AMANDA B.

Amanda is an Ontario Certified Teacher with Specialist qualifications in Accessible Education, who is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Counselling Psychology. She graduated from York University’s Concurrent Teacher Education Program in 2006 with Primary/Junior qualifications and an Urban Education certificate. After graduation, Amanda also obtained her Intermediate qualification, and has supported students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 10. In her 18+ year career with Peel District School Board she has made a point of teaching and learning in a wide variety of roles to broaden her skillset and best support her students. These positions have included Lead Special Education Teacher, Contact Teacher, Intermediate Math Lead, Equity Lead Teacher, and Intensive Support Program Teacher, among many others. She has had the opportunity to teach every elementary subject at least once – even French! Amanda has presented workshops on a variety of topics to teacher colleagues, families, administrators, and superintendents, and she has run culturally-based programming for elementary Indigenous students in PDSB. One of her major areas of professional interest is the impact of emotion regulation and sensory processing on learning readiness.
As the parent of two autistic children with very different support needs, and as someone who has been diagnosed with both ADHD and autism herself, Amanda is passionate about empowering learners of all ages to become strong self-advocates. She believes this is most effective when students understand how brains learn, when they have thorough and accurate strength-based self-knowledge, and when they’ve created personal “toolkits” of accessible strategies discovered through guided experience. Pedagogically, she values truly getting to know her learners and believes mutually positive relationships are the basis of teacher-learner success.
Outside of teaching, Amanda spends her time cycling, practicing yoga, going on outdoor adventures with her kids, and continuing her lifelong journey of reconnecting with her Indigenous culture.

EMILEE D.

Emilee Duquette is a dynamic and compassionate educator currently in her second year at Teacher’s College. With a background in Psychology from York University and extensive international experience, Emilee’s teaching journey took her to France, where she excelled as an English teacher, teaching assistant, and tutor. This global perspective has enriched her approach, allowing her to craft engaging, tailored lessons that resonate with students’ individual strengths and needs. Emilee’s enthusiasm and commitment to fostering
meaningful student-teacher connections define her teaching philosophy. As she joins Prep Academy, she is excited to leverage her diverse experience to support and inspire students, all while continuing to grow as an educator. When she’s not tutoring, Emilee enjoys exploring new languages and cultures, often indulging in her love for French cuisine. She believes that teaching is like a puzzle—sometimes all it takes is a little bit of creativity to find the perfect fit.

Madison B

Madison is currently a student at McGill University pursuing a Bachelor’s of Education in High School History and Geography. She attended John Rennie High School in the Academic Plus Program and graduated from John Abbott College on the Dean’s List. Madison has had experience teaching in a classroom, as well as one on one tutoring with students of all ages, including students with special needs. She places importance on creating a safe, supportive and stimulating learning environment, where students can reach their full potential by not only growing mentally, but also emotionally and socially. Madison wants her students to understand that it is necessary to ask question and make mistakes in order to succeed. Madison has a passion for the social sciences, including anthropology, psychology and sociology.

ZOYA C.

Zoya received an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science degree from the University of Toronto with a double major in English Literature and Geography and a Minor in Political Science. Zoya is currently pursuing her Master of Teaching degree at University of Toronto, where she is focusing on becoming an Intermediate/Senor teacher in English and Geography. Zoya’s passion for teaching and education shows through her teaching practices where she approaches every student as individuals who have unlimited potential for growth and success.

Zoya has over nine years of tutoring experience, with two years of teaching experience through summer camps, and teaching in the TDSB and HDSB. Zoya’s strengths lies in her belief in ensuring every student has an individualised lesson plan where they can flourish in their learning and improve their own confidence. Throughout Zoya’s life she grew up in China, Indonesia, Switzerland, and Singapore before deciding to continue her education in Toronto. Thus, Zoya truly believes that fostering an inclusive and open environment that is grounded in trust is of the upmost importance for all students. One of Zoya’s strengths is her experience with academic coaching and learning strategies, where she as a teacher focuses not only on subject related content but also on teaching students what different test/assignment tools and strategies they can use to excel in and outside of the classroom.

When Zoya is not teaching or learning herself, you can find her enjoying whichever book she is currently emersed in, travelling to visit her family, or listening to music. Zoya love for music started when she was three years old, and since then you cannot find her in any relaxing moment where she is not humming a random tune to a random song that is stuck in her head that day.

Mahnoor C.

EN: Mahnoor is a dedicated tutor with a special care counselling diploma and expertise in teaching elementary students across all grades in both French and English. Specializing in Science, French, and English, she offers a comprehensive and bilingual approach to education. With three years of experience in daycares and homework programs, Mahnoor has developed a keen ability to connect with students and adapt to their unique learning styles. Her patience, commitment to student success and personalized teaching makes Mahnoor a sought-after tutor for both online and in-person sessions.

FR: Mahnoor est une tutrice dévouée avec un diplôme en counseling en soins spécialisés et une expertise dans l’enseignement aux élèves du primaire à tous les niveaux, en français et en anglais. Spécialisée en sciences, français et anglais, elle offre une approche éducative complète et bilingue. Avec trois ans d’expérience dans les garderies et les programmes d’aide aux devoirs, Mahnoor a développé une capacité aiguë à établir un lien avec les élèves et à s’adapter à leurs styles d’apprentissage uniques. Sa patience, son engagement envers la réussite des élèves et son enseignement personnalisé font de Mahnoor une tutrice recherchée pour des sessions en ligne et en personne.

CHRISTINE D.

Christine Duff is a very experienced Special Education Teacher who is passionate about empowering students to excel in school. Christine brings to her lessons lots of colorful hands-on learning materials and games, as well as an infectious attitude that makes learning much more fun! Christine loves working with individual students – as well as their families – to better understand how learning differences can impact experiences in the classroom, as well as academic performance. Christine spends 1-1 time with each student to ensure that they are equipped with the kinds of skills and strategies that will help them to gain more confidence and independence – and improve their overall grades!

Christine is qualified to lead academic tutoring and coaching programs for students in Elementary School, Middle School, and High School, as well as those in college and university. She strongly believes that experiencing school success is closely tied to quality of life, and that all students should have access to fair and appropriate educational opportunities.

-Knowledgeable about learning differences such as LD, ADHD, and ASD
-Appreciative of how learning differences impact students’ mental health and well-being
-Experienced in supporting the development of Reading, Spelling, and other Literacy skills
-Skilled in helping students develop Writing Skills that enhance school performance
-Very capable of teaching Math skills and concepts, as well as new approaches to problem-solving
-Competent in Organization and Executive Function Coaching, ADHD Coaching, Academic Coaching
-Subject Areas: English and Language Arts K-12; Math and Science K-9; Social Studies K-8, Grade 9 Geography, Grade 10 History; Civics and Careers; Paragraph and Essay Writing; Applications to Colleges and Universities

Jiyeon I.

EN: Ms. Jiyeon is pursuing her Bachelor of Education in French Immersion Kindergarten and Elementary Education at McGill University.
Ms. Jiyeon will be entering her 4th year into the program and embark on her third student teacher placement this fall 2024.

Ms. Jiyeon has taught French as a second language for students aged 5 through 12 with diverse cultural and linguistical backgrounds, along with various elementary subject matters at the French Immersion schools in Montréal during the past two years. Ms. Jiyeon believes in connection before curriculum, meaning that a relation must be built between the student and the teacher, in order for learning to occur.

When Ms. Jiyeon is not teaching, she likes to write, meditate, hike, and venture through the many bookstores and the beautiful landscapes of Montréal!

FR: Mme Jiyeon poursuit son baccalauréat en éducation en immersion française pour la maternelle et l’enseignement élémentaire à l’Université McGill. Mme Jiyeon entamera sa quatrième année dans le programme et débutera son troisième stage d’enseignement à l’automne 2024.

Mme Jiyeon a enseigné le français langue seconde à des élèves âgés de 5 à 12 ans, issus de divers horizons culturels et linguistiques, ainsi que diverses matières au niveau élémentaire dans les écoles d’immersion française de Montréal au cours des deux dernières années. Mme Jiyeon croit en l’importance de la connexion avant le programme, c’est-à-dire qu’une relation doit être établie entre l’élève et l’enseignant pour que l’apprentissage ait lieu.

Lorsque Mme Jiyeon n’enseigne pas, elle aime écrire, méditer, faire de la randonnée et explorer les nombreuses librairies et les magnifiques paysages de Montréal !

Taylor R.

Taylor is a fourth-year teacher, having first taught in the North Shore of Quebec for 2 years and now living and teaching in Montreal. Originally from Ontario, Taylor completed her undergraduate and teaching degree at Bishops University from 2016-2021 with a focus on Social Studies (Geography and History).

Away from teaching, Taylor enjoys travelling to new locations, learning how to snowboard, reading and rollerblading. She also enjoys walking her dog, James!

STEVEN G.

Steven is a current teacher at County Central High School in Vulcan, AB. He has taught Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies at the elementary and junior high levels as well as Math, Health and Band at the high school levels. He has his permanent Teaching Certification and a Bachelor of Education in Middle Years (4 – 9); however, has experience with most subjects at most levels. Steven has coached a variety of sports and is particularly adept at creating strong relationships with kids, both in the classroom and through sport.

RACHEL S.

Rachel is a graduate from Laurentian University, with a Bachelors Degree in both Education and Physical and Health Education with a Specialization in the outdoors. Rachel also has a double minor in Indigenous Studies and Geography. While studying Rachel was a volunteer for Special Olympics Ontario in the sport of skiing, and worked for Gracies Gals which was an organization created to promote young women in sport and positve mental health.
Rachel currently works as a teacher in Calgary and specializes in Inclusive Education at the high school level. In addition to teaching Rachel has a passion for the outdoors and having a healthy active lifestyle.