Namam P.
Namam Palander is a thoroughly experienced advocate for holistic education; something she passionately aims to facilitate. Using this Scandinavian model of pedagogy, she has taught English all over the world including Sweden as well as South Korea. She holds a Double Undergraduate Degree in Political Science and Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University as well as a Master’s Degree in Sociology of Education from University of Toronto.
ANGELO K.
Angelo Kontos is enjoying a long and rewarding career in education. Angelo has worked in a variety of roles for over twenty years, including being a Global Studies and English teacher, and curricular head. After gaining several years of experience teaching and developing courses, Angelo realized how important it was to a school to have passionate and caring vice-principals and principals, so he made a rewarding transition into administration and works as a secondary school principal with the Peel District School Board. He thrives on the daily challenges of leading a busy high school and the energy of his students. Angelo is a passionate learner, and often says the best school leaders always think of themselves as teachers first. Before completing his teaching certification, Angelo earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours Degree with York University. Over the years Angelo has added several qualifications to his professional practice, including specialists in Writing and Contemporary Studies. Angelo loves writing and he recently self-published a novel called The Tournament. In his spare time, when he is not writing, Angelo is reading, exercising, or taking his adorable but highly sensitive dog for walks.
KYLE X.
Kyle is a multilingual professional with a wealth of experience in leadership, networking, and tutoring. He was born in East Asia, speaks English, Cantonese, and Mandarin fluently, and is actively learning Italian, Arabic, Spanish, French, and Korean. With six years of tutoring experience teaching students from primary, university, and ESL adult backgrounds, Kyle is passionate about teaching English, social sciences, history, and economics as a result of his academic background. His love for teaching is evident in the way he connects with his students and fosters a positive learning environment. Kyle’s leadership skills are also impressive, having founded and served as the chapter president of My Networking Club, a registered charity where he managed a team of over 20 executives to craft growth plans for six key events that connect university students to industry professionals for networking, mentorship, and internship opportunities. Under Kyle’s leadership, the club achieved membership growth of over 100 members and 300+ attendees from top companies in Canada. Kyle’s academic achievements are equally notable, with a GPA of 3.9/4.0 and a place on the Dean’s Honor Roll at York University. With a genuine passion for education, coupled with his leadership skills and academic achievements, Kyle is poised to make a significant impact in his future endeavors.
ALICE D.
Alice is a teacher candidate in her final year at the University of Toronto. She will be a high school science teacher specializing in biology and general science, and will also be teaching social sciences. She completed a Bachelor of Science degree specializing in Biology at the University of Ottawa but had a wide range of interests and took a variety of courses including math, physics, chemistry, psychology, anthropology and history. In addition to academics, she is an RCM certified piano instructor and has worked as a certified ski instructor. Alice believes that learning is most successful when a teacher explores and draws upon the students’ interest. She believes that it is also essential to make learning fun and to tie the content to everyday life making it meaningful and applicable for the student. In addition to teaching and learning, she enjoys, reading, waterpolo, crocheting and music.
JAMIE Z.
Jamie is currently a grade 2/3 teacher with the Toronto District School Board. He holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Teaching in Elementary Education, and is currently completing his Master of Arts in Social Justice Education. He also holds additional qualifications in Special Education, Primary/Junior Literacy, Mathematics, Reading, ESL, and Kindergarten.
During the summer months, Jamie fulfills the role of Program Director with Westcoast Connection. Over the past 10 summers he has directed programs all over Canada, USA, Europe and Australia.
Darien K.
Darien has been teaching for 5 years. He also has a Psychology degree and is certified by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. He developed a Mindfulness Committee throughout his school’s community to better support mental health initiatives.
Darien has the experience to understand and tailor instruction to the many different learning styles, abilities and backgrounds. He has taught people with various and complex disabilities for 10+ years, is comfortable teaching various levels of English Language Learners and can teach foundational knowledge through Indigenous perspective.
As a teacher his focus is on an well rounded educational plan that consists of physical and mental wellness, cultivating self-worth, morals, values and supporting students’ expressions of identity. He received multiple scholarships based on athletic merit as a member of the University’s Cross Country Running team. He loves to take his dog paddle boarding and hiking. When they are not in the sunniest spots, he’ll likely be found playing Arceus or Zelda on his Nintendo Switch.
Janet D.
Janet is a Certified Teacher, with four years of teaching experience. She has worked in both the private and public sectors. She specializes in a variety of subject areas from MYP IB, to PE, Outdoor Ed, Business, Human Sciences, and Primary School English & Mathematics.
She grew up in Barrie, Ontario, and moved out west in 2015. She has an Undergraduate Degree in Physical and Health Education and a Minor in Business Admin. As well, she’s completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from UBC.
Janet has taught a variety of high school specialized courses outside of her teachables including ESL, Home Economics, Yoga, and Basketball Academy. She also spent a year teaching a grade 4-7 elementary school class, with a special focus on literacy and mathematics in those years.
She is passionate about helping others achieve their goals and got into teaching physical and health education not only because of her love for sports, but because she thoroughly enjoys helping build her students’ confidence to succeed. She prides herself on the connections she’s built with her students and parents over the years.
Janet’s approach fosters an environment where community, global perspectives, and social responsibility become key fundamentals that will prepare her students to be true world citizens. Her goal is that the connections she makes allow others to leave at the end of the day feeling supported, and respected and that their opinions are heard. Since starting her career, she’s made it her mission to make her classroom environment a safe space for all everyone, where they can share experiences, and use their innovative thinking and creativity, to flourish. She loves working amongst the leaders of tomorrow and greatly appreciates all the connections she’s made along the way.
Additional Details
Lander P-F.
Lander is an Ontario Certified Teacher who graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English, a Bachelor of Education, and Minor in Social Sciences from York University. Throughout his six-year undergraduate degree, Lander consistently worked within the education sector which included leadership roles in school field trips, and clay sculpture workshops. After work, Lander can typically be found in his apartment with his cat Ezra, watching a quality film. Lander is an individual who is passionate and dedicated to his teacher’s craft, and seeks to hone his skills alongside his students with an energetic and motivated personality – above all, Lander wants to see his students succeed.
Bianca P.
Bianca has over 15 years of experience in education in both Toronto and internationally. She spent 7 years in the Middle East at international schools in various roles of teaching and leadership. Bianca has a Master in Educational Leadership and is presently working on completing her Doctorate. Her thesis is focused on equitable leadership.
Bianca began her career as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) to develop a deep understanding on how the minds of children work. She is consistently upgrading her education and experiences to remain current in her professional practice. Bianca believes that education is the foundation of society and understands her role in shaping the future through the education of students.