BEd, University of Toronto, 1988
BA, University of Toronto, 1985

Areas of Specialization

Reading Specialist; Special Education, Later Literacy and Numeracy coaching, Teacher Induction and Mentoring, Instructional Coaching

Biography

Valerie has 34 years of experience in elementary education, with an emphasis on middle school or grades 6-8. She has taught almost every subject but literacy is her passion with a focus on improving student literacy through rich learning opportunities that allow for diversity and student choice. Action research projects with ETFO, Ministry of Education and Peel DSB investigated the effectiveness of games in literacy instruction with intermediate students, inquiry-based education and developing critical thinking skills. Working as an Instructional Coach allowed Valerie to support and extend teacher practice through workshops, conversations, co-teaching and co-planning opportunities. Valerie came to Canada as a young child and grew up in Quebec, arriving in Ontario ready for university. She and her husband, Mike, reside west of Toronto with their dog and enjoy spending time with their family and serving in their church community.