ERIN T.

Erin is an Ontario Certified Teacher who completed her Bachelor of Honours Music with a Minor in English and Philosophy at McMaster University. She completed her Bachelor of Education with a focus in At-Risk Youth at Queens’ University.

Since graduating, she has worked for an international private school, teaching OSSD English, Music, Social Sciences and more. She most recently joined the York Region Public School Board as an educator. Her strengths include working with At-Risk Youth, preparing students for post-secondary education, and specifically helping students achieve success in their high school English courses.

THERESA L.

Theresa is freelance writer and former college instructor with a master’s degree in English Literature. She has taught English Literature and Media Studies at Seneca College, and English Language Learning and Business English for private clients. She was the first instructor to design a hybrid in-class and online learning model for the Continuing Education Department at Seneca.

Theresa believes that everyone can learn to write with clarity and style. She engages students by connecting learning requirements to individual progress. Clients can expect clearly defined goals, detailed feedback, and ongoing encouragement. Theresa nurtures confidence in her students, guiding them to their full potential.

JOHN (YONGKI) KIM

John has a bachelor degree in Math, Physics, and Education. He has 9 years of teaching high school.
His teaching experience includes a range of grades, student abilities and cultural backgrounds. His goal has been nurturing an environment, rich with opportunities to be active in both body and mind to help all students achieve at their full potential. He uses Universal Design for Learning and differentiation to effectively respond to the characteristics of a diverse group of students. Accommodation and differentiation are practiced continuously to provide suitable types of learning materials and technologies that capitalize on the strengths and address the needs of all students.

OZ S.

Oz Salam is a teacher with the Peel District School Board. He graduated from York University in 2014 with a Bachelor Degree with Honours in History. He then went to York University for Teachers College and graduated from the Urban Diversity Program in 2015 with his Bachelor’s of Education. He joined the PDSB in 2017 and in the 5 years since has supplied in every grade from K-8, as well as completed 7 separate LTO (Long Term Occasional) contracts in Grades 6, 7, and 8 with the longest being a full year. He has continued to improve his skills by taking Additional Qualifications courses, taking his Primary AQ in 2018 and is looking to take more. He is currently working towards a permanent position with the board and has tutored previously prior to the pandemic. His interests outside of teaching include reading, keeping healthy, as well as watching and playing sports.

ZIRWAH M.

Zirwah is an Ontario certified teacher at primary/ junior level. She graduated with Honours from University of Guelph in Bachelor of Applied Science and received her Bachelor of Education degree from Queens University. She is currently completing her Master’s of Education in Teaching and Learning from University of Ottawa. Zirwah is an occasional teacher with Peel District School Board, where she teaches classes from kindergarten to grade 6. Through her course, volunteer, and teaching experiences, Zirwah had the opportunity to gain deeper understanding of diverse learning styles, needs and cultures of children. She believes in providing students with differentiated instructions based on their learning needs. She tailors the activities according to the students need and is a passionate teacher who loves working with students. She believes that every student has a right to enriching education and a nurturing environment which will help them excel. Zirwah engages students with curriculum material in a meaningful way by ensuring her lesson plans are geared towards students’ personal interests. In her free time, she enjoys baking, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

BIANCA I.

Bianca is an Ontario Certified Teacher since 2017. She grew up in Mississauga, moving to Hamilton, Ontario to complete an Undergraduate Degree at McMaster University and receiving a B.A in Humanities and a minor in religion. As well, she completed a Post Graduate Diploma, a Master of Science in Education in Buffalo, New York. Bianca grew up with a deep love of travel and took the opportunity to explore the world following the completion of her degrees. Since she was a young girl, Bianca discovered her passion for teaching and working with children. During the summer months, Bianca normally tutors student for the upcoming school year and continues to work with them throughout the year. In her spare time Bianca works one-on-one with children ranging from 6 years through middle school. She has taught almost all grades kindergarten through to grade 8 and while teaching, still supports students through tutoring. She has supported the improvement of their reading, writing, vocabulary and math skills. Additionally. Bianca has over 10 AQs (additional qualifications) and believes that all are life-long learners and is constantly building and adding to her career as an educator. Bianca believes that by building a strong relationship with her students she is better able to meet their needs and grow their learning.

JAMES G.

James is a graduate of Brock University’s Concurrent Education program where he was on the Dean’s Honour list in 2018 and specializes teaching grades 4-10. He also has had experience teaching at the secondary level and has his qualifications in Special Education and Guidance and Career Education.

James’ educational philosophy puts the child at the centre of the learning by building strong
connections with the student to discover their interests and passions so he can create lessons that are engaging and meaningful. He believes that it is essential for students to develop effective 21st Century Skills with an emphasis on communication, collaboration, and critical thinking while utilizing technology to its maximum effectiveness (while of course avoiding sensory overload). Regardless of the students’ entry skills and unique challenges, he creates an environment that is safe and uses an individualized approach to ensure that any gaps in learning are filled. He understands and has experience working with students during the past two years when social isolation and anxiety plagued our youth.

Now, students need to be feel good about themselves, have the confidence to build strong academic and personal skills, and be optimistic about their future. James wants to facilitate this process by addressing the needs of the individual so they can have a successful educational experience this year.

KEVIN M.

Kevin is a Research Chemist turned Teacher-Candidate (Pursuing his B.Ed). He spent three years in his undergraduate studies mentoring students and the last two years (2021-2022) tutoring Grades 7-11 in Math and Science in an underserved community. His Teachables are Biology, General Science, and Intermediate Mathematics.

BEN B.

Ben is currently finishing his last year of a degree in computer engineering at Queen’s University. He is well versed in mathematics, computer programing, and the sciences. Having studied and worked with high-level calculus, he is well positioned to teach at the high-school level.

Projects include the implementation of machine-learning algorithms in data analytics, video-game development, and web design. Ben has advanced computer-programming skills and excellent working knowledge of mathematical algorithms. A few of the languages he is proficient in are (but not limited to): Java, Python, C, C++, SQL, and HTML/CSS.

Regular teamwork has shown Ben a myriad of different learning approaches. He has seen that each person learns differently, and that material must be delivered in a way that is intuitive for every individual.

With experience as a badminton assistant coach and camp counselor, Ben is skilled at instructing children of all ages. He recognizes that engaging students’ interest is essential to their absorption of the subject matter, whether sports or science. Ben’s goal for each student is that they take pride in their ability to learn and the resulting confidence.

ANNA I.

Anna is a second year student in the Master of Teaching program at OISE. Her two teachables are French and History. During her practicum placements, she taught in primary and secondary schools at the TCDSB. Anna holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto where she completed a specialist degree in French language and literature as well as a minor in history.