Maryam Cheema
Being a mother of three boys, ranging from the ages of 3 years to 9 years, I have many years of first-hand experience with children from Infants to toddlers and up to school-aged. Before having my children, I initially went to York University for a Children's Studies program, where I was put in the field to assist teachers with children who needed support with reading and math in the primary grades. After graduating from York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, I started the next chapter of my life by getting married and having children. My three boys have given me experiences that I could have never imagined. Their curiosity and determination in figuring out how the world around them works amaze me. I am also a special needs mom to my son who has autism. Navigating this world with him and for him has been another experience on its own. The amazing way he navigates through technology and other everyday activities makes me in awe. My children have given me a completely different sense of responsibility and taught me that patience, understanding and empathy are the keys to navigating this world and succeeding. Their mighty brains have opened up a new perspective and how I see the world around us.
I have also recently started a position with the Toronto District School Board as an Emergency Response Person. In this role, I have supplied in many classrooms and have worked with children in Primary and Junior grades. During my days I go from discussing classwork and assisting with any questions that the children may have to also help children problem-solve inside and outside the classroom. We work together with other educators and parents to ensure that our children succeed not only academically but socially, and emotionally and in developing essential life skills as well.
I have also recently started a position with the Toronto District School Board as an Emergency Response Person. In this role, I have supplied in many classrooms and have worked with children in Primary and Junior grades. During my days I go from discussing classwork and assisting with any questions that the children may have to also help children problem-solve inside and outside the classroom. We work together with other educators and parents to ensure that our children succeed not only academically but socially, and emotionally and in developing essential life skills as well.
After completing my Early Childhood Education program at Humber Polytechnic, I hope to secure a position within the school board as a Designated Early Childhood Educator (DECE). In this role, I am deeply committed to supporting educators in creating inclusive, engaging, and meaningful learning environments where every child feels valued, respected, and supported. Inclusivity is extremely important to me, and I strive to ensure that all children, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or needs, have equal opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. I plan to apply the knowledge and hands-on experience I have gained through my ECE studies and field placements to bring responsive, inclusive, and innovative practices into the classroom. I aim to help create environments that not only support learning but also foster a strong sense of belonging, where children feel safe to explore their identities and abilities.
Looking ahead, my long-term goal is to become a certified teacher. I have been accepted into a Master’s program that will bridge into a Bachelor of Education, which I will begin in September 2026. This next step will allow me to further develop my skills in inclusive education and expand my ability to advocate for equitable learning environments within the education system. As a parent of a child with special needs, inclusivity is not just a professional goal but a personal commitment. My lived experience has strengthened my passion for creating classrooms that celebrate diversity, promote empathy, and teach children that differences are not barriers but strengths. I am dedicated to fostering a culture where every child is seen, heard, and appreciated for who they are.
Land Acknowledgement
I acknowledge that I live and study on the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples in Toronto, Ontario. As an Early Childhood Education student at Humber Polytechnic and an aspiring teacher deeply committed to inclusivity, I honour the original stewards of this land and their knowledge of community, children, and environment, which inspires my work to create equitable, welcoming classrooms for every child.