What is Academic Coaching?

Academic coaching takes a more holistic approach to academic support. This means considering the student’s family, friends, learning styles, strengths and weaknesses before I begin to work with the learner in front of me. Students will develop the skills to tackle the infinite number of elements in their lives that may result in them struggling academically. 

Students and I, along with their parents and teachers, work together to develop a personalized plan to ensure academic success. This plan may change over time, but often begins by focusing on understanding course material, developing effective study skills and habits, or addressing behaviors that inhibit learning.

Together, we will successfully navigate the murky waters of learning in today’s climate - from learning difficulties and behaviour challenges, all the way through to graduation and post-secondary enrollment. 

Academic Impact of Trauma and Covid-19

Being a student in 2024 can be an overwhelming experience. The stress, uncertainty, and difficult circumstances created by the threat of COVID-19 are difficult for families. The pandemic brings with it grief, loss, and trauma, as well as secondary adversities related to isolation, or economic hardship.

Compassion and empathy are at the heart of my trauma-informed approach to learning. In order to succeed academically, we must restore and maintain student’s sense of safety, feelings of connectedness, and feelings of hope.

Our online sessions will build resilience and coping skills, providing a much needed sense of safety and routine for students whose learning environments may be in flux. I connect with students and families who may otherwise feel isolated and overwhelmed during this time.

Neurodivergent Students

ADHD

  • Students struggling to learn due to ADHD often need immediate intervention - that’s what I do. 

  • I begin by making sure that students have received learning assessments and help facilitate testing if they have not. I carefully review every student’s assessment, and help to ensure that teachers and schools are following any accommodations.

  • It is also important to empower students to take control of their own learning and limitations, such as taking the initiative to cross out select questions to align the assignment with their IPP.

  • Raising a son with ADHD, I am deeply familiar with the unique learning and behavioural challenges facing our students today.

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  • Twice-exceptional students will often use their strengths to compensate for or mask their learning needs. This often results in their strengths left uncultivated and their needs not addressed. 

  • My one-on-one sessions allow for the opportunity to both foster areas of strength and address areas of concern.

Student Athletes

Student athletes are unique and highly motivated individuals; finding out what sparks each one's success can make all the difference in their future academic and athletic careers. 

Students have the flexibility to schedule their sessions around training, practice, and playoffs. I help students develop their executive functioning skills so they can meet the demands of their schedules and stay organized in a digital world.

Curricular Areas of Focus

  • Grades 6 to 9 - All Subjects

  • Specialized Grade 9 PAT Prep - All subjects

  • Grade 10 to 12 - All humanities (Social Studies, English, History etc.)

  • Specialized Grade 12 Diploma Prep - Social Studies

The Tools I Use

Using a variety of learning platforms, I work with students via Zoom to ensure they understand their schoolwork, complete their assignments, and prepare for upcoming assessments.

  • Google Drive

  • Google Classroom

  • D2L