MATTHEW B.

Matthew is an Ontario Certified Teacher in the Primary and Junior Divisions. He is a graduate of OISE’s Masters of Teaching Program at the University of Toronto and completed his undergraduate degree at Queen’s University in Drama & English. He loves Jalapeño Cheddar dipping sauce and writing in the third person. Matthew has over 10 years of teaching experience in various classroom and educational settings. He developed his passion for education and working with children as professional actor teaching improv, speech, and drama at Second City Toronto where he also served as the Youth & Teen Programme Coordinator. Matthew is a champion of the arts and the powerful effect they can have on students and their learning experiences. His graduate thesis looked at improv’s powerful effect on creating community in the classroom and helping students with their own confidence, problem-solving, anxiety, and voice. Matthew also worked at Sick Kids Hospital as a Therapeutic Clown, a faithful companion to patients utilizing therapeutic play, relationships, developmental and procedural support, humour and laughter. Matthew has been very fortunate to have teaching experience with students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. As a resident of North Toronto, Matthew was lucky enough to have placements at many schools in the area, including John Wanless, Armour Heights, Sterling Hall, and Crescent. Matthew is passionate about developing a strong community in his teaching and tutoring through supportive relationships. He is committed to working with parents, teachers, and students to create an atmosphere where students reach high levels of achievement and well-being. When not teaching, Matthew can be found serving as the Artistic Director of a local Toronto theatre company, or up north at his new cottage in the Algonquin Highlands.

CAROL W.

Carol Waters is a retired elementary school teacher with thirty years experience. She taught kindergarten to grade three during her career, and her qualifications include primary specialist and special education. A Lead Literacy teacher for seven years, she coordinated various workshops for colleagues centred on language development for primary students. She also taught the well-regarded Kindergarten Language Program (KLP) for ten years, also known as the KELLI Program, which focuses on enhancing oral communication and early literacy skills.

Carol has a Bachelor of Arts and Education degree as well as a diploma for Developmental Service worker. She coached volleyball, track and field, the Junior W5H teams and the Eco club.
Carol’s love of reading and literature extends to volunteering to read with students at her former school, and participating in an adult book club. She greatly enjoys outdoor activities, particularly exploring hiking trails throughout the province.

HARLAN N.

Harlan is a passion educator who has three years of experience tutoring students in one-on-one and group settings. A member of the Ontario College of Teachers, Harlan is currently a York Region District School Board occasional teacher and has been supply teaching for the last two years. Harlan received his Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University in 2014, before receiving his Bachelor of Professional Studies at Niagara University in 2017. Harlan is qualified to teach in all four divisions, having taken multiple additional qualifications post-graduation. Harlan is passionate about teaching and enjoys seeing students thrive in all facets of life. Harlan enjoys making learning fun and interactive where students can feel safe to ask questions and learn from mistakes.Harlan tailors each of his lessons to the individuals needs and interests of his students so that they be successful throughout the school year. In his spare time, Harlan enjoys watching the Toronto Maple Leafs and playing basketball.