MIKE N.

Mike is an Ontario Certified Teacher who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Wilfrid Laurier University and Nipissing University. Mike has over eight years of experience in front of different classrooms and instructional opportunities and has completed two LTOs in Waterloo Region District School Board since graduating his post-secondary studies. Primarily working in French Immersion, Mike is a former French Immersion student himself and is an advocate for learning French as a Second Language. He also has plenty of experience in various other classrooms, supporting students with diverse needs by focusing on students’ strengths and interests. Mike enjoys playing and watching hockey, snowboarding and video games in his spare time.

JESSECA B.

Jesseca has completed her Bachelor of Education degree with a focus on the Primary and Junior divisions at York University. Jesseca has a background in an Honours Biomedical Science program from which she graduated with distinction. Jesseca’s passion for teaching grew out of her time as a counsellor and head counsellor at a local summer camp. Additionally she teaches programs including STEM, public speaking, ballet and soccer at her local community centre. Through the success of the programs and watching her campers flourish, Jesseca realized that she wanted to pursue a career in education. Although she has a focus on the Primary and Junior divisions, her enthusiasm for science has brought her to tutor high school and junior division sciences. Jesseca has a passion for working with people of all ages, and enjoys baking and cooking when she has time. Although she can only make pasta for now, it’s as she says: practice makes progress

NATALIE L.

Natalie received her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, Ontario in 2006 with a major in Political Science and a minor in French, followed by a Bachelor of Education from the Queensland University of Technology located in Australia specializing in Primary, Junior grade levels. This is where Natalie’s international journey began.

Natalie has taught overseas for the past 10 years in Australia, Antigua & Barbuda (Caribbean) and Abu Dhabi (Middle East) across all grade levels and subject areas, creating inclusive environments where students have opportunities to explore, develop, reflect and gain confidence in every facet o their life.

She also has a love for playing sports, music and traveling.

MADHUR R.

LUIZA S.

I believe teaching offers a unique chance to make a difference. Every child has the potential to learn and succeed and I work hard to ensure that my students are engaged and that their voice is heard. I am passionate and excited about teaching French and History in a way that is authentic and meaningful. My main goal is to have a balance between making learning relevant for my students, encouraging them to connect what they are learning to their own experiences, and equipping them with transferrable skills for life. For the past 12 years, I have been using my passion for the French language to work as a tutor, interpreter and a tour leader, taking groups of students to various Canadian destinations! As a graduate of the IB program, I have learned about the importance of developing strong communication and critical thinking skills, and this is something I focus on with my students as well. When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my family, cooking, and going for walks in the park with my dog, Romeo.

JO-ANNE B.

Jo-Anne Celine is French Canadian, originating from Western Canada where she attended a French Academy in her youth. She has taught French Immersion for over 20 years with the Toronto District School Board, focusing on the primary years. She brings several years experience in teaching FRENCH IMMERSION. She was instrumental in helping set up a Grade 1 French Immersion Program for the York Regional School Board and has been a chair teacher, supporting administrators and organizing extra curricular activities. She earned her B.A.( Specialized Honours in Psychology-member of Dean’s Honour Roll) in 1980. Upon graduation she became a Sales Representative and thereafter, Bilingual National Sales Manager for the Canadian Distributor of Fieldcrest towels and linens. Returning to school she pursued her Bachelor of Education at the University of Toronto ( Member of Dean’s Honour Roll) in 1992. She is certified by the Ontario College of Teachers to teach both primary and Junior grades levels. Jo-Anne has additional qualifications in French, a Reading Specialist and math. Jo-Anne recently retired from full time teaching with the T.D.S.B in 2016. She is currently an occasional teacher with the Toronto District School Board. She has had a very successful teaching career and has a strong dedication to ensuring her students are successful.
Jo-Anne has been a Bilingual Corporate Trainer for Canon Canada where she trained Sales Representatives from various Canon Dealers across Canada. Jo-Anne is dedicated, patient and enjoys working rirh children and adults. Her passions are cooking, hosting dinner parties and travel.

IAIN B.

Iain Bain is a second year teacher candidate at York University in the Junior/Intermediate division, grades 4-10. Born in Ottawa and the eldest of six, he moved to Toronto to complete his undergraduate degree in journalism and economics at Ryerson University. Upon graduation, Iain moved to Toulouse, France to work as a communications specialist in the aerospace sector. It was during this time that he honed his bilingual skill-sets. Returning to Canada, Iain then completed two post graduate certificates in French linguistics at Ryerson University. Working as a personal trainer to fund his education, Iain discovered his affinity for working with children. Over the course of a year, Iain studied the Orton-Gillingham system designed to instruct students with dyslexia. He then continued on to work as a freelance tutor for various subjects utilizing this systematic multi-sensory approach. Iain eventually decided it was time to pursue his Bachelor of Education.

Iain’s teaching philosophy entails developing engaging and interactive lessons that not only deliver the material but also incites curiosity and inquisition on the part of the pupil. Iain has spent his first year placed in a rotary core French classroom where he has designed and implemented inquiry based projects inspiring creative responses to real life scenarios such as cooking, traveling, sustainability and all in French. Iain loves working with children especially in French and thrives on the challenge of discovering new ways to conceptualize mathematics.

During his first year at York, Iain provided after school homework help in mathematics, French and English. While French is his primary teachable, Iain had elected to take several mathematics courses given his experience and passion for the subject. Iain has helped students consolidate mathematical theories, explore differentiated tactics to solving problems and subscribes to the development of student perception of the topic rather than prescribe procedures to be committed to memory. He is well versed in the math curriculum from grades 4 to 9. In this way, Iain develops his students’ strengths in order to develop a strong understanding of mathematical concepts.

Iain’s passion for travel and time spent in France is where his love of the French language originates. He dropped out of the Extended French program in high school after the 10th grade due to a lack of interest. Iain believes that students must grasp a tangible connection to the language in order for them to succeed in the subject. Constructing lessons and adapting assignments in order to inspire genuine interest will result in the desire to learn the grammatical principles of the language. Iain learned to speak French by living it, then pursued formal instruction in order to consolidate the oral skills he had learned. Constructing a real connection with the language is crucial for the student’s success as a future francophone.

Lindsey R.

MINA D.

Mina Dahesh graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Arts in French Studies and Graphic Design. She has tutored locally and taught ESL and FSL internationally for over 4 years to students of all ages. In September 2018, she began her studies in OISE’s (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education) Master of Teaching program in the Junior/Intermediate levels. Mina absolutely loves traveling, immersing herself in a new country and new culture, and most importantly, teaching! Through these experiences, in Canada and abroad, Mina has developed a strong interest in working with youth and helping them discover their strengths.

When she is not in the classroom, Mina also tutors students where she uses her creativity to make learning fun. Mina truly believes that connecting with students is crucial in helping them feel motivated to achieve their academic goals. In her spare time, Mina enjoys going to the gym, playing volleyball and singing.

Katherine P.

Hi everyone! My name is Katherine Putzig and I recently graduated from OISE in downtown Toronto! I completed the Concurrent Education Program and received an Honours Bachelor of Arts in 2017. I majored in French linguistics and sociology. I have been tutoring since I was 11 years old, mostly in French and have thoroughly enjoyed working with such a diverse group of students of all age groups. I was recently hired by the Halton District School Board and have been supply teaching a variety of different subjects at many different schools. The most important aspect of tutoring for me is the creation of a positive, inclusive learning space in which my students feel comfortable and are not afraid to ask questions and try new things – making mistakes contributes to the development of critical thinking skills which every student should develop! When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me singing, watching professional sports and scoping out the newest and most interesting places to eat!