514-358-1759
HELLO!
I’M MARIA NIIRO-FOSTER
Welcome to My Online Portfolio
ABOUT ME
My Background
From a young age, I’ve always had a sense of motivation and passion driving me forward. Whether it’s exploring unique opportunities, learning additional skills, or meeting new people, I bring these values to every experience throughout my life on a personal and professional level. To learn more about me, keep exploring my site.
My TEACHING Philosophy
T - I believe that every student and staff should be TREATED with respect and with dignity.
E - I believe that lessons should be ENGAGING and fun so that students can maintain their curiosity for learning.
A - I believe that ASSESSING oneself and receiving feedback is integral for continuous growth.
C - I believe in COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATIVE LEARNING between students and teachers so we can all go beyond our limited knowledge.
H - I believe that HANDS-ON LEARNING is a way for students to learn authentically.
I - I believe in an INCLUSIVE EDUCATION where every student is meaningfully included in the classroom and feels successful emotionally, socially, and academically to the best of their ability.
N - I believe in a classroom environment that NURTURES students' creativity and success.
G - I believe in GOING THE EXTRA MILE to ensure that I am organized, prepared, and ready for the students to get quality learning.
EDUCATION
My Studies
September 2018 - April 2020
B.ED. (ELEMENTARY)
TRU
This program prepared students to teach in elementary schools. It also qualified us for a professional teaching certificate issued by the BC Ministry of Education.
Honors with GPA of 4.28
September 2010 - April 2016
B.SC. (HEALTH SCIENCES)
MINOR (STATISTICS)
SFU
Majored in Population and Quantitative Health Sciences where we learned skills to analyze health data using R, SAS, GIS, and SPSS.
First Class Honors (2014-2016)
September 2005 - June 2010
FRENCH IMMERSION
KITSILANO SECONDARY
Graduated with a dogwood and a Diplôme de fin d’études secondaires en Colombie-Britannique.
Was awarded the Grade 12 Arts and Music Award.
MY EXPERIENCE
Roles & Responsibilities
September 2019; January 2020 - March 2020
GRADE 7 STUDENT TEACHER,
ST. ANN'S ACADEMY
Developed lesson and unit plans for the grade 7 class. Taught each subject with current information and equipment, leveraging my knowledge and contacts in various industries.
April 2019
GRADE 7 STUDENT TEACHER,
JUNIPER RIDGE ELEMENTARY
Developed math (probabilities) and science (scientific methods) lesson and unit plans for the grade 7 class. Focused on experiential learning where the students learned about probabilities and scientific methods through hands-on activities and discussion.
October 2018 - November 2018
GRADE 1-2 STUDENT TEACHER,
KAMLOOPS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
Developed language arts lessons at a primary level. Integrated visual arts components into each of the lessons I taught.
Sept 2018 - April 2019 ; Sept 2019 - Dec 2019
JAPANESE TEACHING ASSISTANT,
THOMPSON RIVER UNIVERSITY
Provided mentorship and review sessions for the introductory and intermediate Japanese language courses (JAPA 1110, JAPA 1120, JAPA 2110, and JAPA 2210). Filled in as a substitute Japanese Language Lecturer
August 2016 - July 2017
ASSISTANT ENGLISH TEACHER
PRESCHOOL - MIDDLE SCHOOL
JET PROGRAMME, INAMI, JAPAN
Taught and planned English lessons for Preschool, Elementary, and Junior High School level students in the town of Inami. Translated documents from Japanese to English.
April 2016 - July 2016
MARKETING AND RESEARCH
PET WONDER PRODUCTS
Helped with the marketing of sales through calls at various stores across Canada. Researched information and current literature on pet arthritis and joint prevent the product for website and brochure. Designed brochures and information packages.
Feburary 2016 - July 2016
VOLUNTEER RESEARCH ASSISTANT,
BC HEALTHY CONNECTIONS PROJECT
Entered and organized data using SPSS, Excel, and Redcap.
March 2014 - October 2015
TEAM LEADER,
CINEPLEX ODEON INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE
Managed cast members at the concession stand and on floor. Helped handle and serve customers.
MY SKILLS
Tricks of the Trade
FLUENT JAPANESE
PROFICIENT FRENCH
WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT, INDESIGN, PHOTOSHOP, ACROBAT, SAS, R, GIS
RCM GR. 10 PIANO
GR. 8 FLUTE
VOICE/OPERA EXPERIENCE
TENOR SAXOPHONE
AWARDS
TRU ACADEMIC MEDAL IN EDUCATION
June 2020
Awarded to a student who has obtained the highest academic average in the Education program
JIM TOTTEN SCHOLARSHIP
Decmber 2019
Awarded to the student who has a major in mathematics
1ST PLACE TROPHY (WOMEN'S)
November 2016
Won during the 'Inami Mame Dam Marathon'
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INTERESTS
FITNESS
MUSIC
DATA ANALYSIS
TESTIMONIALS
You are the best teacher I have ever had. Thank you for everything!
Gr. 7 Student
#you epic
Gr. 7 Student
Ms. Niiro-Foster is wonderful because she is heart warming.