emMCee

I love teaching and have been fortunate to thrive in a variety of teaching assignments throughout my teaching career. I wore several caps as an elementary classroom teacher who orchestrated school concerts, plays and presentations. I initiated and managed an affordable tutoring service in five different venues, for a decade, which allowed me to support students of various ages including high school students studying English literature and ESL students. I coached students involved in home schooling, and mentored adults upgrading their education. My tutoring service experience proved most useful when I returned to the public school system as a middle school resource teacher in an area with a diverse population. I was fortunate to be able to teach professional development in China and ESL in Italy. My last assignment in Italy was in 2017.

Although my teaching style has morphed into what it is today due to an accumulation of teaching experiences,formal education and workshops, one thing has always remained constant - and that is my passionate belief that in order to learn, students must first of all feel comfortable with themselves and comfortable in the classroom. Besides investing in ways to create a safe and friendly place where laughter is a daily practice, I strive to infuse mystery, drama and discovery in my units. As a resource teacher, it was my job to look for ways to differentiate and establish the benefits of inclusion. As a member of society, it's easy to see that developing critical thinking skills is more important than ever and students must have the opportunity and room to investigate, reflect, collaborate, communicate and adjust perspectives.

I'm honored to have received accolades from superintendents, principals, fellow teachers, parents and students. These accolades were both humbling and empowering. I've included a few comments from principal reports and gathered writings. "There is an excellent rapport with the teacher by the students..." "Activities for enjoyment are mixed with intellectual pursuits." "...outstanding person and highly skilled teacher." "...one of the most energetic, conscientious individuals..." "...manages to make work a time of laughter and joy..." "thoughtful and flexible, full of ideas but always ready to listen..." "...provided invaluable assistance to support members including the administration..." "...helped students understand their different learning styles..." ..."highly valued by parents..." "...has demonstrated a deep understanding of the needs of students requiring specialized assistance with their learning needs." "...truly cares for students and believes that every student can learn." "...role of Student Services Team Leader... excellent organizer and possesses excellent communication skills." ...well respected member... for her expertise, energy and enthusiasm."

Bachelor of Education from the University of BC Visiting student at Simon Fraser University Graduate Diploma Studies Program - SFU Professional Development Workshops include: Fast Forward Instruction Strategies for Challenging Behaviour Teaching and Learning with the Brain in Mind Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders Promoting Social-Emotional Competence and Social Responsibility A Series of ESL Workshops for Resource Teachers

I spent 7 years writing extensive Individual Education Plans and helping teachers differentiate their instruction. I had fun designing units for the Gifted and Talented and I was able to create programs for our ESL population. I was privileged to be a member of a small group of teachers who went to Fuyang, China to teach Chinese teachers methods for teaching English. Our group designed and implemented the three week program two years in a row. Teaching English in Italy is a remarkable experience which I plan to do again! My current passion lies within the exciting discoveries being made in space, particularly the discovery of planets resembling earth in the 'Goldilocks Zone'; and I have a healthy interest and concern for the many changes of our earth. Given that the number of displaced persons due to natural disasters and war is staggering, I feel a strong need to provide students with a safe environment to explore our global issues with awareness, understanding, empathy and hope.