Music, Teaching, and Cultural Passion

It all started with music. Thomas Bégin, BEd ‘25, was drawn to guitar at the age of 12 after seeing a friend play. His passion led him to complete his Bachelor in Music and Master in Music at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, and then further his education with a second Master’s degree in music at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide in Spain. During this time, he also continued to gain experience through summer music academies and was learning from various teachers.

Thomas was living in Europe when the pandemic struck, and he decided to move back in Montreal, facing uncertainty about his next steps. As he was looking into different opportunities, he discovered a program to support teaching French in British Columbia. Eager for a new challenge, he made the move to Fort St. John.

“Before finding the program, I didn’t know there were French immersion schools in other places across Canada, and I liked the concept,” he says. “It was really fun to speak and play in French with the students.”

Thomas spent one year in Fort St. John, and then the following year, he applied to the program again and came to Kelowna.

“It was while in Kelowna and talking with the teachers, and other members of the French community, that I decided to apply to the Bachelor of Education at UBCO.”

His time at UBC was particularly impactful due to the support he found within the program. “The faculty are very accessible, and there is a strong sense of community,” he says.

Now, as a French immersion teacher, Thomas is passionate about the role language plays in connecting people and communities.

“French is my culture, and sharing that with students is rewarding,” he shares. “I love seeing students embrace the language and gain an appreciation for it.”

Looking back, Thomas is grateful for the experiences that led him to teaching and how his background in music has shaped his approach to the classroom. Although becoming a teacher wasn’t on his mind at the time, Thomas began to teach private guitar lessons to children while he was studying for his bachelor’s in university. His attention to his students’ needs — especially younger children’s ability to focus — has helped him adapt his teaching style to be more mindful.

“In music, you learn to be patient, attentive, and adaptable—skills that translate well into teaching. Whether it’s teaching guitar or French, the key is understanding students and their individual needs,” he reflects.

One of the core elements that Thomas highlights in his teaching is the relationship between teacher and student. He believes that knowing students on a deeper level enhances the learning experience.

“During my final internship, I learned to appreciate the closeness you develop with students when you are consistently with them for an extended period. It’s an invaluable experience that you can’t replicate in short-term settings,” he says.

For anyone considering a career in teaching, Thomas recommends taking time to explore different experiences before making a decision.

“The path to becoming a teacher isn’t always straightforward, and that’s okay,” he says. “Be curious, whether it’s volunteering in a different classroom or exploring opportunities outside of traditional teaching, every experience will add value.”