MARIA T.

Maria is an Ontario Certified Teacher. She graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies. She completed her teaching degree at OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education), with an Early Years focus. Maria is qualified to teach Primary/Junior grades and is currently employed with the TDSB (Toronto District School Board). This year, she was given the opportunity to teach in an Intensive Support Program (ISP). She is the teacher of a Junior MID (Mildly Intellectually Delayed) class, which is comprised of 12 students of various needs, abilities and interests. Maria jumped at the opportunity as she has a passion and experience in special needs education, and is always looking to further develop her teaching. Over the years, Maria has completed various Additional Qualification (AQ) courses including: Reading Part 1, Kindergarten Part 1, Mathematics Part 1 and Special Needs Part 1. Maria pursued these specific courses in order to strengthen her teaching practice and guide her language and mathematics programming. By 2021, Maria’s goal is to complete her speciality in Special Education. She will be enrolling in Part 2 and Part 3 of the Special Education AQ course this summer and fall.

Maria’s schooling, as well as her personal and professional experiences have built the foundation of her beliefs. Maria truly believes that using student curiosity and interests is critical when engaging students and achieving success. She urges teachers and others to value student voice and input, as it is an integral part of teaching and learning. Maria believes that students are truly valued when they are put at the centre of their learning; only then, will student confidence and self-esteem flourish.

In her spare time, Maria enjoys playing sports such as soccer and volleyball as well as spending time with her family; whether it’s watching movies or playing games.

Kelly M.

Kelly has a Master’s of Education specializing in Language and Literacy from Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. She has extensive English teaching experience towards a wide range of literacy backgrounds (towards various nationalities) and a wide range of ages (from age 14 to 65). Also as a casual instructor at York University, she prepares her students for university-level English. Kelly specializes in youth learning engagements, practical language applications, and lesson personalization to suit needs and interests. Students will learn to develop foundational literacy skills such as writing structure, phonological awareness, and reading comprehension. During her spare time, Kelly enjoys visiting art galleries, exploring the city, and singing on her guitar. She also has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Architectural Studies and Visual Arts from the University of Toronto.

ELLIE R.

Ellie has been with for Prep Academy Tutors since 2015. She completed her Bachelor’s of Education at the University of Ottawa in 2014. Since graduating, Ellie has taken additional qualification courses in special education, mathematics and reading. In 2017 Ellie graduated from the Master’s of Education program with a focus in global education, teaching and learning at the University of Ottawa. Ellie began working with the Toronto District School Board in 2017 where she started working as an occasional teacher and is now a contract teacher in the elementary panel.
Ellie is very passionate about supporting all students in areas of weakness to ensure students are gaining confidence and the skills that will help them become independent learners. Ellie believes that learning is lifelong and it is important to build a set of foundational skills to ensure that students have opportunities to achieve their goals.
As a certified teacher and an academic coach, Ellie understands the importance of creating a team environment with the student, parents, teachers and other educational professionals. Since working with Prep Academy Tutors she has become very familiar with Direct Instruction (Reading Mastery and Corrective Decoding) and the Wilson Reading System. She has seen the benefits with both programs while using them with her clients. She also advocates that it is important to recognize that all students learn differently, which is why flexibility in our instruction and teaching should be valued.
Ellie also has experience supporting students in mathematics and believes that having a strong understanding of the foundational basics in math is essential for further development. Ellie has experience teaching the 3 part math lessons that are seen in our school systems today, and she believes that connecting math to the real world is not only engaging to our students but can also help foster confidence and strength in mathematics.
Ellie looks forward to working with you and the Prep Academy family to support all educational needs and development.

Lindsey R.

KATE M.

Kate earned her bachelor’s degree in Primary/Junior Education from York University’s Faculty of Education. She also holds a B.A. in Sociology and Criminology from the University of Toronto. While completing her Social Service Worker certification through Seneca College, Kate discovered her passion for working with kids and decided to pursue teaching as a career.

Kate has worked in various TDSB schools, an after school literacy program based out of an independent bookshop, and as a science camp counsellor. She has worked with students from Kindergarten to grade 8. Kate loves learning about her students’ communities and interests. She has also volunteered with Frontier College as a tutor for adults with learning disabilities and with Sunnybrook Hospital.

Kate is a born and raised Toronto resident who enjoys yoga, exploring the city’s many parks and ravines, and horseback riding.

JACQUELINE R.

Jacqueline recently graduated with a Master of Teaching degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto with qualifications in Primary/Junior. Her research focus was on the impact technology has on developing students’ critical thinking skills, specifically in the area of literacy. Additionally, in October of 2019, she received a certificate of completion in the Master of Teaching Digital Day at OISE. She also successfully completed the Primary/Junior Math Part One Additional Qualification course with OISE. She is an adaptive, reflective and organized teacher with a strong work ethic who cares deeply about the needs of all students. With several years’ experience in education under her belt, she is looking to make an impact in the development of children’s education.

Jacqueline’s specialty is literacy, math, science and technology. She has worked closely with teachers to improve students’ reading and writing skills by facilitating literacy circles, one-on-one reading sessions, as well as incorporating visual and digital learning tools in the classroom to aid in key learning concepts. She has worked with remedial math programs to help kids focus on big ideas and teach explicit strategies in mathematics.

Jacqueline’s schooling undergraduate education in media and communications has also taken her to Belgium where she not only immersed herself in Belgian culture but travelled all over Europe. She loves to experience new cultures and constantly has a case of the “travel bug”. She has set off to places including Australia, the Caribbean, and many parts of the U.S. and Canada. During her leisure time, Jacqueline loves to dance and can be seen taking jazz funk classes at her favourite studio in downtown Toronto.

JOANNA K.

Joanna is an experienced French tutor and has been teaching this beautiful, international language for 7 years– and counting! She has been learning French for most of her life, from taking Extended French and AP French throughout school, to continuing her learning at York University’s Glendon College in Translation Studies. Moliere’s language also lead her to spending two years as an English teacher in France, instilling a love of language-learning in students aged 4-15. She is currently completing her Master of Teaching at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at U of T and has her French teaching qualifications for Primary-Junior classrooms. She is excited to take her creative approaches to teaching math, literacy, and more!

Joanna is a language-learner herself, speaking 4 fluently and currently learning 2 others, so she understands the struggles that come with comprehension, speaking, and, those pesky grammar tenses! More importantly, she can apply all of these learned strategies to your own learning needs, finding the one that fits you best. Joanna believes in helping everyone find their own way of learning and she is there to guide anyone to find their path. She is patient, communicative, and organized– making sure that all needs and concerns are met in an effective, creative, and comprehensible manner.

ERICA L

Erica will be an Ontario Certified Teacher specializing in the Primary/Junior division at the end of March. She currently attends the University of Toronto for her Masters of Teachings, and has completed her honours in English and Anthropology. Erica has worked in both the Catholic and Public School Board, and has experience teaching Grades 1-5, 10, and 11. Erica has experience working with students who have Special Needs, and those who require Reading Recovery. Erica is dedicated to helping students grow academically, and enjoys creating engaging activities for her learners. Furthermore, Erica explores different methods of teaching to engage various styles of learners, and works towards creating inclusivity.

In addition to helping educate young learners, Erica has interests in baking, spending time with her family, watching movies, horseback riding, and painting.

JESSICA G.

Jessica is a recent graduate of the Master of Teaching program at the University of Toronto (OISE). Jessica currently works as an Occasional Teacher for Halton District School Board with Primary, Junior and Intermediate Students. As an educator Jessica strives to support students in developing their knowledge, skills, and values for active citizenship. As a new teacher, Jessica is passionate and dedicated to the implementation of research-based practice, innovative learning, and student inquiry. Jessica is certified for the elementary panel. As a native of Etobicoke, Jessica has grown up with a passion for the outdoors and walking alongside the lakeshore with her dog Snooks, this passion for exercise has inspired her to also be qualified for Intermediate Physical and Health Education. In addition to being an Ontario Certified Teacher, Jessica has over 6 years of experience working with children two to twelve at Ryerson Early Learning Centre as an Early-Childhood Educator. With her passion for research and twenty-first-century learning, she is certainly an innovative and exciting candidate.

Throughout Jessica’s work as an early-childhood educator and teacher candidate, She has developed a sincere desire to inspire innovation and build challenging but supportive learning environments for her students. Within her work, she has used differentiated instruction and experiential learning opportunities to support learners with exceptionalities as these opportunities for learning are invaluable for promoting student engagement and supporting the individual needs of students. Throughout the Masters of Teaching program, Jessica had devoted her research to exploring the way teachers incorporate Aboriginal perspectives and environmental education to support the whole child. With this research experience, Jessica is passionate about implementing teaching strategies that have proven effective and efficient throughout educational research to best support her students.

Throughout Jessica’s experience, she has planned lessons that promote personalized learning opportunities to meet the needs of students. It is important to Jessica that her students feel valued and have a sense of trust and value in their learning. Professionally, Jessica’s has a strong interest in working with students with various exceptionalities and has had experience working with students in enrichment programs and students with executive functioning needs. Jessica strongly believes that students can and should look forward to learning in a safe space where it is recognized that their individual differences make the learning experience come alive. A part of this is building strong relationships and knowing her students. Jessica believes that in order to personalize learning opportunities, you truly need to know your students.

Through Jessica’s combined experiences learning from and working in the field of education, specifically the early years, she has discovered her passion for special education and early intervention. Jessica’s desire to learn more about how to appropriately adapt instructional tools for such a diverse population of learners has allowed her to make the decision complete her qualifications for Primary/Junior Special Education Part 1 and Reading. Personally, along with lakeshore hikes, Jessica has played volleyball, figured skated and has a strong passion for literacy and reading. Her favorite genre of books is non-fiction as she enjoys learning about the world around her. With a strong passion for reading, she aims to support students love or learning and discover the ways to best support students with exceptionalities. Throughout Jessica’s undergraduate and graduate studies, she has engaged in several professional development workshops to better equip herself as an elementary teacher to provide an effective and sustainable education for her students.

JEN G.

Jen is an Ontario Certified Teacher, holding a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology from Queen’s University. She has experience teaching children of all abilities from Kindergarten to Grade 6, and has worked in both TDSB and private school settings, such as Bialik Hebrew Day School. Jen has additional qualifications in Special Education, Teaching Math, and Teaching Reading, which enables her to effectively engage students with a variety of learning needs. Having completed the French Immersion program at Lawrence Park CI, Jen enjoys working with both French and English subjects. She has a passion for inclusion, along with compassion for children with disabilities, and intends to pursue this throughout her career as a teacher. Jen has gathered a wide range of experience working with children with special needs in both classroom and recreational environments, including Bloorview School Authority. Additionally, Jen is trained on the Remedial Programs of Direct Instruction Reading Mastery and The Wilson Reading Program and she enjoys working through these programs with struggling readers and writers. As an educator, her goal is to empower students to engage in and enjoy their learning, overcome obstacles, and reach their academic potential.