Joanna Jasinski & Zofia Jasinski: Two Paths to the Head of the Class

Joanna Jasinski and Zofia Jasinski have a lot in common. They both love cats and dogs. They share an interest in competitive swimming. And they’re both enrolled in Northwestern Polytechnic’s four-year Bachelor of Education program. The difference between these future teachers – who happen to be mother and daughter – lies in the path they’ve taken to get this far.

Starting with Joanna, mom of three, including Zofia. Joanna found her way to the Peace Country from Poland twenty years ago when she married her Grande Prairie-based husband. “If I were better at geography, we’d be in Poland, where it’s not so cold,” she laughs. Joanna earned a teaching degree in Warsaw but knew she’d need to update her credentials in order to teach here. Instead, motherhood and life intervened, and Joanna spent twelve years enjoying the role of educational assistant.

Meanwhile, Zofia grew up with her own sights set on becoming an educator. A competitive swimmer until age 16, Zofia then pivoted to teaching swimming lessons and working as a lifeguard. When she completed high school last year, Zofia stuck to her plan and enrolled in NWP’s Bachelor of Education.

Joanna’s decision to go back to school was more spontaneous, but also years in the making.

“I kept putting it off, waiting for the right time,” says Joanna. “I thought, if not now, when? It’s now or never!” With two of her three children finished high school, Joanna felt it was time to take the leap.

Now, as first-year education students, Zofia and Joanna are sharing classrooms and experiences while also blazing their own trails. Zofia plans to teach younger elementary children, while Joanna is undecided. “Every level has potential,” she muses. “Kindergarten to grade two would be good, but I’d also really like to teach high school math.”

They’re both enjoying the flexibility of choosing electives along with their core classes. “I took Anthro last semester and inspired someone else to take it,” Zofia smiles, noting that her mom is now enrolled in the same class, and by all accounts finds the class "really fun." Zofia was also delighted to observe real-life classrooms in her first term and learn more about coaching and sports in another elective, while Joanna enjoyed a sports nutrition class and an English course focused on detective fiction.

How have instructors reacted to having a mom and daughter in class? “A little surprised at the beginning,” they agree. “They saw our names and thought we might be sisters.” 

When Joanna compares today’s post-secondary experience to her earlier degree, one advantage stands out to her. “I love all the technology right now!” she says. “It’s so easy to learn. It’s pure joy.” While the two have different study styles (Zofia likes to review with friends in bustling coffee shops), they both agree that technology is a helpful aid.  Whether it’s instructors sharing their slides or using YouTube videos to bring concepts to life, or creating their own practice quizzes to retain information, both students see the benefits of using technology tools to succeed. 

Another area of agreement is the benefit of earning their degrees close to home. 

“People are really friendly, and it’s a good community,” says Zofia of NWP. Joanna agrees. “At NWP, it’s not too big. You build relationships and personal connections.” And both value the affordability of remaining in Grande Prairie.

One last difference between the students is the pace they’re setting. Zofia plans to complete her degree over five years to balance study with part-time work. Joanna has set a more intense goal, hoping to complete the first two years of the program in a single year. “Remember I already have a degree,” she notes. Joanna has worked with NWP to build a schedule that extends into spring and summer to achieve this goal, and, if all goes well, will return to part-time work next year to help with family finances.

Both Zofia and Joanna bring impressive dedication and enthusiasm to their education studies. It’s easy to picture both generations of Jasinskis bringing that passion to their own classrooms in the not-so-distant future.