Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Relevant Experience
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Lara Taggart

Lara Taggart

Science teacher
Toronto,ON

Summary

Professional educator with extensive knowledge in scientific disciplines and a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative learning environment. Adept at designing engaging curriculum, utilizing innovative teaching methods, and adapting to diverse student needs. Known for driving academic success and building positive relationships with both students and colleagues. Ability to inspire curiosity and critical thinking in students while ensuring alignment with educational standards.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate

Work History

Aftercare Coordinator

Montcrest School
09.2023 - 05.2024
  • As the Aftercare Coordinator I was responsible for designing, implementing and successfully running an after-school program for students from JK to grade 6. This involved research and vetting third party companies to offer quality and enriching programs for our students. It also involved implementing and maintaining accurate attendance records, budgets, supplies and effective staffing.
  • Actively sought out new resources and partnerships that could benefit the school''s aftercare program offerings.
  • Collaborated with educators and parents to create tailored aftercare plans for individual student needs.
  • Mentored fellow Aftercare Coordinators to share knowledge and promote professional growth within the team.
  • Maintained accurate records of all interactions with students in compliance with confidentiality regulations.

Supply Teacher

Montcrest School
04.2022 - 05.2024
  • I was responsible for following lesson plans and leading lessons using presentations, textbooks and other lesson materials left by the permanent teacher. I made sure to promote engagement and foster appropriate behaviour. Also, if necessary, I assigned and collected assignments, tests etc., and kept it organized for when the permanent teacher returned.
  • Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
  • Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
  • Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
  • Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.

Instructor, March Break Science Camp

Appleby College
03.2022 - 03.2022
  • Engaged kids in science by exploring weird, wonderful and unbelievable scientific concepts through lessons that help engage campers in observation, measurement, and identification of properties.

Science Teacher

Perins School
10.2019 - 04.2021
  • Taught biology, chemistry and physics to secondary students in years 7 to 10. I was unable to begin the school year in September due to immigration issues with my Biometric Residence Permit renewal. This was resolved in very late September, and I began my teaching job the first Monday in October.
  • Planned, prepared, and taught lesson plans, giving students individual support.
  • Delivered interactive lessons to help students comprehend complex concepts.

Rural Schools Alliance Teacher Trainee

Swanmore College
09.2018 - 07.2019
  • Started initial teacher training with Swanmore College and the University of Winchester. Received my Post Graduate Certificate in Education in July 2019.

Teaching Assistant

Swanmore College
10.2017 - 07.2018
  • Assisting students daily with various learning and pastoral challenges in Science, Maths and French from year 7 through 10. Lead academic interventions with small groups of pupils each weekday morning for more intense focus on reading, reading comprehension and life skills.

Educational Assistant

Banting Memorial High School
09.2015 - 06.2016
  • Assisted several students aged 15-17 with daily lessons in a variety of subjects including Math, English, Science, History and Food Technology / Life Skills. Classes were integrated so that students with special needs were educated alongside their peers and therefore my work often involved direct teaching of the special needs students while the classroom teacher focused on the main body of the class. My students faced a variety of challenges including: Moderate Autism with aggressive physical and verbal outbursts Learning impairments Difficulty regulating behaviour Angry and sometimes violent outbursts with staff and fellow students
  • Developed strong rapport with students, fostering trust and mutual respect to create a positive classroom atmosphere conducive to learning.
  • Supported students with special needs by adapting lessons and providing necessary accommodations in collaboration with special education staff.
  • Encouraged social-emotional growth among students by modeling appropriate behavior and guiding conversations around self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decisionmaking.
  • Enhanced classroom management through the implementation of positive reinforcement techniques and clear expectations for behavior.
  • Improved student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instructional strategies tailored to individual learning needs.
  • Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.

Educational Assistant

Huronia Centennial Elementary School
04.2014 - 06.2015
  • One-on-one teaching assistant with a 9 year-old child with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and a 13 year-old child with moderate Autism and several behavioural challenges Through a local charity, ran a bi-weekly support group (the “Rainbow” program) for students aged 6 and 7 who have suffered a loss of a close loved one through death, separation/divorce or incarceration etc. Provided teaching assistance continuously for multiple weeks to Reception-aged classes Supervised students in classroom, schoolyard and on out of school activities as required Prepared, organized and maintained activity centres and therapy equipment Assisted in first aid procedures and secured further assistance where needed Administered medication when required
  • Developed strong rapport with students, fostering trust and mutual respect to create a positive classroom atmosphere conducive to learning.
  • Supported students with special needs by adapting lessons and providing necessary accommodations in collaboration with special education staff.
  • Improved student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instructional strategies tailored to individual learning needs.
  • Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
  • Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
  • Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
  • Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
  • Facilitated small group instruction targeted toward specific skill gaps or areas needing improvement based on identified student needs.
  • Mentored and tutored individual students needing additional help.

Educational Assistant (EA) / Health Assistant, Casual

York Region District School Board
11.2013 - 04.2014
  • Assisted with student's learning to complete assigned activities and programs under the direction of the teacher Provided EA coverage for all grades across a variety of schools in the region Assisted students in developing social and life skills Assisted in first aid procedures and secured further assistance where needed Administered medication when required

Case Manager, In-home Services & Markham Hospital

York Region Community Care Access Centre
02.2003 - 10.2004
  • Developed care plans specific to client's social and medical needs and successfully involved families, caregivers and service providers Established and maintained links with community agencies and services and acted as a resource to health providers. Continually monitored and reassessed ongoing care Managed and allocated limited resources to ensure appropriate service to clients

Case Manager, In-home services

Scarborough Community Care Access Centre
01.2001 - 02.2002
  • Developed care plans specific to client's social and medical needs and successfully involved families, caregivers and service providers Established and maintained links with community agencies and services and acted as a resource to health providers. Continually monitored and reassessed ongoing care Managed and allocated limited resources to ensure appropriate service to clients

Clinical Research Associate

The Toronto Hospital
10.2000 - 12.2000
  • Administered various patient tests and questionnaires to determine eligibility for study Developed forms and maintained records to document patient progress during study Followed patient during pre-, intra- and post-operative phase of their hospital stay and assisted physicians with various procedures during this time

Manager, Growth Support Program

Serono Canada
06.1999 - 11.2000
  • Managed a telephone support program assisting patients with medical information and Provincial government funding options across Canada

Medical Information and Drug Safety Case Manager

Phase 4 Health Inc.
01.1998 - 01.1999
  • Provided medical information about a new drug therapy for Multiple Sclerosis to patients, pharmacists, neurologists, nurses and other healthcare professionals Managed a patient follow-up program to assess outcome of treatment, monitor compliance of medication and provide on-going education and product information

Education

Post Graduate Certificate in Education - Education

Rural Schools Alliance, University of Winchester (U.K.)
Winchester, Hampshire, U.K.
06.2019

Behavioural Management Systems Certificate -

Simcoe Board of Education
01.2016

Registered Nurse -

College of Nurses of Ontario
12.2012

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Ryerson University
Toronto, ON
06.1997

Psychology

The University of Toronto
05.1992

Skills

  • Faculty collaboration and support
  • Inquiry-based learning
  • Technology integration
  • Classroom management

Certification

Ontario College of Teachers certification in process

Languages

English

Timeline

Aftercare Coordinator

Montcrest School
09.2023 - 05.2024

Supply Teacher

Montcrest School
04.2022 - 05.2024

Instructor, March Break Science Camp

Appleby College
03.2022 - 03.2022

Science Teacher

Perins School
10.2019 - 04.2021

Rural Schools Alliance Teacher Trainee

Swanmore College
09.2018 - 07.2019

Teaching Assistant

Swanmore College
10.2017 - 07.2018

Educational Assistant

Banting Memorial High School
09.2015 - 06.2016

Educational Assistant

Huronia Centennial Elementary School
04.2014 - 06.2015

Educational Assistant (EA) / Health Assistant, Casual

York Region District School Board
11.2013 - 04.2014

Case Manager, In-home Services & Markham Hospital

York Region Community Care Access Centre
02.2003 - 10.2004

Case Manager, In-home services

Scarborough Community Care Access Centre
01.2001 - 02.2002

Clinical Research Associate

The Toronto Hospital
10.2000 - 12.2000

Manager, Growth Support Program

Serono Canada
06.1999 - 11.2000

Medical Information and Drug Safety Case Manager

Phase 4 Health Inc.
01.1998 - 01.1999

Post Graduate Certificate in Education - Education

Rural Schools Alliance, University of Winchester (U.K.)

Behavioural Management Systems Certificate -

Simcoe Board of Education

Registered Nurse -

College of Nurses of Ontario

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Ryerson University

Psychology

The University of Toronto

Relevant Experience

  • Experience as a secondary science teacher in the U.K. to students between the ages of 10 to 16 years.
  • Educational Assistant to a diverse range of students and schools. This includes working with students with Autism, developmental delays, and other challenges.
  • As a Nurse, I educated adult and young adult populations regarding issues of health promotion and disease prevention.
  • Demonstrated keen assessment skills involving analysis, empathy, observation and attentive listening. Proven effective communicator in a variety of challenging clinical and school settings.
  • Worked in a variety of healthcare-related leadership roles with peers and colleagues in various settings.
Lara TaggartScience teacher