Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Professional Development
Additional Qualifications
Timeline
Generic

Jessica McAdam

Toronto,Canada

Summary

I am a dedicated, lifelong learner who continually seeks growth through professional development and reflective practice. With extensive experience across multiple grade levels and special education settings—including Section 23 programs—I am committed to equity, inclusion, and maximizing student achievement.

Overview

2025
2025
years of professional experience

Work History

Special Education – Special Education Coordinator Assistant

Section 23 Programs
  • Collecting data from the OSR, filing and uploading onto SAP and aiding with the coordination of IPRC
  • Supporting teaching in the completing of SAP IPRC forms, SEPRC forms, referral IPRC forms
  • Preparing packages for students to be transitioned in the Catholic, Peel and York Boards

Kindergarten

Elkhorn Public School
03.2024 - 06.2024
  • Returned to Kindergarten mid-year to support staffing needs and transitions
  • Created a nurturing, structured classroom focusing on learning through exploration and collaboration
  • Continued to implement the Kindergarten Program through inquiry, storytelling, and math talk routines
  • Supported children in early problem-solving, collaboration, and emotional literacy

Grade 1

Elkhorn Public School
09.2023 - 06.2024
  • Built upon early literacy and numeracy foundations to meet curriculum expectations through differentiated strategies
  • Provided daily guided reading, word work, and writing instruction using a structured literacy approach
  • Planned cross-curricular inquiry projects to foster curiosity and critical thinking
  • Supported students with IEPs and ELL needs through small group instruction and regular communication with families

Kindergarten

Elkhorn Public School
09.2022 - 06.2023
  • Re-established in-person learning routines and social interactions for post-pandemic recovery
  • Designed learning invitations and provocations based on student interests and curriculum expectations
  • Supported development of oral language and early literacy/numeracy skills through play-based centers
  • Integrated inclusive practices and daily SEL activities to promote self-regulation and classroom community

Grade 1

Elkhorn Public School
09.2021 - 06.2022
  • Transitioned students from Kindergarten to Grade 1 with a focus on foundational literacy and numeracy
  • Implemented guided reading, phonics (Jolly Phonics), and math centers for targeted skill development
  • Used ongoing assessment (DRA, PM Benchmarks) to track progress and differentiate instruction
  • Partnered with SERT and ESL teachers to support individual student plans
  • Engaged families in learning through student portfolios and virtual parent-teacher interviews

Kindergarten

Elkhorn Public School
09.2020 - 06.2021
  • Adapted programming for in-person and remote learning due to pandemic-related shifts
  • Used SeeSaw and Google Classroom to deliver interactive lessons and maintain connections with students and families
  • Continued co-planning with ECEs to ensure consistency and developmental appropriateness in curriculum delivery
  • Emphasized social-emotional learning to support children’s mental health and transitions during an uncertain time

Kindergarten

Elkhorn Public School
09.2019 - 06.2020
  • Delivered inquiry-based, play-focused learning aligned with the Full Day Kindergarten curriculum
  • Teamed with an Early Childhood Educator to create a safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment
  • Incorporated differentiated instruction to support students with diverse needs including ELLs and IEPs
  • Developed strong communication practices with families through monthly newsletters and classroom updates
  • Integrated technology (iPads, SmartBoard) to enhance engagement and learning

English as a Second Language

Terry Fox Public School
05.2017 - 06.2017
  • Developed a primary, junior and intermediate ESL program for students with a variety of learning abilities
  • Familiar with the Initial Assessment Materials for ELL and TRELLIS trained

Grade 2

Shoreham Sports and Wellness Academy
10.2015 - 05.2016
  • Chair of the Mental Health Committee and member of the equity, safe schools, eco and technology committee
  • Mentored nursing students, psychology students, teacher candidate and two co-op students

SERT/Reading Recovery

Driftwood Public School
09.2014 - 10.2014
  • Participated in all aspects of the Special Education Plan including IEP, IPRC and transition planning
  • Utilized inclusive and differentiated learning for students with learning disabilities

Section 23 Programs – Multiple Exceptionalities

Etobicoke Children’s Centre
04.2014 - 06.2014
  • Used current assessment and evaluation practices through implementing Growing Success
  • Used technology to deliver the curriculum and to increase student engagement
  • Member of a multi-disciplinary team to program for educational needs and treatment goals

Section 23 Programs – DD/Autism

TREADD/Surrey Place
09.2013 - 04.2014
  • Lead and taught the Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum and the Alternative Curriculum
  • Worked with Candace Yanchyshyn creator of Alt. Cur. to create and implement classroom programming
  • Delivered individualized programming using instructional strategies in a non-traditional environment
  • Participated in a Ministry Monitoring Review with Tom Adams
  • Developed, implemented, and monitored Behaviour Support Plans, Safety Plans, Behaviour Logs, functional behaviour approaches and procedures related to PR 699

Grade 1 – All Girls

Humberwood Downs Junior Middle Academy
02.2013 - 06.2013
  • Implemented a monthly assessment communication folder
  • Grade team planned for moderated marking sessions
  • Guided reading training and program implemented and implementation of reading program with the Grade 7 girls

Full Day Kindergarten

Gulfstream Public School
10.2012 - 12.2012
  • Teamed planned with grade team and Early Childhood Educators
  • Worked with the Early Years Instructional Leader to establish an effective and safe learning environment
  • Established a new played based program in accordance with the Full Day Kindergarten Curriculum
  • Incorporated differentiated instruction for all learners (ESL, Hard of Hearing, Behavioural)

Grade 1

Swansea Public School
10.2011 - 06.2012
  • Worked with Literary and Numeracy coaches to improve student success
  • Established a Comprehensive Literacy Program with primary focus on guided reading
  • Team planned 3 Part Math lessons that were student focused and lead

Grade 2/3

Warren Park Junior Public School
09.2011 - 10.2011
  • Created success criteria with students for reference and use with anchor charts
  • Administered entry testing, DRA and Cat 4 testing with students to guide in planning and assessment

Kindergarten, Music and Library

Regal Road Public School
10.2010 - 06.2011
  • Supported team programming, strategies and resources to address the needs of kindergarten students
  • Worked in a team with a SNA and EA to support the needs of autistic and behavioural students
  • Organized several programs, performances and trips that reflect the Kindergarten curriculum
  • Developed and effective music/library program with cross-curricular links
  • Categorized and shelved English and French books

Special Education – Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Dublin Heights Junior Middle School
05.2010 - 10.2010
  • Partnered with Psychologist, counsellors, child/youth workers, and social workers
  • Developed and utilized IEP’s to encourage ongoing learning and development
  • Developed and supported assessment and learning strategies to promote students’ maximum potential
  • Developed a familiar understanding of the TDSB Special Education Report

Primary Physical Education, Health and Science

The Elms Junior Middle School
09.2009 - 05.2010
  • Involved in the Model Schools Initiative
  • Organized and initiated Terry Fox Run, Jump/Hoops for Heart events, PALS
  • Involved in the following extracurricular activities; basketball, cross country, swimming, track and field

Occasional Teacher

09.2008 - 06.2009

Education

Bachelor of Education - Concentration: Primary/Junior

University of Windsor
Windsor, Ontario

Master of Education - Concentration: Primary Education

University of Nipissing
Toronto, Ontario

Professional Development

  • Standard First Aid with CPR –C
  • BMS Trained
  • SMG Trained
  • IEP/IPRC Web based Trained
  • Alternative Curriculum Trained
  • 3:3 Trained
  • Read and Write Gold Workshop
  • The Learning Carpet Workshop
  • Ipad/Promethium Board Workshops
  • First Steps Trained
  • Dr. Bochar, Big Ideas Workshop
  • EQAO Scorer
  • ETFO: The Zen of Teaching
  • ETFO: Beyond the Breakfast Program
  • ETFO: Social Justice Begins with Me
  • PECS Trained
  • CASI and DRA Trained

Additional Qualifications

  • Special Education Part I & II
  • ESL Part I & II
  • Kindergarten Part I
  • Librarianship Part I

Timeline

Kindergarten

Elkhorn Public School
03.2024 - 06.2024

Grade 1

Elkhorn Public School
09.2023 - 06.2024

Kindergarten

Elkhorn Public School
09.2022 - 06.2023

Grade 1

Elkhorn Public School
09.2021 - 06.2022

Kindergarten

Elkhorn Public School
09.2020 - 06.2021

Kindergarten

Elkhorn Public School
09.2019 - 06.2020

English as a Second Language

Terry Fox Public School
05.2017 - 06.2017

Grade 2

Shoreham Sports and Wellness Academy
10.2015 - 05.2016

SERT/Reading Recovery

Driftwood Public School
09.2014 - 10.2014

Section 23 Programs – Multiple Exceptionalities

Etobicoke Children’s Centre
04.2014 - 06.2014

Section 23 Programs – DD/Autism

TREADD/Surrey Place
09.2013 - 04.2014

Grade 1 – All Girls

Humberwood Downs Junior Middle Academy
02.2013 - 06.2013

Full Day Kindergarten

Gulfstream Public School
10.2012 - 12.2012

Grade 1

Swansea Public School
10.2011 - 06.2012

Grade 2/3

Warren Park Junior Public School
09.2011 - 10.2011

Kindergarten, Music and Library

Regal Road Public School
10.2010 - 06.2011

Special Education – Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Dublin Heights Junior Middle School
05.2010 - 10.2010

Primary Physical Education, Health and Science

The Elms Junior Middle School
09.2009 - 05.2010

Occasional Teacher

09.2008 - 06.2009

Master of Education - Concentration: Primary Education

University of Nipissing

Special Education – Special Education Coordinator Assistant

Section 23 Programs

Bachelor of Education - Concentration: Primary/Junior

University of Windsor
Jessica McAdam