DR. A. RAHNAMA

Dr. A. Rahnama is a passionate mathematics educator with over 20 years of teaching experience at the high school, college, and university levels. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics and a Master’s in Computer Science, allowing him to provide deep insight into various mathematical topics, including Advanced Functions, Algebra, Calculus, Probability, Linear Algebra, and Statistics. Dr. Rahnama believes that mathematics is not just about solving problems but about building strong analytical skills that empower students in their academic and professional journeys.

His teaching methodology is centered around simplifying complex concepts, breaking down problems into small, manageable steps, and providing clear, structured explanations with real-world examples. He ensures that students develop confidence in their mathematical abilities by reinforcing concepts through step-by-step problem-solving. Dr. Rahnama has also taught applied math courses in data science, integrating practical applications to make learning more engaging. Whether preparing for exams or tackling challenging coursework, he creates a supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged and motivated to succeed.

In his spare time, Dr. Rahnama enjoys exploring innovative teaching strategies and mentoring students in research projects. He finds great fulfillment in helping students develop a strong foundation in mathematics while gaining the confidence to tackle even the most challenging problems.

 

JOSEPH D.

Joseph is a dedicated and passionate educator with a strong background in mathematics. With 8 years years of tutoring experience, he has worked with students of all ages, helping them build confidence and master challenging concepts. Holding a BBA from Trent University he specializes in making learning engaging and tailored to each student’s unique needs.

Beyond teaching, Joseph enjoys working out and playing sports, bringing creativity and enthusiasm into every lesson. Whether breaking down complex equations or guiding students through literary analysis, he strives to make learning both effective and enjoyable.

 

 

ELECTRA W.

Electra is currently pursuing a Master’s of Child Study and Education at the University of Toronto. She has completed a Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Studies with a minor in English accredited by Toronto Metropolitan University. Through her Master’s studies, Electra has completed a teaching practicum in a kindergarten classroom and is currently completing her second practicum in a grade four classroom. In her undergraduate studies, Electra completed placement experiences in a grade 1/2 classroom, a kindergarten classroom, and an EarlyON Child and Family Centre. Electra has a plethora of diverse employment experiences with respect to teaching and learning. Electra has hired, trained, and managed instructors for Engineering Outreach programs (STEM-based additional programming). Through this employment, Electra reviewed curriculum outlines, activity sheets, and material requests for grades 3 to 8. Electra has experience as a Senior Program Instructor for Engineering Outreach programs, where she created, developed, and delivered STEM programming to students from grades 1 to 12. Moreover, Electra has experience as an Emergency Supply Teacher, where she covered the duties and responsibilities of absent teachers ranging from kindergarten to grade 12. Electra has extended knowledge of curriculum, pedagogy, and best practices. She is culturally responsive and always incorporates an equity lens into her practice. Electra is highly experienced with children with exceptionalities and always implements strength-based approaches that consider the whole child.

 

 

SARAH R.

Sarah is currently a student at Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in the Masters of Teaching program. She has a particular interest in mathematics education and a consciousness of math anxiety and shame within the math classroom, as she is currently working on research on math anxiety in BIPOC students. Sarah truly believes that every student is capable of learning any subject and believes in the importance of building students’ confidence. So, she focuses on connecting with who students are to teach them in a way that works for them.

Before coming to OISE, Sarah taught dance and gymnastics to kids aged 4-12 in a summer camp setting. In practicum experiences, Sarah taught in a grade 5-6 gifted classroom, a grade 7-8 literacy, history, and art classroom and a grade 8 science classroom, with a concentrated focus on math skills within science. With these different age groups and experiences, Sarah has learned the needs of different age groups and is well-equipped at adapting to these different needs. In the future, she hopes to use what she has learned to teach in a junior or intermediate level classroom setting (grades 4-10).

In her personal life, she enjoys baking, watching movies, and seeing live music. She also is active in the UofT community as a Varsity Blues cheerleader.

 

 

Haroula G.

Haroula is an enthusiastic educator who is completing the Master of Teaching program at OISE (Intermedia/Senior Division). She additionally holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences from McMaster University, where she graduated summa cum laude. She has over four years of experience working with students of all ages, specializing in supporting high school students in math and science. Her wide breadth of knowledge in these subjects is an asset to aid students across a scope of classes and curriculums. She is passionate about building a strong rapport with students and fostering an environment where students can cultivate a growth mindset as a tool for self-improvement. Being an inclusive and supportive educator and adapting to the individualized needs of each student is at the forefront of Haroula’s pedagogy.

 

 

RILEY R.

Riley is a second-year Master ofTeaching (MT) student at OISE. He has a considerable amount of teaching experience as a private tutor and has worked at various elementary and secondary schools within the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).

Riley aspires to become a high school biology and chemistry teacher and share his passion for science and learning to his future classroom. His motto is: “Learning does not start until a love for lifelong learning is instilled into the classroom.”

 

MADELEINE B.

Madeleine is a student at the University of Toronto pursuing a Master’s in Teaching with a specialization in French education and plans on teaching French at the primary level. Before starting her current program, Madeleine completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at U of T. Having grown up attending French language schools across the US and France, she developed a passion for francophone culture and language. Madeleine taught as a grade 1 to 3 second language teacher at a French language school in Seattle, Washington, before pivoting to tutoring adult English language learners. As a multilingual language learner herself, Madeleine understands that every child’s learning needs are unique and she prioritizes individualized teaching plans to most effectively aid each student in their learning goals.

In her free time, Madeleine has been learning Spanish and enjoys staying active outdoors. She recently discovered crochet and has been learning how to make her own winter accessories!

 

EMILY M.

Emily is a graduate from the University of Toronto, with a honours bachelor’s degree in earth sciences and environmental geography, and an M.Sc. in Earth sciences! She also completed a minor in Spanish and is fluent in French – she adores languages and wants to learn 8 in total! Emily taught earth sciences at U of T as a teacher’s assistant for 2 years, and also has experience helping younger ones in learning elementary-level material in all subjects.

Aside from her passion for learning and academics, she is a varsity volleyball player at Seneca Polytechnic, and she coaches the sport to youth and adults when she isn’t training and playing herself! Emily is an artsy person at heart though, and is self-employed as an independent recording artist, while also working as an actor and a model part-time (she really like to keep busy if you can’t tell!) Emily can’t wait to meet you, and work with you on stimulating topics and any academic difficulties. Let’s learn together!

 

GINA C.

Gina holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Physics with a focus on Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Physics from the University of Toronto, as well as a B.Sc. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and Physics from McGill University. Her passion for teaching emerged during her studies, leading to over eight years of experience tutoring math and physics. Gina has supported many students in gaining admission to top universities, including McGill, UofT, and UBC, and has taught more than 23,000 learners worldwide through her engaging online courses. As a teaching assistant at the University of Toronto and McGill University, Gina led lectures, facilitated labs, and mentored students, further strengthening her dedication to education. Fluent in English, French, and Chinese, she strives to make science accessible and enjoyable for all learners. In her free time, Gina enjoys playing volleyball, practicing judo, baking vegan treats, and designing innovative learning materials to inspire her students.

 

SAWSAN R.

Sawsan R. is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education (BEd) at York University Glendon as part of the Concurrent Education program. She successfully completed her four-year Honours Bachelor in French Studies, gaining a deeper understanding of the French language and culture. Now in her first year of her BEd program, Sawsan is enhancing the skills and knowledge required to become a successful and engaging educator.

Sawsan has extensive tutoring and teaching experiences, having taught K-12 students at the University of Toronto youth educational programs. With 7 years of experience as an educator, she has developed a strong ability to connect with students and create a positive learning environment.

Her studies have provided her with a strong foundation in both subject expertise and effective teaching approaches. Sawsan is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where her students are motivated to improve their language skills and succeed academically.

As Sawsan is fluent in both English and French, she can connect with students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. With her profound experience working with students at various proficiency levels and her strong academic background, she ensures that every student receives high-quality instruction meeting each student’s needs. Sawsan is eager to make a positive impact on her students and help them become proficient in French.