Meet Our Classroom Teachers

Tina boasts an impressive educational background and diverse teaching experience that spans across continents. She started her academic journey at Lakehead University in Orillia, ON, Canada, where she pursued an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and followed that with a Bachelor of Education, specializing in Primary/Junior Concurrent Education. Currently, Tina is further enriching her educational credentials with a Professional Masters of Education from Queens University, specializing as a Classroom Specialist.

Tina’s teaching career has taken her around the world. From the classrooms of Canada and the UK to Australia and New Zealand, she’s played various roles: from a Grade 2/3 teacher in Canada, to roles in Melbourne, Australia, and various teaching stints in London, UK.

More than her qualifications and global experience, what truly sets Tina apart is her educational philosophy, which she dubs “supervised exploration.” Stemming from her personal experiences during her solo travels, she believes in fostering an environment where students’ curiosities aren’t just acknowledged but celebrated. While Tina recognizes the importance of fundamental knowledge, she also sees the immense value in letting students learn through their inquiries, mistakes, and passions. Her goal as an educator is twofold: impart the essential knowledge while also nurturing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills that come from exploration and self-driven learning.

Makayla is transitioning into a Grade K/1 Classroom Teacher role at Pear Tree School while pursuing her Master of Education degree, furthering her commitment to academic excellence and student development. Known for her enthusiasm and dedication, Makayla excels at fostering a positive and nurturing classroom environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential. Her teaching approach emphasizes the use of positive reinforcement and innovative strategies to manage student behavior effectively, ensuring a conducive learning atmosphere.

In her previous role as a Grade 4 Teacher in Alberta, Makayla demonstrated exceptional proficiency in assessing student progress, managing diverse classroom dynamics, and designing lessons tailored to meet the varied learning needs of her students. She took the initiative to lead the Grade 4-6 after-school sports club and represented her school in the science fair program, showcasing her ability to inspire and engage students beyond the classroom.

Makayla’s educational journey is marked by a Bachelor of Elementary Education. Her dedication to the field of education was recognized with the Edwin Parr Award by the Fort Vermilion School Division in June 2022, highlighting her outstanding contributions as a teacher.

As she steps into her new role at Pear Tree School, Makayla continues to build on her strong foundation in education, combining her analytical mindset, excellent decision-making skills, and commitment to student success with the advanced insights she is gaining through her master’s studies. Her organized and proactive approach ensures she effectively balances her responsibilities while continuing to make a significant impact on her students and the school community.

Jordyn is deeply passionate about fostering progressive educational methodologies that cater to the holistic needs of the child. Especially committed to supporting underserved children, Jordyn’s drive led her to the University of Toronto where she pursued and earned a Master’s of Education degree in Social Justice Education, focusing on decolonizing traditional pedagogies. This fervor to transform traditional educational practices is palpable in her alignment with Pear Tree School’s mission, where she sees education as a potent tool for social change. Her educational philosophy emphasizes inquiry-based learning and embracing the uniqueness of each student, and her experience as a Design Thinking Experience Researcher at the University of Toronto further attests to her dedication to improve the student experience from a position of empathy and understanding.

Her professional journey, spanning over six years, has been marked by roles that demonstrate her commitment to inclusive, diverse, and equity-focused education.

Jordyn’s impressive educational qualifications, including a Bachelor of Education with a major in English Education from the University of Lethbridge and a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Humanities and minor in Indigenous Studies, provide a solid foundation for her progressive pedagogical approaches.

Treasa is transitioning into a Grade 2/3 Classroom Teacher role at Pear Tree School while pursuing her Master of Education degree. Treasa has over six years of classroom teaching experience, bringing a rich background in early childhood education and a deep understanding of the principles of Friedrich Fröbel, a pioneer of the kindergarten movement.

Treasa joined Pear Tree School in January 2023 as a Classroom Assistant, quickly becoming an integral part of our team. In her previous role as Learning Support Teacher, she played a crucial role in assisting students with diverse learning needs, reinforcing school values, and supporting classroom teachers in delivering effective, student-centered instruction. Treasa’s dedication to fostering a positive learning environment and her ability to connect with students on a personal level have made her a valued member of the Pear Tree community.

Treasa’s educational journey includes a Bachelor of Education, where she was deeply influenced by the Froebelian approach to child-centered, active learning.

In her new role as a Grade 2/3 Classroom Teacher, Treasa will continue to bring her passion for holistic education and her commitment to student success. Her experience, combined with her ongoing studies, will ensure that she provides a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for her students at Pear Tree School.

Alisa is transitioning into a Grade 4/5 Classroom Teacher role at Pear Tree School while pursuing her Master of Education degree. With a strong background in primary and junior grade instruction, Alisa has been an enthusiastic and dedicated educator who previously served as our Physical Education Teacher. Her experience is deeply rooted in her passion for outdoor education, where she focused on experiential learning and field school programs that have significantly impacted students’ cognitive and emotional development.

Alisa’s teaching career includes her role as an Outdoor Educator, where she designed and implemented field programs that engaged students in hands-on learning experiences. Her ability to blend environmental sciences with outdoor activities provided students with a unique and holistic approach to education. Her tenure as an Educational Instructor at the Arboretum of Guelph Nature Centre further solidified her expertise in integrating environmental topics with curriculum goals, fostering a deep appreciation for nature and science among her students.

Alisa’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences, where she graduated with honors, and a Bachelor of Education with a specialty in Early Childhood Education. Her educational background, combined with her certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Wilderness First Aid, equips her to create a safe and supportive learning environment.

In her new role as a Grade 4/5 Classroom Teacher, Alisa continues to bring her commitment to student-centered learning, her expertise in outdoor and experiential education, and her passion for fostering students’ growth across all areas of development. Her ongoing studies in education will further enhance her ability to provide innovative and engaging learning experiences for her students at Pear Tree School.

Before joining Pear Tree School, Katelyn taught for 3 years for a private school in West Vancouver. Her middle and high school teaching experience (Grades 8 to 10) provides Pear Tree experience with the opening of Pear Tree School’s middle school year program.

Katelyn has a B.A. in Environmental Geography and a B.Ed. from University of B.C. Her Masters of Education degree is in Education for Sustainability, and she also has a CEFR level B1 French Language qualification.

At the core of Katelyn’s personal teaching philosophy are differentiation, social innovation, experiential and place-based learning, and competency-based assessment.