Carly Grandberg working to be like the teachers that inspired her teaching dreams

Carly Grandberg has always dreamed of being a teacher. Now having completed two student-teaching practicums with the Faculty of Education, she attributes many of her positive experiences in the classroom to the educators that inspired her as a kid.

Meet Carly: Caring. Empathetic. Hardworking
Hometown: Calgary, Alta.
Program: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education | Major: Social Studies Education

I have taken inspiration from every teacher that has ever taught me. I have loved the way they've created a safe and caring environment for me and all my classmates. I continue to be inspired by teachers everywhere that are working hard to make learning a positive experience for students.

What are three unique things/facts about yourself?

1. In my free time, I love cooking, and lately, I’ve been into trying new soup recipes.
2. During the winter, I enjoy skiing and spending time in the mountains.
3. In my second year of university, I joined Troyanda, the Ukrainian dance group in Lethbridge. I now look forward to my Wednesday nights dancing with my friends. Dance has always been a significant part of my life, and I’m grateful to continue it in my university years.

Why did you choose to pursue Education at the University of Lethbridge?

Ever since I was little, I dreamed of becoming a teacher. That passion led me to the University of Lethbridge right after high school, where I’ve been pursuing a career in education. I knew that Lethbridge had a very respected education program and would provide me with the skills to become the best teacher I could possibly be. I am so grateful for the community of friends and mentors that I have created in my past four years. The University of Lethbridge is a place I hold extremely close to my heart, and I would not change it for anything.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

When I was little, I looked up to every single one of my teachers as a role model; they were the people I wanted to become. From the time I realized what a teacher was and what they did, I dreamed of being a teacher. I, like many other young kids, had a whiteboard hung in my room, a blanket as my carpet, an attendance sheet full of crooked columns and a coffee cup full of water. This was my pretend classroom. Growing up I would analyze teachers’ classrooms and say to myself, “this is what I want to have in my classroom one day.”

Did you know what you wanted to study before you came to ULethbridge? Has your academic plan changed since you began your studies?

I went into university excitied about teaching but was not super passionate about any subject in particular. However, throughout my four years I have gained a huge appreciation for the social sciences. History, political science and sociology are just a few of the disciplines I loved. When I took my curriculum course with Aaron Stout in my PS II, I gained a greater appreciation for teaching students the voices and perspectives that come with the opportunity of teaching social studies.

How have your professors or instructors impacted your education? Are there any faculty members who have made a big impact on your time at ULethbridge?

During my time at the university Dr. Sandy Bakos has become an extremely special mentor and resource in my teaching career. She was my PS I university consultant, where she supported and encouraged me and drove me to be the best teacher I could be. She is still a person I turn to when I need support or guidance. You can just tell based on her stories and the way she teaches that she believes in her students. I would always leave her class, whether it was my curriculum class in PS I or math for non-majors, with a greater passion for teaching.

During my PS II I had the privilege of having Dr. Chris Mattatall as my Education Psychology professor. His depth of knowledge inspired me and instilled in me a greater passion for teaching. I am extremely grateful for all the tools and strategies I took away from his course.

What excites you most about becoming a teacher?

I excited to make relationships with students and become a person they know they can trust and turn to. I hope my classroom is a space where students feel loved and welcomed for who they are. I hope that each one of my students leaves my classroom knowing that they are capable of great things, no matter what that looks like.

What piece of advice would you give to future Faculty of Education students?

A piece of advice I would give to future students is to enjoy the moment and appreciate where you are at — the Faculty of Education at ULethbridge is a great community. Do not be afraid to lean on your peers for support, and most of all, believe in yourself. You worked hard to get into the Faculty of Education, and you are here for a reason. You deserve to be a student here so do not get caught up comparing yourself to other students.

What are your hopes/plans for the future?

I hope that once I graduate in 2026, I can spend a couple years teaching abroad and exploring the world before I settle down in a local school district.