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After cultivating a career in the arts, Kate Yüksel, BEd student at Queen’s University, has begun her adventure into the field of education. Rather than leaving her passion behind, she has taken her love for the arts with her as a companion on her journey: Kate is enrolled in the Artist in Community Education program for teacher candidates at Queen’s. “My career in graphic design, photography, arts administration, and communication –which includes many years working at Queen’s University– has profoundly shaped my approach to teaching,” Kate shares.
Interestingly, the subject that first captured Kate’s interest in teaching was literacy. “I was inspired to take the leap and apply to the BEd program at Queen’s after witnessing firsthand the profound impact that effective literacy instruction can have on a child’s life,” Kate reflects. When Kate recognized one of her children struggling significantly with reading, she dove deep into workshops and research about reading and dyslexia. However, it wasn’t until Kate enrolled her child at Kingston’s Reading Clinic that she watched transformative progress unfold before her eyes. “The work they were doing was nothing short of life-changing—not just for my child, but for our entire family,” Kate emphasizes. “That experience ignited a passion in me to learn evidence-based literacy strategies and bring them into the classroom.”.png)
As Kate continues to bloom as an educator through the BEd program, the array of positive experiences she has to share only grows. Beyond the Education Library, which has been “an incredible hub for learning, collaboration, and preparation,” one of the most wonderful resources in the program is the community of fellow educators. “Co-leading a printmaking workshop for my peers in the Artist in Community Education program was an unforgettable experience,” Kate recollects. “Sharing hands-on artmaking in the studio and receiving immediate feedback on what participants noticed, appreciated, and craved…It reinforced my belief in the power of experiential learning and the role of the arts in fostering engagement and reflection.”
The guidance of experienced educators in the Faculty of Education, along with guest speakers and advisors, has also made a lasting impact on Kate’s journey. “Their openness to innovation, willingness to challenge us, and genuine compassion for students have shaped my approach to teaching,” she expresses. Kate highlights how inspired she has been by the humour, real-world insights, and never-ending encouragement the faculty brings to its growing teachers.
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As Kate begins stepping into the classroom as an occasional teacher, she is already making an incredible impact on her learners. “A particular highlight was witnessing the progress students made in reading and phonics,” Kate recalls. “Seeing their confidence soar was deeply gratifying. Another unforgettable moment was hearing a student exclaim, after an outdoor collaborative art activity, that it was ‘the best thing they’ve done in their life!’ Moments like these reaffirm my passion for teaching.”
Kate’s years of dedication to the arts bring a beautiful element of creativity to her teaching. Her background in graphic design and communication helps her make captivating design choices which not only spark learners’ attention, but enhance their understanding. With her photography skills, Kate can also artistically capture her students’ creative and intellectual processes and make thoughtful reflections on her students’ growth.
The invaluable relationships Kate has built within the spheres of education and culture are another advantage of her experience in arts administration. Kate is eager to bring those connections into the classroom to create meaningful learning opportunities for her students.
Throughout the BEd program, Kate has grown not only as an educator, but as an artist. “The Artist in Community Education.png)
program has reignited my passion for hands-on making and creative exploration,” Kate expresses. “Being surrounded by fellow artists from diverse disciplines—visual arts, drama, music, dance, and creative writing—has been incredibly inspiring, fostering an environment where we learn from one another’s practices.” With critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and self-expression being Kate’s core values, the Artist in Community education program has enhanced Kate’s teaching tremendously.
“Teaching has reminded me that creativity thrives in process, reflection, and community,” Kate expresses, “and I am excited to bring that perspective into both the classroom and my artistic endeavors.”
About the Author
Juliette Silveira is a final year Education student at Queen’s University. In 2024, she completed her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree at Queen’s University with a Minor in Dramatic Arts and a Major in English Language & Literature. In July 2025, she will complete her Bachelor of Education degree through the Concurrent Education program. Juliette has spent her time at Queen’s learning to become an Intermediate/Senior Drama and English teacher, and she has focused on Indigenous teacher education through the ITEP program. Passionate about cultivating students’ creativity and critical thinking, Juliette is eager to bring her experience as an actress, musical theatre teacher, creative writer, and literary analyst into her classroom.