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Education

With Qualified Teaching Status from the General Teaching Council of England, and as an Ontario Certified Teacher in Canada, I am certified to teach in both countries. I was an elementary school teacher for 13 years and hold a master's degree in education.

I have experience designing, planning, developing and editing schemes of work, including detailed lesson plans with resources, and exam materials. I’ve written many policy documents, collaborated on national frameworks and lead school curriculum innovation.

I've shared my expertise and insight into life in the classroom with The Times Educational Supplement, Parents, Today's Parent, Teach Magazine, Ozy... Read on, you might learn something new.

TEACH Magazine •

Effective Strategies For Navigating Tough Parent Conversations

A teacher’s job is made easier through collaboration. This can be with school administration, other educators, and professionals like speech pathologists and psychologists. One of the most vital partnerships, however, is with parents. By fostering a strong home-school connection, parents can support homework and
provide insights about their child, while teachers can share classroom strategies for success.
TEACH Magazine •

Teach Magazine Book Club

The literary and educational communities are grappling with the challenge of recent book bans across the United States. In 2022 alone there were 137 gag order bills introduced in 36 state legislatures that sought to limit what materials could be taught or made available in public schools and libraries. Like so many American trends, this one is unfortunately migrating up to Canada too with recent stories such as a ban on books containing LGBTQ themes by the Waterloo Catholic District School Board.
TEACH Magazine •

Healing Through Art-The Legacy of the Williams Treaties

As we reflect—through a lens of truth and reconciliation—on the Williams Treaties, their history, and their impact on the communities they affected, we grapple with issues of colonialism, land rights, and healing.
For some Indigenous peoples, healing is expressed through art. It not only offers a therapeutic medium to work through generational trauma, but also provides a tangible and powerful way to educate and move an
audience in the form of a painting, sculpture, or traditional craft...
TEACH Magazine •

Saving the Future: Climate Action and the Rights of Nature

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. A landmark case is currently making its way through the legal system in Canada, the very first of its kind. A group of seven young eco-activists are taking the Ontario government to task for failing to live up to several climate change targets. But it's the argument these young mavericks use that's truly revolutionary. It’s the first time in Canadian history that climate change has been cited as a violation of a Canadian citizen's charter rights.

BBC Education and Learning Hub Project

I created a series of teaching units including lesson plans, vocabulary lists, video descriptions, worksheets and extension activities to supplement BBC learning resources. These materials will be used by teachers across the world to engage and inspire their students.

BBC Learning Hub •

Andy Warhol and The Factory: Revolutionary Artist and Icon | BBC Learning Hub

In Andy Warhol, Revolutionary Artist and Icon, host Lily Cole explores the life and lasting influence of Andy Warhol. Warhol was an artist who became famous for his unique perspective on consumerism, fame, and the culture of mass production. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
BBC Learning Hub •

Albert Einstein's Path to Designing Nuclear Weapons | BBC Learning Hub

In Einstein and the Nuclear Bomb, host Chris Packham explores Albert Einstein's scientific contributions. As a pacifist, he was opposed to the use of his research to develop nuclear weapons. Einstein’s story reveals the burden of scientific discovery in wartime. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
BBC Learning Hub •

Gertrude Bell: Trailblazer and Explorer of the Middle East | BBC Learning Hub

In Gertrude Bell, Explorer of the Middle East, host Dermot O'Leary highlights the extraordinary life of a British woman, Gertrude Bell. Bell defied societal norms to become a pioneering archaeologist, writer, and diplomat whose work shaped the modern Middle East. This video is excerpted from BBC’s BBC's Icons. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
BBC Learning Hub •

Billie Holiday: Strange Fruit Became a Protest Anthem | BBC Learning Hub

In Billie Holiday and Strange Fruit, host Kathleen Turner recounts how Billie Holiday’s song “Strange Fruit” became an iconic protest anthem during the Civil Rights Movement. Despite struggles with addiction, police harassment, and being blacklisted, Holiday's bravery and artistry made a lasting impact. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
BBC Learning Hub •

Charlie Chaplin: Comedy Icon and Entertainer | BBC Learning Hub

Q: Why do you think Charlie Chaplin used humor to address serious topics like homelessness and injustice?A: Chaplin may have used humor to make people think about serious issues in a more accessible and impactful way, using comedy to spark change.
Q: How did Charlie Chaplin’s work break barriers in the film industry and in society?A: Chaplin’s ability to convey social messages through comedy brought awareness to critical issues of his time.
Q: What do you think The Great Dictator achieved in its...
BBC Learning Hub •

Winston Churchill: Life and Legacy Through War Time | BBC Learning Hub

In Winston Churchill, Wartime Icon, host Trevor McDonald examines the life and legacy of Winston Churchill, from his daring escape during the Boer War to his pivotal leadership during World War II. Through an insightful interview with Churchill’s granddaughter, Celia Sandys, explore his complex personality, including his humor, determination, and controversial actions. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
BBC Learning Hub •

Ernest Shackleton: Iconic Explorer of Antarctica | BBC Learning Hub

In Ernest Shackleton, Iconic Explorer, host Dermot O'Leary introduces the incredible story of Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition. He explains the challenges faced by Shackleton and his crew, highlighting their courage and perseverance against the odds. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
BBC Learning Hub •

Dr Martin Luther King Jr.: Icon of the Civil Rights Movement | BBC Learning Hub

In Martin Luther King Jr.: Civil Rights Icon, students learn how the Civil Rights Movement found its leader in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an activist, preacher, and powerful speaker who believed in achieving change through non-violent action. The video explains why Dr. King emerged as a central figure during a time when millions of Americans were fighting for equal rights and justice.
BBC Learning Hub •

Impact of Wildfires: A Growing Threat in Australia | BBC Learning Hub

Q: Why do you think there has been an increase in the frequency and severity of wildfires in recent years?A: Student answers will vary. Students may identify factors such as changing weather patterns (e.g., droughts, heat waves), deforestation, and urban expansion, which make areas more susceptible to wildfires.Q: How do you think global environmental changes affect the severity of wildfires worldwide?A: Student answers will vary. Students may mention rising temperatures, extreme weather pattern...
BBC Learning Hub •

Impact of Wildfires: A Growing Threat in Australia | BBC Learning Hub

Q: Why do you think there has been an increase in the frequency and severity of wildfires in recent years?A: Student answers will vary. Students may identify factors such as changing weather patterns (e.g., droughts, heat waves), deforestation, and urban expansion, which make areas more susceptible to wildfires.Q: How do you think global environmental changes affect the severity of wildfires worldwide?A: Student answers will vary. Students may mention rising temperatures, extreme weather pattern...
BBC Learning Hub •

Three Trillion Trees: The Importance of Forests | BBC Learning Hub

In The Importance of Forests, host Radzi Chinyanganya discusses the importance of forests in regulating the planet’s climate by absorbing CO₂ and producing oxygen. The video explores how deforestation and climate change are interconnected, highlighting the role of trees as the "lungs of the Earth." Learn about the impact of human activities on forests and how protecting these ecosystems can help reduce CO₂ emissions. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.
BBC Learning Hub •

Skateistan: Youth Activists Frontsiding to Help Others | BBC Learning Hub

In Frontsiding to Help Others, host Radzi Chinyanganya introduces Sky Brown, a young skateboarder from California who is using her passion for skateboarding to make a difference in the lives of children, including Sokly, a girl in Cambodia. The video highlights how organizations like Skateistan, a non-governmental organization (NGO), use sports and education to improve the quality of life for children in underserved communities. Through Sky’s efforts, students see how hobbies can be a powerful tool for helping others and creating positive change. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.
BBC Learning Hub •

All Things Being Equal: Understanding Gender Equality | BBC Learning Hub

In Understanding Gender Equality, host Radzi Chinyanganya introduces 16-year-old Pallavi from Chennai, India, who shares her personal experience with gender inequality. She reflects on broader issues like sexism and violence against women while also highlighting the everyday discrimination she faces, such as the lower expectations placed on her in her karate lessons, despite achieving a black belt ranking. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.
BBC Learning Hub •

Youth and Student Activism: Taking It to the Streets | BBC Learning Hub

In The Power of Student Activism, host Radzi Chinyanganya discusses the power of youth activism and how young people are leading movements for social change. The video highlights youth-led protests and demonstrations on issues such as climate change, racial equality, and gender rights. It explores how activism takes different forms, from in-person demonstrations to digital campaigns. A key focus is on Fridays for Future, a movement started by Greta Thunberg in 2018, and how activist Xiye Bastida takes part by striking every Friday to demand action on climate change. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.
BBC Learning Hub •

Game On! Should Esports Be an Olympic Sport? | BBC Learning Hub

Q: Some people believe esports doesn’t need the Olympics to keep growing. What evidence supports this view?A: Esports already has a massive global audience and generates billions in revenue without Olympic involvement. It continues to expand through international tournaments, better storytelling, and growing fan engagement, showing that it can thrive on its own.Q: Why might adding esports to the Olympics change how people view competitive gaming?A: Adding esports to the Olympics could give it mo...
BBC Learning Hub •

How Do Journalists Earn Our Trust?: Admitting Mistakes | BBC Learning Hub

VideoWho Decides?In Who Decides?, host Radzi Chinyanganya discovers who decides what people see, read, and hear in the news. Because there are so many events and limited space to report the news, all news is filtered. In journalism, editors decide which stories are worth telling. The companies that run apps, social media, and websites, use computer programs called algorithms to decide which content individuals see. They might try to influence consumers’ views or emotions. Getting news from varie...
BBC Learning Hub •

Violence Against Women: Femicide in Brazil and Beyond | BBC Learning Hub

In Violence Against Women, host Radzi Chinyanganya discusses the disturbing reality of violence against women, specifically femicide. Explore the case of Marielle Franco, a Brazilian feminist and legislator who was murdered in 2018, and the high rates of femicide in Brazil and other parts of the world. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.
BBC Learning Hub •

Children in Palau: Protecting the World’s Smallest Islands | BBC Learning Hub

In Protecting the World’s Smallest Islands, host Radzi Chinyanganya highlights the efforts of children in Palau, a small Pacific Island nation, as they fight to protect their environment from the effects of climate change. These young activists are taking action to preserve their island’s natural beauty and ecosystem, which are being threatened by rising sea levels and extreme weather patterns. Through their activism, they are calling for greater global attention to the vulnerabilities of small island nations and their urgent need for climate action. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.
BBC Learning Hub •

Life Without Freedom: Incarcerated Children -- Lesson Express

In Life Without Freedom: Incarcerated Children, host Radzi Chinyanganya highlights how child inmates in Madagascar make up part of the 1.5 million children who are currently imprisoned, held in immigration detention, or placed in institutions around the world. The episode delves into the harsh realities these children face and explores how their lack of freedom impacts their lives and futures. It raises important questions about justice, human rights, and the impact of systemic issues on young lives. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.
BBC Learning Hub •

FDR and the Great Depression: How Hope Rebuilt a Nation | BBC Learning Hub

In FDR and the Great Depression: How Hope Rebuilt a Nation, host Trevor McDonald examines how Franklin D. Roosevelt inspired the American people during the Great Depression with bold policies and a message of hope. Roosevelt’s leadership redefined the role of government, introducing the New Deal, public works programs, and Social Security to address the economic crisis. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
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More education stories...

Today's Parent •

Is Social Media Rewiring Our Children's Brains?

Some of Canada's largest school boards think so and are suing tech giants Meta, Snapchat and TikTok.

Educators and health experts around the world have been raising the alarm about the negative effects of social media on children’s behaviour and development for years. Last week, U.S. Surgeon General, Dr Vivek Murthy, declared social media unsafe for kids’ mental health. Now some of Canada’s largest school boards are taking their complaints to court.
Bat Conservation International •

Using the Power of Play to Save Bats

at Conservation International (BCI) has teamed up with Discovery Education and the LEGO Group for an exciting initiative, Build the Change, to shine a light on bats and inspire the next generation of conservationists. This program combines creative problem-solving, environmental education, and the power of play to teach students about bats and how they can make a difference.
At the heart of the initiative is a captivating Virtual Field Trip, Night Navigators: Build for Bats. This immersive exper...
Popular Science •

The best robot kits for kids in 2024

Building a robot at home is more than just a fun activity—it’s a hands-on way to explore the exciting world of STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math]. Whether you’re searching for a children’s toy robot to inspire curiosity or a more advanced robot-building kit for older kids or teens, like our best overall Sillbird STEM 12-in-1 Education Solar Robot Toy, the best robot kits offer options for all ages and skill levels.
Times Educational Supplement •

It's Not up to Teachers to Tell Parents Their Child is Overweight

Since moving to North America I’ve realised just how overworked UK teachers and school administrators are compared to their transatlantic contemporaries.
My teacher friends back home in Blighty are exhausted. It seems that there’s not a week that doesn’t go by when they’re not handed duties that, actually, shouldn’t really be school issues at all.
British teachers are expected to be curriculum experts, assessment wizards, social workers, nurses, nutritionists, and lead a whole host of extracurricular activities while triple marking students work to appease overzealous Ofsted inspectors.
SheKnows •

What to Do if Your Child Doesn't Like Their Teacher

Sometime over the summer vacation, you can usually expect your child's school to send a letter or email letting you know which class they will be entering and who their new teacher will be. This information might be met with delight or perhaps surprise — but what if the announcement leaves your child upset?

I was a teacher for 13 years, and in that time, more than 400 students passed through my class. I formed wonderful relationships with the vast majority of them, who I recall with fond memori
Haven Life | Term Life Insurance •

Teaching Compassion to Kids

During my 13 year career as a teacher and school administrator, I often thought about the purpose of education. What were the essential lessons and skills I needed to impart to my students? And how could I best guide them in becoming successful adults? Initially, fresh out of college and filled with optimism, I thought it was imperative to teach children to think creatively and to question the world and its rules. Over the years as I became bogged down in bureaucratic standards and goals, I focu
Hey Teach! •

Knowing How to Teach Handwriting Matters

Teachers have various opinions in terms of how to teach handwriting, and in our wired world, many educators question whether we need to formally teach penmanship at all. After all, our children will probably use technology to craft the written word far more often than a pen or pencil. Perhaps, they argue, students' time and efforts would be better spent learning keyboard skills. But like it or not, as adults, we're judged by our handwriting.
Romper •

Want To Raise Great Kids? Teach Them To Be Losers

"Everyone gets a trophy!" The single-biggest corrupting force of the Millennial generation is supposedly our parents' efforts to boost our self-esteem by making everyone a winner. And sure, handing out a tie-first place ribbon to everyone does devalue the training and discipline that defines a winner, but I think the tide has turned on this strategy somewhat. We are beginning to understand more widely that we need to teach kids to be good losers, because everyone already knows how to win. In fac
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