DEVON CLARKE
Peel Teacher Local
Devon Clarke is a centrally assigned literacy instructional resource teacher. He has over 14 years of teaching experience that ranges from working with students in kindergarten to adult learners in various roles. Some of those roles include language arts/social studies rotary teacher, core program classroom teacher, special education support person, English as foreign language facilitator, and health and physical education instructor. In his current role as an instructional resource teacher, Devon helps educators build their capacity to use evidence-based instructional approaches, coupled with anti-racist and anti-oppressive pedagogies to support students in developing competent literacy skills. Devon is particularly passionate about working with novice and experienced teachers to develop strong writing programs that help students become proficient writers and better readers. Aside from teaching and writing, Devon is an avid reader, fitness enthusiast, and adventurous traveller.
PREETI DEOKHARAN
Peel Teacher Local
Preeti Deokharan has been an educator for the past 13 years. She is passionate about supporting the next generation of teachers. She has taught a variety of grades up to grade 5 and has taken on diverse roles, including English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, planning time (art, drama, and dance) teacher, as well as In-School Support Program (ISSP) teacher. Her broad experience has given her a well-rounded understanding of the classroom and the unique challenges teachers face. In recent years, Preeti has worked closely with teacher candidates, helping them navigate the often-complex transition into the teaching profession. She is dedicated to mentorship, providing practical support in classroom management, curriculum development, and professional growth. Outside the classroom, Preeti enjoys spending time with her family. She enjoys reading, staying fit, and continually seeks ways to balance her professional and personal life. Preeti believes that this balance is essential for thriving as an educator and is eager to share her insights with others starting their teaching journey.
COLLEEN ELEP
Peel Teacher Local
Colleen Elep is a centrally assigned English as a Second Language/English Literacy Development (ESL/ELD) Resource Teacher and Peel Teacher Local member who has worked extensively in middle school environments. She is passionate about supporting multilingual learners, mentoring new teachers, and culturally responsive and relevant pedagogy. When she is not teaching or writing, she can be found trying new restaurants, planning her next getaway, or drinking copious amounts of coffee.
SHARON ETHIER
Niagara Teacher Local
I have been fortunate to be involved with ETFO throughout my entire career and have spent the past eight years as Status of Women Chair. This term, I am proud to hold the treasurer’s position on the ETFO Niagara Teachers’ Local. Currently, I work in a central role as an Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Coach supporting teachers and students striving toward an environment of acceptance and inclusion. New experiences are exciting for me, and I am always looking for new learning and challenges. Blogging is definitely one of them!
RASHMEE KARNAD-JANI
York Region Teacher Local
Rashmee Karnad-Jani is a centrally assigned teacher in the student services department working as a special education consultant and is a member of York Region Teacher Local. She holds a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy from Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto. With science as her teachable subject for Junior/Intermediate grades, she has taught in the Early Years, Middle School and Intermediate divisions since 2004. Rashmee is deeply committed to examining the interlocking of marginalization due to gender, raced-class, linguistic fluency etc. with STEM teaching and learning. Rashmee has been diligently dedicated to improving social consciousness at all levels within schools. She continues to highlight the importance of ongoing, positive, and respectful partnerships between school staff and families, especially those who experience society from outside the mainstream view of what a “Standard North American Family” is supposed to be. Rashmee is a mother of two former Ontario students, speaks six languages, is a poet, and an avid gardener.
DIANE KIM
Hamilton-Wentworth Teacher Local
Diane Kim is an educator in Hamilton. Over the past 20 years, she has held various teaching positions, including classroom teacher, English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, drama instructor, and teacher librarian. Currently, she holds a system capacity building role, working with staff and students in K-8 classrooms to embed ESL best practice across all subject areas. She is passionate about multilingualism, social justice, drama-based education, and special education needs. Reimagining and redefining learning spaces to include all students is a central tenet of her work. She is looking forward to exploring ideas and resources on this blog that may help create and sustain inclusive classrooms.
GEETA KUMAR
Waterloo Teacher Local
Geeta Kumar is a primary elementary teacher, and Multilingual Language Learner (MLL) support teacher in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. She has experience working in various roles, from Kindergarten to Grade 8. She is passionate about practices centered on honouring students' identities and lived experiences, and providing a supportive space to build resilience, empathy, and self-awareness. Through her leadership as an equity lead for her school site and her district’s South Asian Affinity Group, she champions initiatives aimed at dismantling barriers to learning and promoting a culture of belonging for all. She uses these platforms to engage in conversations to push teacher thinking and support staff for better understanding of the diversity in school communities. As an ongoing reflective learner, Geeta looks forward to exploring new practices and sharing her experiences through blogging!
BRENDA MACNAUGHTON
Kawartha Pine Ridge Occasional Teacher Local
Brenda MacNaughton is an elementary teacher turned occasional teacher in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board in traditional Michi-Saagiig territory with experience teaching Kindergarten to Grade 8. Brenda is inspired by nature, whether studying science, art or literature. She believes in the power of community to uplift one another and care for the natural world. Beyond the role of homeroom teacher, she has been a teacher-librarian, prep coverage teacher and early intervention teacher. An active member of the National Film Board Educator’s Network, Brenda continues to learn about the digital world and the role of media in our lives. Brenda loves hiking, paddling, reading, writing, and watching movies with her family.