A recent news story about the ongoing teacher shortage in Ontario really made me rethink my role as an educator and founder of a tutoring company. Many students are now facing larger class sizes, split classes, or inconsistent instruction due to vacancies, which can make it harder for them to stay engaged and confident in their learning. As the founder of a tutoring company, this has shifted my focus even more toward providing personalized, consistent support. We help students catch up on missed content, reinforce their skills, and build confidence, filling some of the gaps caused by the shortage. It's reinforced for me how critical it is to provide stability and meaningful connections for every student, especially when classroom resources are stretched thin.
I saw a teacher greet each student at the door with a unique handshake or gesture. It struck me as powerful—making every child feel recognized in their own way. It reminded me that small, personal rituals can build strong bonds and make learning spaces feel safe and welcoming.