Ms Joanne

I have been teaching for 20 years in a variety of school systems. I've taught K-5, but have been in Grade 1 for the last 10 years, in French Immersion in Canada and in English at an international school in Japan. I've also taught ESL overseas and in Vancouver. I love teaching language and love Grade 1 where you see those huge gains, academically and socially.

Hands-on and differentiated to meet individual student needs. I like to have the kids busy and engaged. My goal is to make all the children feel valued and challenged without undue stress or frustration on their part. I am mostly concerned with fostering a "love of learning" and an "inquiring mind" while teaching valuable, lasting skills.

2014: nominated for Prime Minister's award for teaching excellence.

B.J. (Bachelor of Journalism) B.A. (Asian Studies) B.Ed (Elementary K-7) TESL Certificate

I grew up bilingually in Montreal, Quebec. I spoke French with my mom and relatives on her side of the family and English with my dad and his side. Now I have a bilingual daughter who speaks Japanese with her dad and his family and English with my side - no French for her but she has her two languages. I feel bilingualism or even better multilingualism is such a great gift to give a child.