September 21st, 2026
By Joshitha, a WRDSB secondary studentl
When I first began my co-operative education course placement as part of the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) Summer Enhancement Program I was very excited, but also a little nervous. I knew I wanted to gain experience working in a school environment since becoming an elementary school teacher has been my goal for a long time. I can definitely say this co-op placement has been one of the most important learning experiences I’ve ever had.
Throughout my placement, I had the chance to work with teachers and support students in a variety of ways. My job included preparing the classroom each day, organizing activities for the students, helping them during lessons and supporting teachers wherever I could. Every day was different, which made the co-op placement interesting and helped me become more adaptable and confident in new situations.
One of the most rewarding parts of this job was making connections with the students. Whether it was helping them understand a worksheet, participate during classroom discussions, or simply being another supportive person in the classroom, I saw that even the smallest moments can have a big impact. It reminded me why I want to become a teacher.
This co-op also helped me learn important work skills I know I will use in the future. I strengthened my communication skills by working with teachers and students every day. I learned how important patience, flexibility, teamwork, and taking initiative are in the workplace.
The teachers created such a welcoming space, answered my questions and helped me learn. I got a better understanding of the many considerations that go into creating a welcoming and supportive classroom.
Overall, this placement proved that teaching is the career I want to pursue. I am grateful to the WRDSB Summer Enhancement Program, the teachers, and the students for making this such a meaningful experience. I would tell any student who is considering a co-op course to take the opportunity. It is such an amazing way to gain real experience, build confidence, and learn more about yourself and your future goals.
By Jayden, a WRDSB secondary studentl
During my co-op course placement as part of the Summer Enhancement Program, I had the opportunity to support student learning as a classroom assistant. Going into this experience, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect.
Since the program is designed for students attending Summer Learning, I knew I would be working with students who all had different strengths, challenges, and ways of learning. I quickly realized that every day would be different, and that is what made the experience so valuable.
I had the opportunity to work with both younger and older elementary students. The younger students made a real impression. Being greeted every morning with an excited “good morning” made me realize how much of an impact small acts of kindness can have. Those moments made me excited to come in every day and reminded me how important it is to make every student feel seen and supported.
My role was helping students with their learning, answering questions, reading with them, and assisting with classroom activities. I learned that every student is different. Some students understand things right away, while others need a different explanation or a little more encouragement.
This placement taught me that there isn’t one way to teach or help someone learn. Being patient, listening, and finding new ways to explain things can make a huge difference. I also grew a lot myself. My communication skills, confidence, initiative, and ability to work with others all improved. I became more comfortable speaking with students, teachers, and other staff members. I learned how important it is to take initiative to step in and help without always being asked.
Before this placement, I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do after high school. Now, I’m confident that I want to work with children or teenagers in the future. I don’t know exactly what career I’ll choose yet, but this experience showed me that helping young people learn and grow is something I’m passionate about.
Looking back at my co-op course placement, it has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. I came in hoping to gain experience, but I left with new skills, amazing memories, and a much better idea of where I see myself in the future.
By Labeena, a WRDSB secondary studentl
This summer, I had the opportunity to complete my co-operative education course placement as a Student Support Assistant at the WRDSB Summer Enhancement Program. I chose this placement because I have always enjoyed working with children and wanted to gain first-hand experience in an elementary school while exploring a career in education.
I worked alongside several teachers to support students during classroom activities, prepare learning materials, work one-on-one and in small groups, and help create a positive and welcoming learning environment. Every day brought new experiences that gave me a better understanding of the effort that goes into teaching. I quickly learned that being an educator requires patience, flexibility, organization, and the ability to meet the needs of every student.
One of the most memorable parts of my placement was working with Grade 6, 7 and 8 Multilingual Language Learner (MLL) students. This experience was completely new for me and challenged me to think differently about communication. To help navigate language barriers, we often used tools such as Google Translate, visual examples, and enhanced explanations. Through this experience, I learned that effective teaching is about adapting to students’ individual needs and finding different ways to help every student.
Another highlight of my placement was learning from the teachers I worked alongside. They shared their knowledge, provided feedback, and demonstrated how to build positive relationships with students while creating an inclusive classroom. By watching their dedication and ability to adapt to different learning styles I learned valuable lessons that I hope to carry forward.
The students were truly the highlight of my placement. Every day they had a new story to share, or a thoughtful question to ask, and those small moments always made my day feel rewarding.
Overall, this co-op placement has helped me grow both personally and professionally. It has strengthened my communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while giving me a greater appreciation for the amount of dedication and effort teachers bring to their students every day. Most importantly, I believe this placement has furthered my interest in the education field where I can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of students.
#StudentVoice Series
This article is written by WRDSB students. Student journalists embody WRDSB’s commitment to creating space for students to tell their stories. They are ambassadors for their peers as they share their personal experiences and stories about their schools and communities in their unique voices.
