I am excited to join the team at Bruce Peninsula District School as an intermediate Geography, History and Science teacher. Prior to this position I worked at Hepworth each Thursday providing coverage for a variety of classes from Kindergarten to grade 8. I have also previously taught at Hepworth, teaching 4-month and 6-month LTO contracts. During my 4 months as a Grade 7/8-homeroom language teacher I taught a variety of different classes including: intermediate rotary health and geography, Grade 5/6 science and social studies, as well as Grade 8 math. I have also taught for 6 months as a full-time Grade 5 classroom teacher whose assignment included teaching the regular physical education and art programs for these students. In addition, my role as an active occasional teacher for over 3 years has included a wealth of experience in all disciplines from Kindergarten to Grade 8 classrooms.

Teaching and the love of literacy run in my family. My father was a teacher-librarian and enrichment teacher for the Waterloo County Board. My mother is currently the co-ordinator for the South Grey Bruce Youth Literacy Council located in Hanover. She has also worked previously for the Kitchener Public Library. A keen passion for books and reading has been instilled in me from an early age. There is something magical witnessing students develop their own real and meaningful relationship with the literary world. I have experienced that unique joy; knowing that I have inspired others to grow and explore new possibilities. I endeavour to continue.

I regard myself as both a ‘learner’ and a ‘teacher’. As a ‘learner’, I possess an insatiable sense of inquiry and continuously challenge myself to grow and adapt. As a ‘teacher’ in Grey/Bruce, I understand the vital role of leadership. I advance positive values to ensure students share a sense of responsibility to self, our community and the natural qualities of our region.

My education is ongoing. I have completed an OISE course called “Show Me How to Read”. This course was geared for Intermediate English Teachers. This winter I completed my Intermediate English qualifications with honours at Queen’s University. I also excelled in my Individual and Society Senior teachable AQ course offered at the University of Western Ontario. I also hold my Senior English Additional Qualification from the University of Western Ontario. I graduated from the Primary/Junior Program offered by the Faculty of Education at the University of Windsor. I have also received a Bachelor’s Degree of English in the Film & Communications (Cultural Studies) program at McGill University in Montreal. A Webmaster’s Certificate from Seneca College in Toronto rounds out my education. As a teacher, I offer a strong background in cultural studies. Living in several different rural and urban locations across Canada has provided a great opportunity for me to experience the rich cultural and natural diversity of our nation. Technology is something that I embrace and I am highly skilled with computers and audio/visual equipment. As my career develops I continue to find growing means in which to integrate technology to improve student learning. Experience as a professional Web designer has been a great learning experience and a chance to develop myself professionally. I enjoyed the personal interaction with both clients and co-workers.