Derek Walker
Burlington,ON
Summary
Patient and compassionate Tutor offers 30+ years of comprehensive, classroom experience teaching diverse students how to reach their academic goals and at the same time, build their confidence. Collaborative and decisive leader with expert multitasking and mentoring abilities.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Tutor
Centre for Diverse Learners
Burlington, Ontario
07.2023 - 07.2024
- Created a supportive learning environment promoting student success, motivation, and confidence.
- Made lessons engaging and applicable to foster a passion for lifelong learning among students.
- Completed Orton Gillingham Fundamentals and Associate training sessions and online Multisensory Math 3-Day Extended Workshop (Marilyn Zecher), learned and implemented locally developed literacy improvement program based on the Science of Reading.
- Kept parents and guardians well-informed about student progress, showcasing achievements as well as growth opportunities.
- Guided students with learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, and Level 1 autism in achieving academic success through tailored support and effective strategies.
- Developed effective intervention strategies incorporating pre assessments, psychoeducational assessments, and IEPs.
- Conducted individual and small group tutoring sessions with students to help them improve their academic performance and self-confidence.
- Utilized online platforms and resources to conduct virtual tutoring sessions, while integrating relevant technology into all lessons, to diversify and enhance learning.
- Created engaging learning materials and exercises to facilitate understanding and retention.
- Identified gaps in students' knowledge and addressed them through targeted lessons.
- Tailored instruction to accommodate the varying needs, learning styles, and interests of students.
- Provided comprehensive explanation of tutoring services and scheduled appointments.
- Generated data for locally developed program through completion of pre and post assessments.
Elementary School Teacher
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
Hamilton, Ontario
09.1998 - 06.2023
- Implemented strategies to foster a supportive and enriching classroom atmosphere that actively promoted student growth in emotional, social, and academic dimensions, including during and after the pandemic.
- Encouraged the development of a safe and nurturing atmosphere that fostered trust and respect between staff members and students.
- Created an inclusive and diverse classroom culture.
- Co-created rules and procedures with students, creating a conducive learning environment.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans to meet the needs of a diverse student population.
- Engaged parents in meaningful dialogue about their child's academic performance by maintaining open communication, advising on available resources, and building parental abilities necessary for student support.
- Implemented diverse educational initiatives to establish a strong foundation for learning.
- Provided additional support during class time for all students, including English language learners and neurodiverse learners.
- Worked alongside special education and itinerant staff to ensure inclusive support for all students.
- Provided evidence of student progress using measures such as observations, conversations, and products.
- Leveraged technology to optimize teaching techniques that fostered higher levels of student engagement and enhanced learning outcomes.
- Monitored student behavior, implemented interventions when necessary, and effectively managed challenging classroom behaviors with positive and affirming techniques.
- Attended professional development workshops in staff meetings, after school, and during the summer to enhance teaching skills, knowledge, and stay updated on policy and education changes.
- Supported dozens of Faculty of Education students and new staff members to a large, inner-city school.
- Administrators created a school-based position for me to provide support with implementing curriculum using 21st-century fluencies.
Educational Assistant
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
Hamilton, Ontario
09.1990 - 09.1997
- Delivered customized lessons for students with behavioral exceptionalities, with the goal of 100% integration into regular classrooms.
- Provided individualized educational, behavioral, and emotional assistance to students.
- Monitored student behavior in various school settings, including classrooms, playgrounds, and lunchrooms.
- Utilized positive reinforcement methods and behavior management strategies to redirect unexpected student behaviors, ensuring a secure learning atmosphere.
- Effectively communicated and collaborated with middle school educators from grades 6-8.
- Assisted with implementation of student's individualized IEP at discretion and direction of teachers and administrators.
- Received letters of referral to Teachers Colleges from 12 out of 18 staff members.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Education (B. Ed.)
University of Windsor
Windsor, ON05-1998
Bachelor of Arts - English
McMaster University
Hamilton, ON05-1991
Skills
- Student Evaluation
- Special Education
- Elementary Education
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Compliance standards
- Lesson Planning
- Individualized Learning
- Group and individual instruction
- Differentiated Instruction
- Relationship Building
- Problem-solving skills
Certification
- Ontario College of Teachers
- Trained in Orton Gillingham Approach at Associate Level
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Tutor
Centre for Diverse Learners
07.2023 - 07.2024
Elementary School Teacher
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
09.1998 - 06.2023
Educational Assistant
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
09.1990 - 09.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Education (B. Ed.)
University of Windsor
Bachelor of Arts - English
McMaster University
- Ontario College of Teachers
- Trained in Orton Gillingham Approach at Associate Level
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