Jan. 2000 - pres.  Teacher Candidate, Father Henri J. M. Nouwen Catholic School, Grade 3, Richmond Hill, Ont.

Sept. - Dec. 1999   Teacher Candidate, Mother Teresa Catholic School, Grade 6,
Markham, Ont.

• Demonstrated ability to motivate students to participate in class. Accomplished, e.g., by instilling confidence.
  • This is best exemplified by the approach I took with a student who was performing poorly in mathematics, but clearly had potential to excel. I offered to give him extra, private time during recess twice a week, and he accepted. I gave him individual instruction and motivated him to ask me questions. It was not long before he was doing exactly the same thing in class.
  • In addition, he began to answer my questions in class and now participates fully, along with his fellow students.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively and efficiently with staff. E.g., noticed that our students were ready to learn how to debate. Took initiative to suggest a debate on moral issues relating to the Titanic. This was approved by host teacher, and we worked together to make the event a success.
  • Motivated students to work cooperatively in small groups by introducing a related topic in which I knew they were interested, specifically Pokémon. I asked students whether the cards should be allowed in school. The students were very excited about this. From here, it was easy to segué into a debate on the Titanic.
  • Initially, we did this as a full class. The excitement generated therein led to a desire, on the part of students, to cooperate with each other in small groups – partly because they were highly motivated to convince others of their point of view.
  • Cited by host teacher as "conscientious and very capable. . . . Students respond well and in a positive manner . . . and easily approach [her]." She is "full of energy and enthusiasm. . . . She enthusiastically volunteers for school projects and extracurricular events."

• Taught students from wide variety of ethnic backgrounds.

Nov. 98 - Jun. 99  Educational Assistant, Sixteenth Avenue Public School (Performance Plus), Richmond Hill, Ont.

• Hired (without E.C.E. diploma, which is normally required) in recognition of demonstrated ability to reach students who were performing below grade level and motivate them to improve. Staff acknowledged that I was the 1st teacher to make a significant difference in their academic performance.
• Fostered significant improvement in reading skills among 12 of these students through program I had initiated as volunteer.  Result: each of these students advanced two grade levels in four months.
• Program featured in "Performance Plus" video, produced by Board. Appeared in video, teaching students, along with description of program.

• Initiated "Early Success Reading Program" for 20 students from grades 2-3, some of whom had behavioural challenges.
• Received positive feedback from six teachers who had noticed an increase in confidence and motivation on the part of these students, as well as significant improvement in their behaviour and performance.

CANADIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION, TORONTO
Apr. 96 - Sept. 99  Instructed elderly woman who had incurred a stroke, in reading and symbolic recognition. Result: abilities partially restored.

INFINITY INTERNATIONAL, ORO, ONT.
Jun. 97 - Sept. 98  Assistant Manager.  Conducted and coordinated wholesale and retail sales of educational books and toys.

NORTHWOOD ACADEMY, TORONTO
Sept. 93 - Jun. 94  Parent Volunteer

GERMAN MILLS CO-OP NURSERY SCHOOL, THORNHILL, ONT.
Sept. 91 - Jun. 93  Parent Volunteer

• As Chair, Fundraising Committee, organized 20th Anniversary "Fun Day" for both school and community. Raised thousands of dollars worth of prizes, which played important role in drawing participants. In all, 3,000 persons attended the event, and thousands of dollars were raised for school.