically about their actions and choices. Across all my experiences, I was intentional about creating an environment where honesty and trust mattered—whether by admitting when I made a mistake, following through on my commitments, or treating every student with fairness and respect. By leading with integrity, I aimed to set the tone for a classroom where students felt safe, valued, and inspired to do the same.