Shaista Tahir
Toronto,ON
Summary
Dedicated Elementary Teacher with 20 years of experience, adept in differentiated instruction and creative lesson planning. Strong organizational and classroom management skills to foster a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment. Utilizes expertise in early childhood education and child development to create interactive and engaging lessons. Provide differentiated instruction, enhancing student engagement, academic achievement, and a love of learning.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Grade 1/2 Teacher
Toronto District School Board
09.2022 - Current
- Created a nurturing classroom community of 20 students with creative lessons and instruction in core subjects aligned with the grade 1 and 2 Ontario Curriculum that promoted the development of emotional well-being and academic growth
- Implemented effective classroom management techniques, promoting a safe and productive learning environment for all students
- Assessed student performance using various formative and summative assessment tools, guiding future instruction
- Utilized adaptive instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of each student incorporating culturally responsive texts and resources
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading, and listening
- Enhanced learning opportunities by incorporating visual aids, manipulatives, and digital devices
- Fostered student curiosity in learning through student interest, hands-on activities, and field trips
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to feel a sense of accomplishment
- Integrated technology into lessons to enhance student learning in various subject areas
- Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students
- Provided regular feedback to students and families on progress and assigned grades based on performance
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, and families
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning, progress and report card writing
Grade 2/3 Teacher (Virtual School)
Toronto District School Board
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Instructed an online classroom of 19 students with creative lessons in all subject areas aligned with the grade 2 and 3 Ontario Curriculum
- Created and implemented engaging, interactive and inclusive online lessons, units, and activities that meet the curriculum goals and objectives in all subject areas
- Provided differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all students (e.g., online word building, find a match word and number games, math games) to reinforce concepts learned in Language, Math, Science, Social Studies
- Assessed student academic achievement and provided individualized instruction, guidance, and support
- Implemented break-out rooms for independent learning and establishing online connections with peers
- Developed and maintained strong, positive relationships with students, families, and school staff
- Managed student behavior and created a positive, safe, and productive online learning environment
- Demonstrated an understanding of positive behavior management strategies in an online setting
- Communicated daily with parents/families through phone calls, email, and face-to-face contact via Google Meets and weekly newsletters, report cards
Grade 2 Teacher (Virtual Teacher)
Toronto District School Board
09.2020 - 06.2021
- Instructed an online classroom of 20 students with creative lessons in all subject areas aligned with the grade 2 Ontario Curriculum
- Fostered strong relationships with students, showing empathy and providing support to promote their emotional well-being alongside academic success
- Developed lesson plans to engage students online, holding class accountable and generating greater comprehension and online learning
- Tutored students through challenges and issues in project and assignment completion
- Streamlined communication with parents through regular updates, ensuring they were informed about their child's progress and achievements
JK/SK Teacher
Toronto District School Board
09.2017 - 06.2020
- Provided a classroom of 29 students with an extensive schedule of individual, small group, and whole-class instruction, exploration, and play-based learning activities
- Utilized our outdoor exploration time for social/emotional development and observed nature, collecting loose parts and discoveries for our indoor activities or continued observations
- Provided a multimodal curriculum that addresses children's various needs, including play-based writing workshops (structured lessons focused on phonics, language, literature, and handwriting), small reading groups (provided multi-sensory instruction in phonemic awareness and decoding skills), and play-based math explorations
- Sparked class conversations about key concepts, complex problems, and overarching themes
- Performed daily observations, assessments, and curriculum implementations
- Analyzed, compiled, and updated students' assessment data
- Develop and maintain an atmosphere of respect and positivity in the classroom through effective behavioural management
- Communicated with parents and families daily and sending home weekly newsletters on students' learning
- Built positive home, school, and community partnerships
Grade 1 Teacher
Toronto District School Board
09.2012 - 06.2017
- Taught all core subjects aligned with the Ontario Curriculum
- Fostered a positive classroom culture and community that encouraged risk-taking, collaboration, and perseverance among students
- Provided a warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth
- Delivered engaging lessons and differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of each student incorporating English Grammar, spelling, and vocabulary
- Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings
- Directed class discussions to spark conversation about key concepts, complex problems, and overarching themes
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in the educational process
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement
- Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities
- Attended students' concerts, sporting events, and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities
Grade 1/2 Teacher
Toronto District School Board
09.2008 - 06.2009
Grade 1 Teacher
Toronto District School Board
09.2007 - 06.2008
JK/SK Teacher
Toronto District School Board
09.2005 - 06.2006
Grade 1 Long Term Occasional Teacher
Toronto District School Board
03.2005 - 06.2005
Grade 5 Long Term Occasional Teacher
Toronto District School Board
09.2004 - 03.2005
Consultant
Benns International Schools Inc.
01.2002 - 06.2004
- Created a detailed assessment tool to be used in an Early Childhood Education setting
Education
Bachelor of Education - Primary And Junior Divisions
York University
Toronto, ON06.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson)
Toronto, ON06.2003
Skills
- Adaptability & Organizational skills
- Collaboration & Multitasking skills
- Communication skills
- Lesson planning & Literacy Education
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management skills
- Cultural sensitivity
- Community partnerships
Certification
Teaching English Language Learners. Part 2 / August 2024
Primary Education, Specialist / June 2012
English as a Second Language, Part 1 / April 2012
Accomplishments
Developed a 1-year Early Childhood Education Diploma Program including a monthly assessment tool for Early Childhood Educators to examine young children's stages of development between 2 - 6 years old in childcare settings for Benns International School Inc.
Timeline
Grade 1/2 Teacher
Toronto District School Board
09.2022 - Current
Grade 2/3 Teacher (Virtual School)
Toronto District School Board
09.2021 - 06.2022
Grade 2 Teacher (Virtual Teacher)
Toronto District School Board
09.2020 - 06.2021
JK/SK Teacher
Toronto District School Board
09.2017 - 06.2020
Grade 1 Teacher
Toronto District School Board
09.2012 - 06.2017
Grade 1/2 Teacher
Toronto District School Board
09.2008 - 06.2009
Grade 1 Teacher
Toronto District School Board
09.2007 - 06.2008
JK/SK Teacher
Toronto District School Board
09.2005 - 06.2006
Grade 1 Long Term Occasional Teacher
Toronto District School Board
03.2005 - 06.2005
Grade 5 Long Term Occasional Teacher
Toronto District School Board
09.2004 - 03.2005
Consultant
Benns International Schools Inc.
01.2002 - 06.2004
Bachelor of Education - Primary And Junior Divisions
York University
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson)
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