The Teacher Education Office is proud to congratulate John Yamamoto, Director of the TEO, on reaching 25 years of service at UBC.
Throughout his time in the Faculty of Education, John has been a cornerstone of the TEO’s work in supporting teacher candidates and building strong partnerships with schools across the province. He joined the TEO in 2000, bringing with him a decade of teaching experience in the Richmond, Trail, and Burnaby school districts. A UBC alumnus, John earned his BEd (Secondary) in Mathematics and Chemistry in 1990 and later completed his MEd in Educational Administration and Leadership in 2013.
To mark this milestone, we asked John to reflect on his 25 years with the Teacher Education Office.
Q&A with John Yamamoto
What’s changed the most since you first started here 25 years ago?
A lot, but off the top of my head I would say the implementation of technology across all levels of the program is probably the most significant. The overall lack of paper files in the TEO now is quite astonishing. This is seen in both admissions/applications, as well as with regard to practicum files, and more. Furthermore, the fact that we communicate almost exclusively in a digital format is completely different from what we did back when I started. As a quick example, I spent hours on the phone inquiring about placements back in 2000; now, it is quite rare to have to pick up the phone and speak with someone!
Is there a moment or project from your time in the TEO that you’re especially proud of?
I think one project that stands out is the implementation of the CFE back when the program changed around 2014. Rod Brown and I were charged with finding placements for the first group of teacher candidates who would be taking this new experience—so we basically were starting from scratch and figuring out where to place over 700 TCs. We managed to do it, and in the process set the foundation for future years—which is something I’m particularly proud of. Specifically, we initiated relationships with various rural school districts around the province — many of which are still going strong in 2025.
What’s kept you inspired to come to work every day for 25 years?
I’ve always been proud to say I had a hand in helping people get their start in the teaching profession. I have really enjoyed being someone who has connected all of the aspects of the profession—universities, government, schools, teachers, teacher candidates—and hopefully in a positive way! That part of my job(s) has always been very fulfilling. And of course, being able to come to work every day to such a great work environment and fantastic colleagues in the TEO has been a great inspiration as well!
Please join us in congratulating John on 25 years of outstanding service and leadership at UBC! His commitment to teacher education and the profession continues to make a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and educators in British Columbia and beyond.
Take a peek at photos from the 25 Year Club celebration on October 20, 2025:
