In Conversation With: Ethan Bishop Middle School Faculty

Q. What is your educational background? 

I studied at the University of Toronto for both my undergraduate and teaching degree. Before entering teacher’s college, I commuted to McMaster where I studied history and received my master’s degree.

Q. What are four adjectives that best describe yourself?

Curious, dedicated, humourous, and encouraging.

Q. What is something you are proud of when it comes to teaching?

Trying to create an encouraging environment. I know not everyone is going to have the same level of interest in what I teach, but I hope that they enjoy being in my classroom. I have spent almost my entire life at school and I want my students to feel the same enjoyment for school, however long they spend in one.

Q. What is it that drew you to teaching?

When I applied to teacher’s college I was working part time as a goalie coach, training aspiring hockey players. I enjoyed coaching and the opportunity to make practice fun. Ultimately, I was drawn to teaching because I knew there was the same opportunity for fun working with students, and that I could also have a good excuse to learn and read along the way.

Q. What does inter-disciplinary learning mean to you and how do you incorporate this into your teaching?

I see interdisciplinary learning as validating the principle that everything is interconnected. In history, we talk a lot about causation and deducing how a range of factors lead to a historical event. In much the same way, interdisciplinary learning recognizes that learning isn’t siloed into neat categories, and that projects that incorporate a range of subjects are the most authentic.

Q. What was one highlight from the past year (something academic, a trip, project or experience)?

From the standpoint of being impressed by the analysis and imagination of the Grade 8 class, reading their comparative essays about visual storytelling was a highlight. In terms of seeing students take initiative and take pride in their work, the Change the Bill project where students showcased $20 bill designs produced by the Native Women’s Association honouring Indigenous Women was meaningful.

Q. What interests do you pursue outside of the classroom?

I’m interested in cooking and baking so I spend a lot of my spare time reading recipes and making things with my daughter. I’m also fascinated by exercise and nutrition and enjoy listening to podcasts about exercise and nutrition research. The second interest helps balance the first.

Q. What is something most people don’t know about you?

I enthusiastically participated in science fairs in Middle School. Only a few past students have managed to uncover a couple of cringey pics from this era.

Q. What is the best thing about your job?

The people. The staff and students at Pickering College are the main reason I love what I do.

Q. If you weren’t following this particular career path, what would you be doing?

Learning about urban design with an aim to make more inviting and walkable communities. I grew up reading Consumer Reports so I would also pursue writing reviews to help people make informed decisions and encourage companies to develop better products.