As a distinguished educator at Toronto Catholic District School Board (once recommended for the Premier's Award in Teaching), I am adept in collaborative teaching and classroom management. I strove always to significantly enhance student engagement through innovative teaching strategies and mentorship. I excel in peer collaboration and fostering academic and social growth among my students. I am proud to have served my community since 1997 as a mentor to new teachers and as the elected union representative in two of my last three schools. I possess exceptional verbal communication skills.
My passion is creating engaging and effective learning environments. Adept in curriculum development and classroom management, I work to foster a collaborative atmosphere among students and staff.
I have thrived on full participation in each of my chosen communities over the past 35 years. Having moved to the Eastern Shore (perhaps for another 35 years!) I intend to continue this practice.
I hope you will consider my application for the role of adult educator with the Eastern Shore Musquodoboit Valley Literacy Network, as I seek to engage more fully in this wonderful community.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Secondary School Teacher
Toronto Catholic District School Board
80 Sheppard Ave, East, Toronto ON
09.1989 - 06.2023
Promoted a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering mutual respect among students.
Monitored student progress and provided feedback to both students and parents.
Boosted students'' critical thinking skills by engaging in debates and group discussions. (Formal Debates were regular events in Gr 12 Philosophy).
Developed and implemented creative teaching strategies to accommodate various learning styles. Created study guides, research materials and syllabi for students.
Served as a mentor for new teachers, providing guidance on effective classroom management strategies and teaching methodologies.
Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions for students needing additional assistance, improving their overall academic performance.
Actively participated in school-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall student success rates and fostering a sense of community among staff members. (Neil McNeil Brotherhood Program, Swim Team Coach)
Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and hands-on activities into lesson plans. (Formal Lab Exercises were regular events in Gr. 9 & 10 Sciences, Gr. 11 & 12 Biology)
Used computers, audio-visual aids and other equipment to supplement presentations. Built, used, and shared Google slide decks and matching handouts that enhanced lesson delivery.
Assessed and improved lesson plans through implementation, experimentation, and self-constructive critique.
Delivered audio-visual presentations on various platforms to cater to different learning styles. (Caption everything! No excuses)
Encouraged students to take an active role in learning and academic success.
Supported students in developing skills and strategies to become independent and successful learners.
Supported diverse learners with individualized instruction and accommodations tailored to their unique needs.
Offered supplemental and individualized instruction for at-risk and struggling students.
Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and strategies for successful classroom management.
Established student mentoring program, pairing upperclassmen with underclassmen to foster academic and social support. (Neil McNeil Brotherhood Program)
Coached extracurricular sports teams, enhancing the educational experience for students.
Supported fellow educators and our administrators in the elected union representative role.
Education
Bachelor of Education - Intermediate And Secondary Education
St. Francis Xavier University
Antigonish, NS
04-1989
Bachelor of Science - Honours Degree in Marine Biology
Dalhousie University
Halifax, NS
04-1988
Skills
Peer collaboration
Collaborative teaching
Student Motivation
Teaching strategies
Classroom management
Verbal and written communication
Accomplishments
Commended for exemplary teaching and service to students.
Awarded Toronto Secondary Unit Rep of the Year in 2023. (part of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association)
Acted as Department Head of Science at Bishop Marrocco-Thomas Merton CSS (BMTM) for 8 years.
Mentored 15 new teachers in instructional and classroom management strategies.
Asked to take the role of acting vice principal for one year at BMTM when our VP was on leave.
Acted as Head Teacher at Monsignor Fraser Alternative school for one year.
Have experience in classroom teaching, Special Education, Guidance, and Administration
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Elementary
Certification
Please refer to the attached Profile with the Ontario College of Teachers.
Timeline
Secondary School Teacher
Toronto Catholic District School Board
09.1989 - 06.2023
Bachelor of Education - Intermediate And Secondary Education
St. Francis Xavier University
Bachelor of Science - Honours Degree in Marine Biology