Hello! I'm Hyun Kyoon!
Welcome to my Portfolio!
About Me
Hi, I am Hyun Kyoon Joo, but you can call me Mr. Joo. I am currently a Junior-Intermediate Teacher Candidate in year 1 of the Bachelor of Education program at York University.
Although I wasn’t born or raised in Canada, I come from Korea and grew as a learner in Hong Kong, and China. I went to international schools while growing up, and I was lucky to have great teachers here and there, and they each had this silent, lingering influence on my journey. Their passion and care taught me what it means to lead with heart, and it is because of them that I walk this path myself today.
There was a teacher who, when I was young, simply amazed me and influenced my life greatly. I had a time of confusion and sort of harbored a lot of thoughts on my own, but I always think back to how the teacher supported me through that. I knew I wanted to be the type of person I saw in them, someone who could be that source of strength and encouragement. That’s why I decided to be a teacher. If I can get one student to dream a little bigger, believe a little more, feel they are truly seen — well, I’d consider that a life well spent.
As an educator, I have always believed strongly in each child’s potential. I do my best to walk alongside them with empathy and intent, to create spaces where their voices are heard, their dreams valued and their learning deep and full of possibilities.
Teaching Philosophy
Critical Thinking
As an aspiring educator, I believe that teaching students to form their own beliefs is one of the most important presents we can give them. I want to encourage classrooms in which questioning is encouraged and curiosity is celebrated — classrooms where students learn to examine, assess, and critique the world around them. Teaching critical thinking is about help students do more than passively consume content; it’s about having them consider different viewpoints, and make informed choices, and think critically about complex topics.
Collaborative Learning
Learning is not an individual exercise — it’s a community one. Classrooms ought to be places of collaborative exploration where students support and learn from one another as well as their teacher. I can also encourage an environment of mutual respect and growth through group discussions, peer evaluations and shared projects. Data Science enables in an environment where each voice counts and each idea constructs something above the shit of its sections.
Responsibility as an Educator
To teach is to shape lives. As a teacher, I understand — deeply — the impact of my words, actions, and even silences stick with students. Which is why I try to be careful and thoughtful in everything I do. I want to model my teaching with the empathy, consistency, and integrity I want to see in my students so that students feel safe, seen, and respected any day they enter my classroom.
Inclusive and Supportive Environment
Every learner comes equipped with a unique story, strengths, and worldview. I put my faith in building a classroom culture that allows all students—regardless of background, identity or learning ability—to experience success. This may involve creating lessons that reflect a diverse range of experiences, accommodating individual needs, and ensuring that all learners feel engaged and empowered. I want to create a place where students are able to be who they really are and flourish with confidence.
Education
Bachelor of Education
York University
Sep.2024 - Present
Junior-Intermediate, Teachable: History
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Master of Education
Seoul National University
Sep.2020 - Aug.2023
Historical Education
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bachelor of Art
Chinese University of Hong Kong
Sep.2014 - Mar. 2020
History