Rachel Hall

I completed my Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology at Queen’s University in Kingston and then went on to the Master of Teaching (MT) program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) in Toronto. I did my research project on Place-Based Education, using the surrounding community as a starting point to teach curriculum. While completing my degrees, I worked at a daycare in South Burlington, Vermont, that was centred around play-based learning. After graduating, I worked as the manager and lead classroom teacher of a private preschool program in Toronto for 2 years. I then began working for the York Region District School Board as an educational assistant in a Section 23, high-needs Autism classroom. In a lucky turn of events, I got on the teaching supply list for York Region just in time for that classroom teacher to go on Maternity Leave. That was my first LTO and it was a very challenging environment, but it truly was an invaluable experience. I just moved to Thunder Bay and am working as a supply teacher for the Superior-Greenstone District School Board and a supply Student Support Professional (SSP) for the Lakehead District School Board. I have always had a passion for preschool and Kindergarten aged students and am taking this AQ to further my existing knowledge and passion for this grade level. I think Kindergarten students are at a really fun age filled with curiosity and wonder & it’s our job to help cultivate their learning opportunities. This is my third AQ, my second through Queen’s University. A lot of my thesis focused on outdoor education, so I am particularly interested in how outdoor learning can be used in the Kindergarten setting. I am also excited to learn more about the Kindergarten curriculum and all the different ways there are to engage students at this age! In my spare time, I like to spend time with friends and family, workout, and try experimental recipes from Pinterest!Looking forward to working with and learning from everyone!