When Haileigh Joiner was planning her future career, she knew she was destined for the classroom.

Growing up in a close-knit community in Northern Ontario, she never felt different in her school environment, despite having achondroplasia dwarfism. Instead, she was surrounded by supportive teachers who nurtured her love for learning and peers who saw her as just another student.

This welcoming atmosphere gave her the confidence to pursue a concurrent education program in psychology and early childhood education (ECE) with the Faculty of Education.

Fast forward five years, and Joiner has now completed her coursework and is eagerly awaiting graduation. When reflecting on the educators who inspired her, the first person who came to mind was her mother.

“She was an elementary teacher for many years, and although she was never my schoolteacher, she was always my best teacher in life and had such a passion for teaching,” Joiner shared.

Recently completing her final teaching placement in a Grade 1 classroom with her associate teacher Kristen Sawyer at Evergreen Heights Education Centre, she said the experience confirmed it is the grade she wants to teach when she becomes a full-time teacher.

“I am passionate about building the foundations of literacy in young students,” Joiner said. “In Grade 1, students are developing independence, but they still need guidance from a loving teacher.”

Joiner describes her most rewarding moment in the classroom as returning to a school where she had completed a previous placement.

“When I returned, the students from my previous Grade 4 class showered me with love and excitement,” said Joiner. “That was a full-circle moment for me, reminding me why I chose this career. The funny part is that they are the ones teaching me. The greatest gift I could ask for is to be constantly learning and growing as a teacher. If I can brighten a child’s day, even just a little, then I have achieved everything I hoped for.”

Joiner believes in making lessons fun and engaging by always putting students first.

“I always think about the students before my own preferences when planning a lesson. If I hear them talking about something they’re interested in, I try to find ways to incorporate that into math or science. Engaging them in what excites them is the best way to help them learn.”

Joiner hopes to inspire her students by being a role model for diversity and inclusion.

“As a child, I never saw much dwarfism represented in the real world,” she shared. “I love when kids are curious and ask me questions. They’ll ask things like, ‘Why are you so short?’ or ‘How come your bones don’t grow?’ I never shut down their curiosity. Instead, I use it as an opportunity to teach them that everyone is different and unique.

“Meaningful connections help children develop empathy and understanding, and if I can help spread awareness, I’ll consider that an impact worth making."

For those that have taught, inspired or mentored in the classroom, Joiner wanted to share a few words of appreciation.

“You have the hardest yet most important job in the world. Your students need a teacher who is rooting for them. Some days may be exhausting, but at the end of the day, you are shaping the lives of many children. Thank you for what you do.”

With her passion, dedication, and commitment to fostering inclusivity in the classroom, Joiner is excited to continue creating meaningful connections with her students, helping them build confidence, and making learning an engaging and supportive experience for all.

Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5 to 9, is a time to express gratitude to the educators who inspire, guide, and shape the future generations.