Alexander Amalfi

I am passionate about creating inclusive learning environments that empower students to achieve their personal goals. I have extensive experience in teaching to primary, secondary, and adult students. In addition, with a specialization in Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), I am proficient at teaching the English at all literacy levels, helping me adapt my approaches to the student’s strengths and challenges. Furthermore, my recent experience in special education advanced my ability to adapt teaching methods to further benefit students.  In my five years of teaching, I have developed and implemented engaging curricula tailored to diverse student backgrounds, proficiency levels, and learning styles in the classroom, online platforms, and various other settings. I strive to make learning both effective and engaging by incorporating interactive activities, real-life scenarios, and technology-driven tools, therefore fostering a supportive atmosphere that encourages active participation.

The values that guide my teaching practices are the following: 

Innovative approach: I believe in incorporating technology and modern teaching tools to enhance the learning experience. I strive to make learning engaging and relevant to real-world situations by utilizing interactive activities, and multimedia content. By infusing creativity into my lessons, I aim to keep students motivated and excited about their educational journey.

Cultural Sensitivity: Having worked with immigrants and neurodiverse students, I understand the significance of cultural awareness in teaching when it comes to having a classroom with a diverse set of students. I value diversity and celebrate each student's uniqueness in the classroom. I foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of differences, which enriches the learning process by integrating cultural elements into lessons.

Student-Centered Philosophy: My teaching philosophy revolves around the principle of active student-centered learning. I believe in promoting a safe space where students feel empowered to express themselves and take ownership of their learning. I strive to inspire and guide students toward growth through personalized attention, constructive feedback, and a genuine commitment to their progress.

Special Education Teaching Assistant | September 2024 to Present Summit School - Montréal, QC

Helped neurodiverse students with their educational journey, focusing on developing relevant work skills for their future careers. Provided personal assistance for behavioral issues, student monitoring, logistical problems, and substitute teaching. 

Secondary Student Teacher Intern | March 2024 to April 2024 École secondaire Monseigneur Richard - Montréal, QC 

Worked as a student-teacher in a 6-week schedule set by the TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) department at Concordia University. Tasks included: Developing specific lessons to target C1, C2, and C3 competencies, grading students' work, taking part in supervision tasks, and attending staff meetings. 

Primary Student Teacher Intern | January 2024 to February 2024 Guy-Drummond Primary School - Montréal, QC 

Worked as a student-teacher in a 6-week schedule set by the TESL department at Concordia University. Tasks included: Developing specific lessons to target C1, C2, and C3 competencies, grading students' work, taking part in supervision tasks, and attending staff meetings. 

ESL Teacher | March 2022 to September 2022 BLI Montreal - Montréal, QC 

Taught ESL courses to adult students, and assessed them through formative and summative assessments. Secondary Student Teacher Intern | February 2021 to March 2021 Cavelier de LaSalle - Lasalle, QC Worked as a student-teacher in a 4-week schedule set by the TESL department at Concordia University. Tasks included: Developing specific lessons to target C1, C2, and C3 competencies, teaching partially online, and grading students' work, taking part in supervision tasks, and attending staff meetings. 

Primary Student Teacher Intern | October 2020 to November 2020 Ecole Amis Du Monde - Montréal, QC 

Worked as a student-teacher intern in a 4-week schedule set by the TESL department at Concordia University. Tasks included: Developing specific lessons to target the competencies required for each cycle (primarily C1 and C2), teaching partially online due to the Covid pandemic, adhering to strict Covid safety regulations, grading students' work, taking part in supervision tasks, and attending staff meetings.

Concordia University - Montréal, QC | September 2019 to April 2024 

Bachelor's Degree in Education with a specialization in Teaching English as a Second Language