Hi There! I’m Kayla-Antoinette Harris, OCT
Special Education Resource Teacher, Sister, Aunt, Historical Reneactor
Bio
Personal Profile
I am a young, driven teacher who loves working with children. I enjoy helping them learn and grow into amazing adults. I love that moment when they just get it, you know that click or AH HA! moment, that's what teaching is all about.
I am 33 years old, from Ontario Canada and I am an Ontario College of Teachers member in good standing. I am currently in my 8th year of teaching.
I have a large biological family as well as a large extended family of choice. I love being the fun aunt, and having family trips and gathering. My family keeps me grounded.
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I love travelling and seeing new places but I also love staying home and reading a good book on the couch with my cats.
My Experience
Background & Expertise
Special Education Resource Teacher and Department Head
I handle all Special Education Services for 30ish Special Education Students from JK to Gr 8, I lead a team of staff of Tutor Escorts, and Therapy Coordinators in the department. I work to coordinate outside services such as Speech and language therapy for our school. I work 1-on-1 with students to achieve their academic goals, as well as working as a team to plan for our student's futures.
August 2020 to Present
Special Education Resource Teacher and Department Head
August 2017 to August 2020
I handle all Special Education Services for 160 Special Education Students from JK to Gr 12, I lead a team of 12 other staff members in the department. I work to coordinate outside services such as Speech and language therapy for our school. I work 1-on-1 with students to achieve their academic goals, as well as working as a team to plan for our student's futures.
Special Education Resource Teacher
August 2016-June 2017
I was the SERT for a school of around 80 students. I handled IEP creation, creating personalized programs tailored to student need, teaching English as a Second Language and helping teachers learn to work with students with a range of educational needs within an inclusive setting.
Grade 2 Long Term Supply Teacher
March 2016 - June 2016
I was the replacement for a teacher taking maternity leave. I worked with students of many different educational levels to help them find success. I wrote report cards and made sure students were meeting Ontario curriculum expectations.
Grade 5/6 Classroom Teacher
September 2014-June 2015
I taught a class of 21 grade 5 and 6 students. I was responsible for creating lesson plans that met Ontario curriculum standards, creating assessments for, as and of learning and writing report cards for my students. I also had to facilitate the Grade 6 EQAO Test for my students.
Grade 6/7 Student Teacher
April 2013-June 2013
My final student teaching position was in a Grade 6/7 class. I was tasked with teaching Grade 7 Science-Heat in the Environment and Grade 6/7 Language Arts - Literacy Circles.
Grade 3 Student Teacher
February 2013-April 2013
My first student teaching placement was in a grade 3 classroom where I taught Social Studies - Early Canadian Settlers as well as The Arts - Dance and did much work with small guided reading groups. Sadly I have no images from this so please enjoy this bus.
Historical Interpreter
October 2005 - October 2012
I worked/volunteered at Fort William Historical Park as a Historical Interpreter, and it was here that much of how I teach now was formed. Learning how to explain something to a 4-year-old and the same something to a 15-year-old and the same something to a 30-year-old was so helpful in learning how to gear my teaching to my students.
