LENSSA O.

Lenssa has been teaching senior science, accounting, and mathematics as an Ontario & BC Certified teacher since September 2013. After completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto in 2011 (attaining a Bachelor of Science with high distinction, majoring in Integrative Biology and Psychology), she took a year off to explore the world as a flight attendant. She returned to the school in the next fall for their teacher education program (OISE), graduating with Intermediate/Senior Biology and Social Sciences teachables. Lenssa immediately began her teaching career at an international school in Saint Lucia where she taught happily in the sunshine for two years. In search of adventure, she moved to China and taught at in international school there for three wonderful years. Since she started teaching, she has returned to school to add Junior/Intermediate Math to her teachables as well as getting a certificate for AP Chemistry. She is currently back in school (at University of Toronto), taking courses to add Senior Chemistry to that list.

Born in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Lenssa moved to Canada as a young child with her family. Since then, she’s moved around a number of times and has loved every minute of it. Having a teacher for a father and a family the impressed upon her the value of education, her love for the field was nurtured from childhood. From spending her summers as a youth helper in summer camps, a volunteer soccer coach, and babysitting the children of friends to volunteering as a tutor/ mentor to underprivileged kids during her undergrad, she has always made room for teaching. Her favourite parts of teaching are getting to know some wonderful kids and the continuous opportunity to learn new things. When she’s not teaching, she likes to spend her time with her family/friends, travelling, and exploring all that the world has to offer.

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.

NATALIE L.

Natalie Little 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.

MELANIE P.

Melanie has a Master of Science in Biology received at York University. As a Master’s candidate, she was a teaching assistant for several first and third year biology laboratory based courses. During her years as a teaching assistant, Melanie instructed classrooms and also taught students one on one. She had to plan mini-lessons, teach laboratories, assign quizzes and homework, and grade university level papers. Melanie also received her Bachelor of Science in Biology at York University. During her undergraduate she took and excelled at various biology and chemistry courses. Melanie enjoys writing essays and almost received a minor in philosophy due to her love for writing. Melanie loved her years as a teaching assistant and enjoys teaching because she loves to play a role in helping a student learn. During her free time she plays recreational soccer and spends time doing puzzles with her nephew. She also currently works at a veterinary clinic in hopes of attending veterinary school.

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.

EDGAR F.

Edgar is currently in his second year of Teacher’s College at York University and will graduate in June of 2018, where he will become an Ontario Certified Teacher at the Primary/Junior level. Edgar graduated from York University in June of 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Portuguese & Luso Brazilian Studies prior to starting his journey towards obtaining his Bachelors of Education degree. Edgar is in the application process of doing his Masters of Education degree focusing on Urban Educational Environments, as he is very interested in studying schools and children that embody these atmospheres. Subjects that Edgar takes most interest in are; Mathematics, Health, Physical Education, and Visual Arts. Edgar has two years of summer camp experience, where he has supervised and lead groups of children ranging from four to thirteen years of age. Edgar also has had multiple placement experiences in the Toronto Catholic District School Board, where he has worked in four different Elementary schools as a Teacher Candidate and a Tutor. In April Edgar will be going to Tanzania, Africa where he will teach for three weeks and gain an authentic, hands on experience of teaching in a third world country. In addition to teaching, Edgar remains active in the community by volunteering his time with St. Roch’s Catholic Church.

During his Undergraduate studies, Edgar was a member of the York University varsity soccer team for three years. In the three years as a member of the team, Edgar has won an OUA Bronze medal, an OUA gold medal, and a fourth place finish at the CIS National Championships. Edgar still plays soccer at the provincial level, but also finds himself coaching the youth. He has trained players from clubs such as North York FC, but also school soccer teams like; Chaminade College School and All Saints Catholic Elementary School. Edgar is a very active individual and has found a new passion for running. He completed his first marathon in October of 2017, and is now training towards completing an Ironman 70.3.

DAVID H.

David is a high school teacher, and has been in the classroom permanently since 2019. In this time, he has taught both junior and senior level math and physics classes. He graduated from Queen’s university with a degree in physics in 2015. From there, he decided to pursue a career in teaching and went on to complete a Masters of Teaching from U of T in April of 2017. He has spent time teaching in both Toronto and Seoul, South Korea. David is passionate about learning new math and science concepts, and is excited about helping others succeed and work towards their educational goals. He believes that all students are capable of personal success if they are given the right opportunities and have a strong work ethic. In his spare time, David loves to play sports, go camping, watch movies, and travel!

MICHELLE P.

My name is Michelle Prioriello. As a Teacher Candidate in Math, Biology and General Science, I am beyond joyed to share my passion for the mathematics, the sciences, and learning.

I have always had a keen and passionate interest for teaching and building relationships with students – qualities in which make learning interesting and engaging. My approachable personality, excellent interpersonal skills and ambitious leadership qualities are attributes that make me a desirable tutor to meet your needs.

My current teaching experiences at the intermediate and senior levels as well as my previous tutoring experiences provides me with the background needed to be an excellent tutor. My coaching skills as a current dance instructor and my previous teaching assistant positions have strengthened my personal attributes such as patience, time management and organization. Lastly, my previous graduate studies at York University have provided me with the scientific background needed to assist my students with their scientific and personal needs.

I hope to be a part of your educational journeys in order to display my love of diverse and creative learning!

MICHELLE P.

My name is Michelle Prioriello. As a Teacher Candidate in Math, English, Biology and General Science, I am beyond joyed to share my passion for the mathematics, the sciences, essay writing, and learning.

I have always had a keen and passionate interest for teaching and building relationships with students – qualities in which make learning interesting and engaging. My approachable personality, excellent interpersonal skills and ambitious leadership qualities are attributes that make me a desirable tutor to meet your needs. I am a trained SSAT coach, and I enjoy guiding students through this test-taking process. Additionally, my many years of schooling has provided me with excellent essay writing skills, and I enjoy teaching students how to become strong, influential writers.

My current teaching experiences at the intermediate and senior levels as well as my previous tutoring experiences provides me with the background needed to be an exceptional tutor. My coaching skills as a current dance instructor and my previous teaching assistant positions have strengthened my personal attributes such as patience, time management and organization. Lastly, my previous graduate studies at York University have provided me with the background needed to assist my students with their academic and personal needs.

I hope to be a part of your educational journeys in order to display my love of diverse and creative learning!

DORA P.

Dora is a passionate and enthusiastic educator that strives to get students interested in what they are learning. She is currently completing a Master of Teaching degree from the University of Toronto through the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. In addition, she earned her Honours Bachelors of Arts in Public Policy and Urban Planning from the University of Toronto. Upon completing her Masters, Dora will be licensed to teach both primary and junior levels for English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Language Arts and Reading.

Dora has previously worked with the TDSB in the Power Your Future program as a math assistant and tutor. The program provided incoming and current high school students a significant “leg-up” in their classes by engaging them in intensive curricular practice in all subject areas—making Dora is very familiar with the Ontario Curriculum expectations. She has also been engaged in community education partnerships through the University of Toronto, including the MYRA project, where she worked with high school students to engage them in community research and improve their math, English, geography and social science knowledge.

Currently, Dora has shifted her practice to teaching younger students. Her diverse educational background has strengthened her academic foundations and encouraged her to put a strong focus on student achievement and success in her practice. Dora believes in varying the type of teaching techniques she uses to cater to each specific student. She tries to be innovative and engaging by customizing sessions to suit her student’s developmental needs and learning style. By promoting a trusting and driven learning relationship with her students, Dora encourages communication to help students achieve their goals and build confidence in their learning.