My name is Jessica Marques I am 28 years old, I graduated from Trent University where I received my Bachelor of Education Degree in the Primary Junior Division. Originally from Pickering Ontario, I recently wandered down the horseshoe and have found myself living in the beautiful city of St. Catharine’s, where I spend a lot of time hiking, working, living and learning.

I’ve always had a passion for exploring nature and I have been fortunate enough to grow up very connected to the environment. My parents are house boaters and adventurers with a passion for sea life and fresh air. I spent the summers of my youth travelling from Lake Simcoe to Georgian Bay soaking up the sun, swimming in the lake and feeling grateful for all the beautiful time spent with my family.
I don't make it up north as often as I would like to anymore but there is still nothing I love more than anchoring under the darkening sky, laying out on the bow of the boat all wrapped up in a flannel sleeping bag and counting the glittery shooting stars.

Although I am deeply invested in my love of nature and all things organic I have found another true passion in the occupation of teaching and working with children. I currently work as a supervisor in childcare for the YMCA and I am actively searching for jobs in education and teaching.

I have taken 3 additional qualification courses and developed a teaching portfolio that speaks volumes about my experience, motivation and training. I believe in a commitment to the student and to student learning. I believe that building a positive learning environment to support student success begins by setting parameters, establishing routines and building a reciprocal notion of respect within the classroom. I teach to the individual learner and use differentiated instruction to foster an inclusive environment for children of all levels and abilities. I believe it is necessary to establish a Learning Goal and Success Criteria, implement a Problem Solving Strategies Model and guide students through the steps to success. I plan lessons according to the Growing Success Document and insure that all my units involve Assessment FOR, AS and OF learning as well as evidence of Backwards Design. I believe documentation of the learning process and not just the products are integral to ensure fair, transparent and equitable reporting.
Most importantly, I am passionate about my future as an innovator in education!