Hi, I'm Ethan Um
I'm an educator committed to helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. This portfolio shares my philosophy, classroom practice, and the impact of my work.
About Me
My name is Ethan Um, a teacher candidate at York University's Catholic Education Centre (CEC) cohort, working toward certification in the Primary/Junior division. During my undergraduate studies, I graduated with honours from Seneca Polytechnic with a Bachelor of Technology specializing in software development.
As an educator, my goal is to create a classroom where every student feels genuinely seen, valued, and capable. I believe that curiosity is one of the most powerful tools a young learner can have, and I am committed to nurturing it, whether through hands-on problem-solving, technology-integrated learning, or simply taking the time to meet each child where they are. My background in software development gives me a unique perspective in the Primary/Junior classroom, allowing me to make abstract thinking tangible and help students develop the critical skills they'll carry far beyond their school years.
My Philosophy
I believe students learn best in environments where they feel safe, challenged, and valued. My instruction blends clear routines, active learning, and frequent feedback to support all learners — meeting them where they are and pushing them toward where they can be.
Strong relationships are the foundation of everything. When students trust their teacher and feel a sense of belonging, academic growth follows naturally.
9 Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcome #1
Actively engage in the work of the school and classroom to understand the role of stakeholders in creating and sustaining engaging, inclusive, safe, and equitable learning environments.
Demonstrations of Understanding
- Develop communication strategies and tools with families, school faculty, staff, and community.
- Support school and community initiatives, capacity building, and student voice.
- Participate beyond the teaching day in meetings, extracurriculars, and school activities.
- Maintain a practicum binder detailing policies, routines, safety procedures, and priorities.
Learning Outcome #2
Demonstrate a professional manner aligned with the Ontario College of Teachers Standards of Practice and Ethical Standards.
Demonstrations of Understanding
- Uphold OCT standards and review OCT professional advisories.
- Demonstrate punctuality, professional attire, confidentiality, and respectful interactions.
- Maintain equity-focused, non-judgmental communication with students, families, and colleagues.
- Engage in ongoing professional learning and document growth in a portfolio.
Learning Outcome #3
Develop professional relationships with students, teachers, other teacher candidates, school staff, parents, and others.
Demonstrations of Understanding
- Engage in professional dialogue with mentors, staff, and teacher candidates.
- Exhibit a positive attitude toward all members of the school community.
- Participate in co-curricular activities and focused professional communication.
Learning Outcome #4
Actively engage 100% of the school day in the work of the school to support student learning.
Demonstrations of Understanding
- Under mentor direction, support individual, small-group, and special-needs learners.
- Co-plan and co-teach with the mentor teacher.
- Keep a daily professional journal and learning log in a practicum binder.
- Observe classes and ask questions about programming across the school.
Learning Outcome #5
Reflect on how school structures, including physical environment and activities, impact student learning.
Demonstrations of Understanding
- Create a reflection log with observations, thoughts, and wonderings.
- Connect observations to theories of learning and classroom artifacts.
- Analyze school cadence, transitions, and broader equity and inclusion themes.
Learning Outcome #6
Reflect critically on links between theory and practice in Ontario schools.
Demonstrations of Understanding
- Use a journal or anecdotal notes to highlight theory-practice connections.
- Engage in open-ended inquiry and document insights with portfolio evidence.
Learning Outcome #7
Investigate learning from a micro-level perspective in support of individual and small-group learners.
Demonstrations of Understanding
- Create, implement, and reflect on targeted learning engagements.
- Connect inquiry and classroom evidence to relevant coursework assignments.
- Document insights and evidence for your professional portfolio.
Learning Outcome #8
Observe and reflect on the impact of Ontario Ministry policy and documentation on learners and school environments.
Demonstrations of Understanding
- Collect examples of policy in action across classroom and school spaces.
- Investigate and document insights with evidence for portfolio reflection.
Learning Outcome #9
Observe and reflect on the impact of strategies and resources on learners.
Demonstrations of Understanding
- Document lessons and activities involving varied tools and instructional strategies.
- Reflect on how planning, assessment, timing, and resources shape learning impact.
- Record inquiry evidence and implications for future instruction.
Photo Gallery
Classroom moments, celebration days, and daily learning scenes captured throughout my practicum placements.
Get in Touch
Whether you're a fellow educator, a faculty advisor, or a school administrator, I'd love to connect. Feel free to reach out with questions, feedback, or opportunities to collaborate.
eum@my.yorku.ca