In 2022, Gamze Cankal Cetmili traded the Aegean coast of Türkiye for the West Coast of Vancouver. In Cetmili’s hometown in Türkiye, she taught math at a private independent school. When her husband’s company offered to sponsor them to move to Vancouver, Cetmili immediately set out to find a way to obtain her teaching certification in Canada.

The certification process was not easy. After years of compiling documents and completing missing course work, Cetmili received her conditional certificate to teach in January 2025.  

As an experienced teacher, Cetmili has already completed several long-term teaching assignments in both elementary and secondary schools. Teaching in Vancouver has given her new insights and a new way of relating to students.

“There’s an emphasis on differentiated learning here,” she says.

Cetmili describes this as meeting students where they’re at, so every student feels supported to learn in a way that works best for them.

As an example, Cetmili describes working with English Language Learner (ELL) students.

“In B.C., we adapt for ELL students and accommodate a range of different learners. As an internationally trained teacher, I’m also empathetic to these students because I understand what it feels like to be in a new system and a new environment.”

In contrast, Cetmili says Türkiye’s education system is very traditional and exam focused.

“You have to take a highly-competitive middle school exam in order to be placed into a selective high school,” she explains.

The differences between the two school systems is the topic of her master’s dissertation.

“Students here are more motivated, the B.C. curriculum is process-based, and students are more involved in their learning. In Türkiye, the system can be more academically competitive and less flexible for different learning needs,” she says.

Cetmili adds that the education system in B.C. helps students thrive. She believes it can help educators thrive, too.

Overall, the move to teaching in Vancouver has given her the work-life balance she’s always wanted.

“In Türkiye, teachers have longer hours. Here I work hard, but I also have time after work to go to the gym and take care of personal matters. That has been invaluable.”

Explore teaching positions at VSB:

Elementary - teachers on call
Secondary - math/science teachers on call