About Me
My Story
What began as a young girl teaching Music Lessons in her living room ignited a passion for education that could not be quenched. I began creating a music curriculum, transformed the living room into a makeshift classroom and launched a Summer Guitar Camp for students of all ages. Witnessing my students' pride as they had their “aha!” moments - realizing they had acquired a new skill- brought me a new type of joy. I had found my purpose.
As my university years approached, I was met with discouragement from nearly every side when I mentioned I wanted to teach. “There are too many teachers! You’ll never find a job in this market.” It took my own mother gently reminding me of all the times she sat outside the living room and watched me teach. “You are meant to teach, Kathryn. You have a gift.”
At Tyndale University, I studied Linguistics and French, giving me the insight as to how the brain acquires and uses language, whether it is your first or second language or beyond. An internship as a linguist in northwest Cameroon reminded me of my passion for learning and, as my graduation date approached, all I could picture was myself in a classroom. I began teaching immediately, and went on to pursue a Master’s of Science in Education. This allowed me to bring real-world teaching experience into my own education and both learn and teach simultaneously.
My goal is to teach students how to learn so that they will have the skills to discover the world even when they are beyond my classroom. Learning is a lifelong journey!
Thank you for visiting my site. Keep exploring the site to learn more information about me, and reach out directly with any questions.
Madame S.
Skills
Professional Competencies
French as a Second Language
I teach French at all levels (JK-12) and am experienced in AIM accelerated Language Learning programs, Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française (DELF) and The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFL).
English & Literacy
With a unique background in Linguistics, I studied extensively how the brain learns and processes language and use this to inform my teaching of the English language and literacy skills.
Arts & Music
As a lover of the arts myself, my years of experience teaching music and theatre allow me to share my passion with the students in an engaging and meaningful way.
Health Education
Our bodies are incredible, and students deserve to learn how to listen to their cues and take care of their bodies physically, spiritually, and mentally.
My Experience
Roles & Responsibilities
January 2022 - June 2022
French Immersion Teacher, Madonna Della Libera Catholic Elementary School
Teaching grades seven and eight all subjects. Communicating with parents and guardians virtually during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Reporting on students' learning and well-being. Planning and supervising Grade 8 Graduation Trip, fundraisers, Grade 8 Graduation, and the Grade 8 Dance. Communicating with high schools and supporting students with their high school transitions
November 2021 - January 2022
Religion Teacher, St. John's College
Teaching Religion to grade nine students and helping them navigate the transition to high school. Teaching both online and in-person classes. Communicating with parents and guardians and reporting on student progress.
September 2019 - June 2020
Core French & Music Teacher, Brantford Christian School
Teaching French and Music to grades junior kindergarten through five, catering to different learning styles and abilities, selecting age-appropriate curriculum, learning goals, and assessment strategies communicating clearly with students’ families, volunteering with the choir and co-directing the musical
September 2018 - June 2019
Core French & English as a New Language Teacher, London Christian Elementary School
Teaching core French to grades four through eight, developing classroom management skills while catering to different learning styles and abilities, learning appropriate and inclusive student assessment strategies, mentored by the Resource Teacher, teaching English to international students in grades one to three in a small guided group setting, leading assemblies
May 2018 - June 2020
Occasional Teacher, Hamilton District Christian High
Reviewing and teaching lessons provided by the classroom Teacher, establishing meaningful connections with the students, supporting international students and those with learning exceptionalities, supporting emotional regulation, note-taking and answering questions, maintaining a calm and productive classroom environment
September 2010 - August 2014
Music Teacher, Self-Employed
Advertised and recruited students for private lessons and week-long camps, created and organized all lessons into a custom curriculum, managed schedules and communicated professionally with parents of my students, ran music day-camps that featured field trips, concerts, and used student-input to design, executed a final recital for parents and the community
Education
My Studies
May 2019 - December 2021
MSc Education, Medaille College, NY
I will graduate from Medaille College on December 17, 2021 with a Master's of Science in Education, specializing in Adolescent French as a Second Language, obtaining teaching certification in both New York State and Ontario.
September 2014 - April 2018
BA Linguistics, Tyndale University College, ON
I received a degree in Linguistics with a minor in French.
I graduated with a 4.0 GPA (4 point scale), earning Distinction, several awards & a Gold Medal in Linguistics.
May 2017 - August 2017
I planned and completed a 3-month internship in Misaje, Cameroon. Here I worked with the Chung language group and linguists from Wycliffe Bible Translators to analyze the grammar of an oral language before an orthography could be created.
July - August 2013
French Immersion Course, University of Western Ontario, ON
I completed a 6-week intensive immersion program in Trois-Pistoles, Quebec.
"Kathryn has been an indispensable member of the writing and tutoring team [...] her loving and caring demeanor put so many students at ease."
Lina Balsamo, MA, Learning Specialist, Centre for Academic Excellence
Awards & Certificates
Awards
Gold Medal in Linguistics, 2018
Graduation with Distinction, 2018
Percy H. Harris/J.C. Macaulay Award in Ministry Studies, 2018
Association of Christian Evangelical Ministries Scholarship in Missions, 2018
Ping Che & Phebe Wong Scholarship, 2017
Class of ’36 Scholarship, 2015
Ontario Scholar Award, 2014
Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award, 2014
Training
Child Abuse/Project SAVE Seminar, Medaille College, 2020
Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Certificate, Medaille College, 2019
Adult, Child, & Infant CPR/AED, Red Cross, 2019
The Successful Communication of Educational Care (K-12), Edvance Christian Schools Association, 2018
Behaviors in the Classroom: Class-Wide Interventions when you do not always have one-on-one support (K-12), Edvance, 2018
Pour une communication authentique dans la classe de français / Using Authentic Communication in the French class (FSL), Edvance, 2018
On Parle Français!, Edvance, 2019
Space for Sexuality: Creating a Culture of Caring for All Students, Edvance, 2019
References
Professional Feedback
Stephen Janssen, B.Ed., Principal
"Kathryn was a joy to have with us as an emerging teacher leader. Kathryn was dedicated to our school's purpose and cared deeply for our students. She was open to growing as part of a team of colleagues and was able to identify the places she could assist others."
Lina Balsamo, MA, Learning Specialist
"Kathryn conducted each writing session with kindness and meticulous attention to the details of students' work. Her superb organizational skills have been used to guide the logical flow of thought in students' writing and also to assist with the scheduling and other administrative tasks at the Centre."
Suzanne Harvey, B.Ed., French Immersion Teacher
"Kathryn shows great initiative to connect with students and encourage them in their journey as learners. She works hard to keep students engaged and on task and makes considerations for individual strengths and weaknesses. Kathryn has also been engaged in extra-curricular activities and would be an asset to any school!"
