VIVIAN Z.

Vivian embarked on a new journey of teachers college at the University of Toronto in fall of 2018. Before this, she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, also at UofT, while taking a plethora of courses in other disciplines including math, physics, and biology. She has years of teaching and guidance practice from her non-profit backcountry camping trips where she leads groups of 4-8 members on multi-day trips in the wilderness of southern Ontario. In addition to outdoor adventure recreation, Vivian’s other passion is conducting deep dives on physical phenomena by explaining them using science and math. This is how she learns and remembers knowledge. Hence, this is how she teaches. Is it her endeavour to contextualize as much of the curriculum to real life applications. Her hobbies include long distance bike touring, triathlons, and hosting dumpling making parties.

MIKE N.

Mike is an Ontario Certified Teacher who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Wilfrid Laurier University and Nipissing University. Mike has over eight years of experience in front of different classrooms and instructional opportunities and has completed two LTOs in Waterloo Region District School Board since graduating his post-secondary studies. Primarily working in French Immersion, Mike is a former French Immersion student himself and is an advocate for learning French as a Second Language. He also has plenty of experience in various other classrooms, supporting students with diverse needs by focusing on students’ strengths and interests. Mike enjoys playing and watching hockey, snowboarding and video games in his spare time.

MIKHAIL Z.

Mikhail is an Ontario Certified Teacher working for the Peel District School Board. He grew up in Toronto, moving to Iowa to complete an Undergraduate Degree in Business Administration where he earned a full golf scholarship. Mikhail grew up with a deep passion for golf and took the opportunity to play and teach it professionally following the completion of his degrees. It was during his stay in Iowa that Mikhail discovered his passion for teaching and working with children. When he decided to pursue teaching as a career Mikhail moved to Peterborough and completed a Bachelor of Education at the University of Trent. It is through teaching that Mikhail has been able to foster his love for mathematics. During the summer months, Mikhail runs a Golf Camp that encourages children to learn about swing mechanics, etiquette and most importantly, how to have fun.
He has supported the improvement of student reading, writing, vocabulary and math skills. Although, math is his strongest subject to tutor. Mikhail believes that by building a strong relationship with his students he is better able to meet their needs and grow their learning. As a mentor Mikhail continues to develop strategies for working with children. He finds these experiences enjoyable and extremely rewarding.

JOSE E.

Jose has background in mechanical engineering and a Master of Science in engineering, with multiple achievements throughout his career including graduate and postgraduate scholarships, Honoris Causa degree, patent applications and academic publications, among others. He has 4+ years of experience as engineer in fields such as robotics, data science and engineering design. He’s also led different classrooms, teaching quantitative subjects including programming, engineering physics and mathematics, while providing guidance and mentoring for senior students and undergrads. His interest in learning and curiosity led him to master English, Spanish, French and some German. In his spare time, Jose enjoys reading and practicing sports with friends such as soccer and basketball. In his teaching career he has always been interested in sharing with his students how practical tricks, habits and framing can help students master difficult subjects and succeed.

LETITIA M.

Letitia is an Ontario Certified Teacher that works for the TDSB. She completed an Undergraduate Degree in Early Childhood Education at Ryerson University and a Bachelor of Education at York University. As well, she is currently completing a Master’s degree in Education with a Post Graduate Diploma in Language and Literacy. Letitia has developed a deep passion for working with young children and guiding them to reach their full potential. She is particularly interested in Language and working with English Language Learners. In her spare time, Letitia enjoys spending time travelling with her family and 3 year old son and engaging in fun activities such as zip lining and dancing.

DONALD R.

Don Rowsell is a seasoned teacher with 27 years experience. Aside from teaching for the Toronto District School Board he has taught college and university math. In addition he spent several years editing and authoring math textbooks that have been used in classrooms all over North America. He loves to teach, saying “There’s never a dull moment”, and he is thoroughly addicted to learning, with five academic degrees and no intention of stopping. In his spare time, Don is a jazz piano player and uses his talents wherever there is need, including local gigs and working with choirs that have performed in Canada and the United States. For extra-curricular involvement in the schools in which he has taught he has worked on African Heritage month, talent shows, tutoring clinics, literacy initiatives and he has coached soccer.

JULIA B.

Julia is an Ontario Certified Teacher who grew up in Toronto. She recently received her Master’s of Teaching degree from the University of Toronto where she also completed her Bachelors of Science in Biology. Julia has a passion for teaching STEM subjects and completed her research thesis on how to improve science teacher self-efficacy in elementary school teachers. Prior to completing her Master’s she worked for over 4 years in Taipei, Taiwan as a classroom teacher and developed a love for the country’s culture and food. Aside from classroom teaching, she has also taught SSAT prep and loves to help her students reach their academic goals. When Julia isn’t teaching, she loves biking and has done many long distance rides all over the world.

JOSEPH R.

Joseph is an Ontario Certified Teacher. He received his teacher certification from Queen’s University in 2016, with a specialization in Primary/Junior divisions and, later, Intermediate Mathematics from Trent University. During this time, Joseph tutored students from Kindergarten to Grade 10 and in all subject areas. In the past few years he has worked as a Mathematics class teacher and has experience teaching students in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8. Joseph is currently teaching Grade 7 and 8 Mathematics at a private school in Toronto. In the past he has presented interactive in-class science workshops through Scientists in School and also managed a daily after-school program for at-risk youth. Outside of the classroom Joseph enjoys being outside of the classroom – whether it’s running, canoeing, or coaching basketball/softball. He has developed a passion for outdoor education volunteering at Evergreen Brickworks, as a camp counsellor, and even earned an Environmental Education specialization at Queen’s University. Joseph believes that the key to a positive learning environment is strong relationships and so he takes the time to understand students’ interests, needs, and unique learning profile. In his spare time Joseph also enjoys reading, board games and playing guitar.

HARDEEP S.

Hardeep is a graduate of University of Toronto with a degree in Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc) in Chemical Engineering. He also holds a Certificate in Engineering Business with a focus on Financial Accounting and Corporate Finance. He currently works as a Financial Controller at Labatt Breweries. Teaching is Hardeep’s one of many passions which he has been pursuing since Grade 12. His teaching style has evolved into a personalized student-centred approach which makes learning difficult concepts easier and fun. In his free time, Hardeep loves to read mystery novels, cook extravagant dinners for his friends and travel to the Cottage country (weather permitting).

MINOO M.

Teaching is a rewarding experience and an opportunity to learn about the world. Minoo has her Bachelor of Mathematics and Master of Business is now pursuing her Teaching degree. Minoo has over 10 years of teaching experience, having taught at Iran, Malaysia and Toronto. When she is not in school, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family.