Meet Miharu. She is the Program Instructor for Childcare Training Pathway Program at CIWA.
Miharu started her journey with CIWA 10 years ago as an Education Assistant for the Childcare Training for Low Literacy Immigrant Women Program. In 2013, she transitioned as the Program Instructor for Low Literacy Immigrant Women Program, now known as the Childcare Training Pathway Program, and has continued on with the role to this day.
Miharu was born and raised in Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture. She was chosen to promote Japanese culture to students in Saratoga Springs in New York as a school intern. She also worked in schools for a year, sharing about Japanese culture and creating curriculum tailored for children ages 2 to 6. By the end her internship, she was teaching at four different schools. This experience sparked her love for teaching.
When Miharu returned to Japan, she embarked on teaching English to kindergartens while delivering training to other teachers. In 2005, she decided to move to Canada to challenge herself and experience working in a diversified environment. In Calgary, she became an English as a Second Language Instructor. She obtained her certification in Teaching English as a Second Language, as well as Teaching English to Children. Through these opportunities, Miharu met numerous learners from all over the world.
“My passion in teaching has driven me to work in different countries and help students succeed. I am honored, and I feel proud that I have taught students from 50 different countries ranging from ages 6 months to 75 years old.”
Being an immigrant woman, Miharu herself faced several challenges and felt hopeless at times. She now considers it an honor to assist other immigrant women in achieving success, living meaningful lives, and being empowered in Canada. Miharu thrives in being able to help make a difference in the lives of her students. For her, it is rewarding to see many of CIWA’s program graduates succeed in the workplace.
Miharu deeply enjoys teaching with the Childcare Training Program at CIWA because it allows her to put her experience and skills in teaching English for children and adults to good use.
“Thanks to CIWA’s supportive approach, highly skilled colleagues, and creative programs, I was able to grow professionally and emotionally tremendously.”
Miharu speaks Japanese and English. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling; she has travelled to 12 countries so far. Her other interest is trying out new restaurants.
To learn more about CIWA’s Childcare Training Pathway Program, click here