What is an Associate Teacher?
A few years back, CDS began the practice of hiring “Associate” teachers. Earlier this week, three new Associate teachers started work at the School, so I thought it might be an appropriate time to elaborate on the role.
Associate teachers at CDS are fully qualified teachers. In fact, they represent the very best of the latest graduates from teacher training programs from across the country. This last round of hiring saw us select the top three candidates from a pool of over 350 qualified individuals!
The Associate role has them augmenting teaching in various classrooms around the School. They become the second teacher in the room, assisting the more senior teacher with all aspects of the class dynamic, designing and leading learning extensions for gifted learners or helping those who are struggling with a concept, and in general just being there to help. And when the regular teacher may be called away – perhaps to coach a team – the class carries on as normal with the Associate, whom has been a constant fixture in the class, without the potential disruption normally associated with a “supply” teacher taking over.
Finally, our Associates are a critical piece of succession planning at CDS. Our classrooms take on the shape of a teacher’s guild, with our young Associates able to work alongside some of our most experienced teachers. In turn, our more experienced teachers benefit from exposure to some of the most current and emerging pedagogical trends. A number of faculty currently teaching at CDS – Mr. Collins, Mr. Drake, Ms. Houston, Mr. Jugoon (pictured here), Mrs. Leacock and Ms. Winterink – came successfully through the Associate teacher process to take on their own classes.
The School presently has six full-time Associate teachers:
Mr. Jaekwan Chong: Music Grade 4-12
Mr. Amzad Hosein: Math Grades 7-12
Ms. Melissa Mazurkewich: Primary Grades
Our Associates are hired not only for their subject expertise and their ability to help learners within the classroom, but are also selected strategically to match the co-curricular needs of our students. We have been able to bring on associates that are high level coaches, U.S. Division 1 varsity athletes, highly trained artists and people who are always ready to pitch in and help no matter what is asked of them.
Mr. Jaekwan Chong: Music Grade 4-12
Mr. Amzad Hosein: Math Grades 7-12
Ms. Melissa Mazurkewich: Primary Grades
New this week:
Ms. Courtney MacLean: Middle School Science and Social Science
Ms. Jordan Meron: Middle School English and French
Ms. Ellie Seedhouse: Senior Science and PE
Ms. Courtney MacLean: Middle School Science and Social Science
Ms. Jordan Meron: Middle School English and French
Ms. Ellie Seedhouse: Senior Science and PE
Our Associates are hired not only for their subject expertise and their ability to help learners within the classroom, but are also selected strategically to match the co-curricular needs of our students. We have been able to bring on associates that are high level coaches, U.S. Division 1 varsity athletes, highly trained artists and people who are always ready to pitch in and help no matter what is asked of them.
Finally, our Associates are a critical piece of succession planning at CDS. Our classrooms take on the shape of a teacher’s guild, with our young Associates able to work alongside some of our most experienced teachers. In turn, our more experienced teachers benefit from exposure to some of the most current and emerging pedagogical trends. A number of faculty currently teaching at CDS – Mr. Collins, Mr. Drake, Ms. Houston, Mr. Jugoon (pictured here), Mrs. Leacock and Ms. Winterink – came successfully through the Associate teacher process to take on their own classes.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
