Ishmael Mustapha is a dedicated educator and an advocate for youth development, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Born in Treherne, Manitoba, Ishmael’s journey from an energetic student-athlete to a respected mathematics teacher and coach is marked by a steadfast commitment to education, resilience, and community engagement.
I had the privilege of meeting Ishmael on a tranquil, snowy afternoon at a cozy coffee shop in Winnipeg. The atmosphere was serene, with the gentle hum of conversations and the occasional clinking of coffee cups. Ishmael shared his first memory of participating in team sports as a child—a vivid scene of him on the soccer field, learning the value of teamwork and determination. This early experience, he explained, ignited his passion for teaching and coaching, and his understanding of the importance of nurturing young talent. His stories, filled with enthusiasm and a deep appreciation for his roles, painted a picture of a professional who is not only proficient in his field but also deeply committed to his students and his community.
Early Life and Education
Born in Treherne, Manitoba in 1972, Ishmael Mustapha moved to Winnipeg at the age of 4. He attended schools in the western part of Winnipeg, including John Taylor Collegiate, where he graduated in 1990. Reflecting on his formative years, Ishmael says, “My childhood in Winnipeg was filled with learning and sports. Those early experiences shaped my character and taught me invaluable life lessons.”
“Education is about seeing potential where others might not. It’s about transforming opportunities into successful outcomes”
Ishmael’s educational journey continued at the University of Manitoba, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1995, majoring in Mathematics with a minor in Applied Mathematics, and a Bachelor of Education in 1998, specializing in Math Education. “The University of Manitoba provided a solid foundation for my career,” Ishmael recalls. “The rigorous academic environment and supportive faculty helped me develop the skills I needed to succeed.”
Career
Ishmael began his teaching career at Maples Collegiate in 1998, before moving to the University of Winnipeg Collegiate in 2000. There, he taught mathematics until 2018 and also taught courses for the Faculty of Education and the Department of Mathematics. His early exposure to the importance of education through his parents’ emphasis on learning influenced his career path significantly. “Education is about seeing potential where others might not. It’s about transforming opportunities into successful outcomes,” Ishmael explains.
His comprehensive understanding of mathematics, combined with his strategic approach to teaching and mentoring, has made him a notable figure in the educational community. Ishmael’s students appreciate his dedication and his ability to navigate the complexities of learning mathematics. “Ishmael’s ability to understand student needs and adapt his teaching methods is unparalleled,” says a colleague at the University of Winnipeg Collegiate. “His strategic thinking and relentless drive set him apart in this competitive field. He has a knack for making complex concepts accessible and engaging.”
Coaching and Community Involvement
Ishmael’s passion for sports extended into his professional life, where he coached basketball and soccer at Fort Richmond Collegiate in 1997-1998 and the U of W Collegiate soccer team from 2014 to 2018. He also coached his sons’ hockey, basketball, and soccer teams from 1999 to 2013. His dedication to youth development is evident in his organization of over 60 youth camps across Manitoba, Ohio, and Indiana from 2003 to 2016.
“Effective communication is about understanding and addressing your students’ concerns. It’s not just what you say but how you say it,” Ishmael notes. His colleague at U of W Collegiate added, “Ishmael has this unique ability to connect with his students and athletes on a personal level. He genuinely cares about their overall development, not just their academic or athletic performance.”
Challenges and Adversities
In 2018, Ishmael faced significant challenges when he discovered he was being paid less than his colleagues due to racial discrimination. Despite his efforts to address these issues, he encountered further discrimination and was eventually forced to resign. This experience, although challenging, reinforced his resilience and commitment to equality and justice. “Facing such blatant discrimination was a turning point for me. It strengthened my resolve to fight for what is right,” Ishmael reflects.
“My faith has been my anchor through difficult times. It provides me with the strength and patience to persevere”
Ishmael has focused on personal growth, reduced materialism, and continuous professional development. His strengthened faith in Islam and personal practice have been central to his ability to overcome adversity. “My faith has been my anchor through difficult times. It provides me with the strength and patience to persevere,” Ishmael shares.
Ishmael’s journey continued internationally, where he served as Head of Mathematics at a private school in the UAE in 2019 and has been teaching math in China since 2020. He is currently working on his biography, which addresses his experiences as a non-white Muslim in Canada. “Writing my biography has been a cathartic experience. It allows me to share my story and inspire others who might be facing similar challenges,” Ishmael remarks.
For Ishmael, success in teaching is measured by student engagement and improvement. His dedication to his family and community remains a cornerstone of his life. “An individual needs to be comfortable and successful in all facets of their life to truly be happy,” Ishmael reflects. “My family and friends are much more important than my occupation. I love teaching mathematics, but my family is my priority.”
Ishmael Mustapha’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on his students and community. His journey serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs.
Interview with Ishmael Mustapha
What keeps you motivated and excited about what you do?
As a mathematics teacher and coach, what keeps me motivated and excited is seeing the progress and growth in my students and athletes. There’s nothing quite like witnessing a student who initially struggles with a difficult concept finally have that “aha” moment. For example, I had a student named Alex who was always apprehensive about math. He had a hard time grasping the fundamentals and often felt discouraged. I spent extra hours after school working with him, breaking down complex problems into manageable steps and using real-life examples to make the concepts more relatable. One day, during a particularly challenging lesson on quadratic equations, I saw the light bulb go off in his head. The joy and confidence that radiated from him were indescribable. Moments like these are what drive me to keep pushing forward, no matter how challenging the teaching landscape can be.
In addition to academic achievements, the same motivation applies to my role as a coach. Coaching soccer at the University of Winnipeg Collegiate was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. I remember coaching a team that had a rough start to the season; we lost our first three games, and the morale was low. I focused on building the team’s spirit and fostering a sense of unity and resilience. We practiced tirelessly, emphasizing not just skills but also teamwork and sportsmanship. By the end of the season, we turned things around and won the regional championship. Seeing the pride and camaraderie among the players was incredibly rewarding. These experiences remind me that my work goes beyond just teaching subjects or sports; it’s about shaping individuals and preparing them for life’s challenges.
What’s your go-to way to relax and enjoy yourself during your downtime?
During my downtime, I find immense joy and relaxation in playing sports and engaging in physical activities. Soccer, hockey, and basketball have been lifelong passions, and I continue to play them regularly. There’s something incredibly liberating about being out on the field or the court, focusing solely on the game, and letting all other worries fade away. One particular Sunday tradition I cherish is playing soccer with a group of friends at a local park in Winnipeg. It’s a mix of former students, colleagues, and community members, and we play just for the love of the game. The camaraderie, the friendly competition, and the sheer physical exertion are a perfect antidote to the stresses of daily life.
Aside from sports, another way I unwind is through writing and reflecting. Recently, I’ve been working on my biography, which has been a cathartic and introspective journey. Writing allows me to process my experiences, both positive and negative, and gives me a sense of clarity and purpose. For instance, recounting the challenges I faced due to racial discrimination has been difficult, but it has also reinforced my resolve to advocate for equality and justice. On quieter evenings, I enjoy sitting in my study with a cup of tea, penning down my thoughts and memories. This practice not only relaxes me but also helps me stay connected to my inner self and the values that drive me.
What do you think is your single most crucial trait for success?
I believe the single most crucial trait for my success is resilience. Life has thrown numerous challenges my way, from personal adversities to professional setbacks, and it is my resilience that has allowed me to navigate these turbulent waters. A vivid example of this is when I discovered in 2018 that I was being paid significantly less than my Caucasian colleagues, despite having comparable, if not superior, qualifications and experience. When I tried to address this issue, I faced severe backlash and racial discrimination from the administration. This experience was a massive blow to my career and self-esteem, but I refused to let it define me.
Instead, I channeled my energy into finding new opportunities and continuing to do what I love. I took up a position as the Head of Mathematics at a private school in the UAE in 2019, which was a completely new environment and presented its own set of challenges. However, my resilience allowed me to adapt quickly and thrive in this new role. I then moved to China, where I have been teaching math since 2020. Each of these experiences has reinforced my belief that resilience is not just about bouncing back but also about growing stronger and wiser through adversity. It’s about maintaining a positive outlook and an unwavering commitment to one’s goals, regardless of the obstacles.
What’s the weirdest thing that has happened in your career?
One of the weirdest incidents in my career occurred during a youth soccer camp I was organizing in Ohio in 2012. It was a particularly hot summer, and we had kids ranging from 8 to 16 years old participating. One morning, as we were setting up the field for drills, we noticed a commotion near the storage shed. As I approached to see what was going on, I found a group of kids huddled together, staring intently at something. To my surprise, there was a large, colorful parrot perched on one of the soccer balls. None of us had any idea where it came from, and it certainly wasn’t part of our camp.
The parrot, which we later learned was named Charlie, had apparently escaped from a nearby house and decided to join our camp. The kids were thrilled and immediately started trying to teach Charlie some soccer tricks. Charlie seemed quite content, hopping around and occasionally squawking in what sounded like encouragement. We spent the rest of the day with Charlie as our unofficial camp mascot, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable days of the camp. Later, we were able to locate Charlie’s owner, who was relieved to have him back. This unexpected visit from Charlie not only added a unique twist to our camp but also taught the kids (and myself) a lesson in adaptability and enjoying life’s quirky surprises.
How do you handle negative feedback when you receive it?
Handling negative feedback has always been a critical part of my growth both as a teacher and a coach. Early in my career, I received feedback from a parent who felt that my teaching methods were too rigid and didn’t cater to the diverse learning styles of the students. Initially, I was defensive and took it personally. However, after reflecting on the feedback, I realized there was some truth to it. This prompted me to explore different teaching methodologies and incorporate more interactive and student-centered approaches in my classes. For example, I began using project-based learning and collaborative problem-solving activities, which significantly improved student engagement and performance.
Another instance was during my tenure as a soccer coach. After a tough season, one of the parents approached me with concerns about my coaching style, stating that it was too intense for the young players. I took this feedback to heart and sought advice from more experienced coaches. I started incorporating more fun drills and team-building exercises into our practices, which not only helped in improving the team’s performance but also fostered a more positive and supportive environment. Negative feedback, while sometimes hard to hear, has been instrumental in helping me grow and become better at what I do. It pushes me to constantly evaluate and improve my methods, ensuring that I provide the best possible experience for my students and athletes.
What’s the hardest obstacle you’ve overcome in your life or career, and how did you do it?
The hardest obstacle I’ve ever faced in my career was the racial discrimination and subsequent professional sabotage I encountered at the University of Winnipeg Collegiate. Discovering that I was being paid less than my colleagues because of my race was a shock. When I raised this issue, the response from the administration was not only dismissive but also hostile. The new Dean, who had previously been supportive, turned against me, fabricating lies and creating a hostile work environment. I was publicly humiliated in staff meetings, where derogatory remarks about my race and religion were made. For instance, during a Christmas staff meeting, the Dean remarked, “We can’t have an all-white Christmas while Ish is here,” which was both insulting and isolating.
The stress and emotional toll from these experiences were immense. I felt betrayed and unsupported. After months of enduring this treatment, I made the difficult decision to resign. This was not an easy choice, as teaching at the University of Winnipeg Collegiate had been a significant part of my life for almost two decades. However, I knew I had to prioritize my mental health and dignity. Moving forward, I took up an opportunity to work in the UAE and later in China. This transition was challenging, but it was also a period of immense personal growth. I focused on rebuilding my career, improving my teaching methods, and maintaining a positive outlook. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and the need to stand up against injustice, no matter how daunting it may seem.
