DINAH L.

Dinah is an Ontario Certified Teacher and currently works with the Toronto District School Board. Her journey through the world of elementary education spans over two decades. Her path is a tapestry of experiences, from glitter-glued fingers to lunchbox mysteries that turned into unexpected science experiments. Dinah has worn many hats in her career, teaching multiple grades and subjects, including French, over the years. Her most recent teaching assignment as a kindergarten teacher is a perfect fit for her nurturing personality. Within the walls of her classroom she creates a safe space where learners can take risks, make mistakes, and grow.
Before becoming a teacher, Dinah embarked on her academic journey at Western University in London, Ontario. There, she pursued a dual major in French and Film. This was followed by earning her Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor in 2004.
Outside the realm of academia, Dinah enjoys lacing up her hiking boots to conquer the great outdoors. Her passion for adventure extends to her ears, as she’s an avid listener of true crime podcasts, a fitting hobby for a teacher who knows how to keep her students on the edge of their seats. When she’s not hiking or solving mysteries, you’ll find Dinah engrossed in autobiographies, delving into the lives of individuals who’ve made their mark on the world.

ANNIE M.

In June of 2020 Annie graduated from St. Thomas University with a Bachelor of Education degree, specializing in secondary English and Psychology. Soon after graduation, Annie eagerly accepted a position at a New Brunswick middle school, and since then has gained experience teaching various grades and subjects both online and in person.
After her first year of teaching in New Brunswick, Annie relocated to Toronto, intrigued by the opportunity and diversity the city had to offer. Since then, Annie has been tutoring literacy to ESL students online, and working as a server. In her spare time, you can find Annie attending f45 classes, trying new restaurants with her friends, reading, and her personal favourite, exploring new areas in Ontario alongside her sassy Aussiedoodle Phoebe. Through her personal experience as a student, in combination with her teaching experience, Annie has become incredibly passionate about creating inclusive learning spaces and promoting greater inclusivity within our education system. Teaching in an environment of diverse learners is where Annie feels like she thrives as an educator. Every student is a unique learner, which is why Annie recognizes the importance of a student-centred approach to learning. She believes that building confidence in her students is the catalyst to their success, and ultimately, how they will excel as lifelong learners.

Abigail M.

Abigail has a passion for education and has been a tutor for two years now, specifically teaching French, English, and Math. She is a University of Toronto graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (with Distinction) and is now pursuing her Masters of Teaching (Junior/Intermediate) at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, also at the University of Toronto. In addition to tutoring, Abigail has many other teaching experiences. She has worked as an Emergency Supply Teacher, a Summer School teaching assistant, and an administrative support with the Upper Grand District School Board. She is also a swim instructor and loves teaching all age groups in and out of the pool. Abigail now lives in Toronto and enjoys running, hiking, camping, and exploring the city.

ELISHEVA B.

Elisheva B. is an Ontario Certified Teacher with the Toronto District School Board. She grew up in Toronto and completed her Masters of Teaching at University of Toronto, Ontario Institute of Studies in Education (OISE). Her research focused on how teachers can support the social and emotional wellbeing of students with learning disabilities in the classroom. As well, she also completed a Honours Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Family, Community Social Services and Social Service Work Diploma at the University of Guelph-Humber. It was through completing social work practicums in Toronto schools that Elisheva gravitated towards working with children and supporting children with exceptional needs. She has completed her Special Education part 1 qualification to enrich her learning and understanding around supporting students with exceptionalities. Elisheva has taught visual art and drama to junior and intermediate students, and in doing so, has helped them build their self-confidence, creativity, and public speaking skills. She has supported the development of reading, writing, vocabulary and math skills to primary, junior, and intermediate students through actively working in TDSB schools. As a teacher, Elisheva takes a strength-based approach by encouraging student accountability, curiosity, and exploration through the learning process. On a personal level, she enjoys exploring nature and all things that have to do with the arts such as music, dance, visual arts, and embroidery. Elisheva is looking forward to being a part of your child’s educational journey.

CIARA M.

Ciara obtained her Bachelor of Education from Maynooth University, Ireland. She holds teaching certificates in Ireland, England, and B.C. Ciara has over 7 years of experience teaching students from Kindergarten to Grade 7, in a variety of educational settings. She is currently teaching Grade 6 in a private school in Vancouver. As such, she has strong familiarity with the B.C. Curriculum. Ciara holds additional qualifications in Special Education, ELL, and Literacy/Numeracy interventions. Fostering caring, positive relationships with students is of utmost importance to Ciara. She is flexible and adapts lessons to suit the individual needs of each learner. She aims to engage her students by relating the content to their lives and interests and making learning fun!

Nava A.

Nava is a certified teacher who graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She also holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood and is currently working on her Montessori certification. Nava has taught internationally as well as in Canada and the United States. She has had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of students from different backgrounds and enjoys instilling a love of learning in her students. Nava enjoys baking, making jewelry and would like to travel more in the future. Nava enjoys discovering techniques to help her students better understand the content.

ABDULAHI A.

Abdulahi has been quite the globetrotter from an early age. He was born in Mogadishu, Somalia; raised in Chicago, America; socialized and educated in Toronto-Windsor, Canada, which he now refers to as home. To date, Abdulahi has lived in five different countries (America, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates) and traveled to 55 others.

Abdulahi received an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Science and Environmental Science, and also a Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor. Additionally, he completed many international language certificates. Prior to making the transition back to Canada, Abdulahi taught internationally at prestigious private schools for nearly a decade. These schools followed the Ontario, Alberta and IB curricula and framework.

As an extremely passionate educator, Abdulahi’s teaching experiences have helped him refine a personal teaching philosophy and pedagogy in education that combines the importance of inclusion within the classroom, ongoing feedback, respect, and creating meaningful student-centered lessons. Abdulahi’s defining characteristic as an educator revolves around the joy, pleasure and passion that he receives from teaching beyond the required curriculum. He branches off into various learning atmospheres by becoming actively involved in the development of the whole child. The ‘light bulb!’ moment in students and seeing everything begin to click for them provides him with an immense pleasure and continuously drives his passion and pedagogy as an educator. It is important to nurture a child’s creative abilities to develop a sense of themselves, understand others and the world around them, and navigate information so that they can confidently take risks and solve problems. Reflection and introspection are fundamental components of Abdulahi’s pedagogy and also his own personal growth and commitment to lifelong learning.

CHITHRA K.

Chithra is an exceptional educator who completed her Masters in Teaching from OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education) at the University of Toronto in 2021. Her academic journey began with a psychology degree specializing in child development from York University during her undergraduate years. With an extensive and diverse teaching background, Chithra stands out as a remarkable teacher who leaves a lasting impact. Having mentored and tutored more than 50 students, Chithra’s dedication to education is evident. She has enriched young minds as an English language instructor in Thailand and as a primary school teacher within the Kativik School board situated in Nunavik, Quebec. Notably, during the summers, Chithra assumes the role of Director of Academics for Eli Camps, an international language camp hosted at Victoria Campus, University of Toronto. Her commitment to personal growth is evident, as she consistently pursues courses in pedagogy and curriculum development, ensuring her teaching methods remain current and effective. Notably, her expertise extends to innovative techniques in literacy and mathematics instruction. Chithra’s classroom is a hub of creativity and engagement, fostering an atmosphere where students genuinely relish the learning process. Recognized for her innate empathy and compassionate demeanor, both parents and students admire her natural ability to connect on a personal level. Chithra possesses a unique talent for tailoring lessons to cater to the diverse array of learners under her guidance. Above all, Chithra’s unwavering dedication is rooted in her commitment to providing every child with the exceptional education they deserve, tailored to their unique potential.

AMELIA R.

Amelia Rutledge is an Ontario Certified Teacher who completed her Master’s degree at the University of Toronto (OISE) in primary/junior education and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Waterloo. Amelia has a strong passion for working with kids to explore their curiosities about the world and provide engaging, and hands-on learning opportunities. She has worked with Let’s Talk Science as a workshop facilitator, created and implemented camp programming, supported the Natural Curiosity outdoor inquiry program, and excelled in Ontario classrooms as a teacher for the past 2 years. Amelia is a qualified primary/junior educator with a specialization in Reading Part I. She deeply values evidence-based approaches to learning, that are specific to each student’s learning needs and goals. Her strengths lie in supporting students with curriculum content, helping students identify their strengths and goals, supporting organization and planning skills, and collaborating with parents and the student to create an impactful and unique learning plan. She also has a strong academic background in math and sciences and can help support senior students in these subject areas.

JASMINE M.

Jasmine is an Ontario Certified Teacher. Growing up in Mississauga, she went to the University of Guelph where she received her B.A in Psychology with a minor in Marketing. With her lifelong goal of becoming a teacher, she then went to the University of Ottawa to complete her Bachelor of Education. Learning and seeking new knowledge continues to be her passion as she is completing her Master of Education at the University of Ottawa. Jasmine has always taken on leadership and mentoring roles in the jobs she had throughout High School, University, and Post-Grad. Working in various positions such as a ski instructor and a nanny, she has had experience working alongside and developing skills in children of all ages. She is excited to continue working as an Occasional Teacher with the YRDSB this upcoming school year. In her spare time, Jasmine enjoys listening to podcasts, going on hikes, and spending time with friends and family, as well as her cat!