Ishmael Mustapha: An Inspirational Math Teacher from Winnipeg, Manitoba
Ishmael Mustapha, a dedicated educator and coach from Winnipeg, Manitoba, has made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics education and youth sports. With degrees in Mathematics and Math Education from the University of Manitoba, Ishmael has taught and mentored students for over two decades, inspiring many through his innovative teaching methods and commitment to student success. His career includes notable tenures at Maples Collegiate and the University of Winnipeg Collegiate, as well as international teaching positions in the UAE and China.
Early Life and Education
Ishmael Mustapha was born on August 12, 1972, in Treherne, Manitoba, Canada. At the age of 3–4, he moved with his family to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he spent the remainder of his childhood. Mustapha attended schools in the western part of Winnipeg, including John Taylor Collegiate, where he completed his high school education in 1990. He was an active student-athlete, participating in various sports such as ice hockey, basketball, volleyball, soccer, football, track and field, baseball, and tennis. These early experiences in sports played a significant role in shaping his character and instilling the values of teamwork and perseverance.
Mustapha pursued higher education at the University of Manitoba, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Applied Mathematics in 1995. He continued his studies at the same institution, obtaining a Bachelor of Education specializing in Math Education in 1998. His academic journey was marked by a dedication to excellence and a passion for learning, which laid the foundation for his future career in education.
Career
Mustapha began his teaching career at Maples Collegiate in 1998, where he taught mathematics. His enthusiasm for teaching and his ability to make complex mathematical concepts accessible to students quickly earned him respect among his peers and students. In 2000, he joined the University of Winnipeg Collegiate, a private high school attached to the University of Winnipeg, where he taught mathematics until 2018. During his tenure, he also taught courses for the Faculty of Education and the Department of Mathematics. His comprehensive understanding of mathematics, combined with his strategic approach to teaching, made him a notable figure in the educational community.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mustapha had a significant impact as a coach. He coached basketball and soccer at Fort Richmond Collegiate from 1997 to 1998, and later, he coached the University of Winnipeg Collegiate soccer team from 2014 to 2018. His commitment to coaching extended to his personal life, where he coached his sons’ hockey, basketball, and soccer teams from 1999 to 2013. His coaching philosophy emphasized not just skill development, but also sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth.
From 2003 to 2016, Mustapha organized and facilitated over 60 youth camps across Manitoba, Ohio, and Indiana. These camps were designed to promote sportsmanship, personal development, and community engagement among young participants. His dedication to youth development was evident in the positive feedback and the lasting impact these camps had on the participants.
Challenges and Adversities
In 2018, Mustapha faced significant challenges related to racial discrimination and pay disparity at his workplace. Upon discovering that he was being paid less than his colleagues despite having similar qualifications and experience, he raised the issue with the administration. This led to further discrimination, including racial and religious insults, which created a hostile work environment. Mustapha eventually resigned from his position after enduring months of intimidation and professional sabotage. This experience, though challenging, reinforced his resilience and commitment to fighting for equality and justice.
International Teaching
After his resignation, Mustapha continued his teaching career internationally. In 2019, he served as the Head of Mathematics at a private school in the United Arab Emirates. This role presented new challenges and opportunities, allowing him to broaden his teaching experience and cultural understanding. Since 2020, he has been teaching mathematics in China, where he continues to inspire students with his passion for education and commitment to excellence.
Personal Life
Mustapha is married and has three sons. Throughout his career, he has remained active in sports, participating in soccer, hockey, and basketball. His involvement in sports extends beyond playing, as he has coached various youth teams and organized community sports events. He also volunteered for the Manitoba Islamic Association, supervising and organizing youth drop-ins for soccer and basketball from 2007 to 2018. Additionally, he organized and ran a high school soccer tournament for eight male teams from 2015 to 2018.
Mustapha’s wife has faced numerous health challenges, including ulcerative colitis, pericarditis, lupus, Addison’s disease, and multiple surgeries. Despite these difficulties, their relationship has remained strong, with these experiences bringing them closer together.
Current Projects
Mustapha is currently working on his biography, which will explore his experiences as a non-white Muslim educator in Canada. The biography aims to address themes of resilience, equality, and social justice, providing an in-depth look at the challenges he has faced and the lessons he has learned. Writing this biography has been a cathartic process for Mustapha, allowing him to reflect on his journey and share his story with a broader audience.
Legacy
Ishmael Mustapha is recognized for his dedication to education, coaching, and youth development. His career is marked by a commitment to fostering student growth, promoting sportsmanship, and advocating for equality in educational environments. Despite facing significant challenges, Mustapha’s resilience and passion for teaching have left a lasting impact on his students and the communities he has served. His journey serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs.