Submitted by Jade Bourbonnière, MNO Education and Training Operations Coordinator

teacherEric Seguin (back row, centre) with his students.

Ever since he was a child, Eric Seguin, who self-identifies as Métis, knew he wanted to become a teacher. During high school and university, Eric worked at a summer camp where he acquired a great deal of experience working with children, which strengthened his resolve to become a teacher.

To pursue his teaching career, Eric selected the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Education where its teacher education programs prepare students for both French and English schools in Ontario.

Eric received financial assistance from the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), which helped him afford tuition and books. Eric’s program included 10 weeks of hands-on real classroom experience with professional teachers.

Today, Eric is enjoying his dream career as a full-time Art and Gym teacher for the Conseil scolaire de district catholique du Centre-Sud in Toronto. The most rewarding aspect of his occupation is seeing young people succeed. When he walks into a classroom and the children are excited and smile back at him; he knows that what he is doing has a positive impact on their lives.

Eric is proud to have reached his aspirations and couldn’t be happier.