TFS - Canada's International School

Born in Montreal, Melanie Larose grew up speaking French, and completed her primary and secondary education in French. However, her parents were bilingual, so she was encouraged to learn and use English. Eager to become fully bilingual (and never afraid of a challenge), she chose to do her CEGEP in English at Champlain College. She then went on to McGill University to complete her bachelor of education degree. After graduation, Mme Larose worked as a supply teacher, gaining valuable experience teaching every grade from Kindergarten to Grade 6. But knowing her first love was mathematics, she soon found herself teaching math full-time in Montreal, and then Australia. Coming to TFS in 2008 was an eye-opening and refreshing change for the young teacher, and she was thrilled to finally Melanie Larose: Melanie Larose: The Challenge Chaser The Challenge Chaser Grade 4 Primary Teacher, West Campus Grade 4 Primary Teacher, West Campus "I believe we have to occasionally step out of our comfort zone to renew ourselves. One's creativity can become dull, so change is good." be teaching math in French for the first time, to Level I and II students. The switch from the public school system to an independent school excited her as a teacher because of the quality of resources available, and the enriched curriculum being offered at the school. Mme Larose recently made another change, from the Senior School to the West Campus, where she now teaches Grade 4. Although she originally studied to be an elementary teacher, her real reasons for taking the leap are more complex, revealing her philosophy of pushing personal boundaries. She missed having her own classroom, and so enjoys spending the day covering a variety of disciplines with her group. As well, Grade 4 gives her the opportunity to create the structures and foundations of good work habits for success in high school. Mme Larose has recently reviewed and fine-tuned the math curriculum at the elementary level, an experience she welcomed, having done a speciality in curriculum mapping. Always "polishing the stone," this independent, self-reliant teacher takes advantage of the online tutorials, created by the TFS tech support team, in order to implement technologies in the classroom for her students. But she also thrives on being part of a collaborative team that works together and is accountable to one another. Having wonderful mentors and mentoring others in turn have been especially enriching experiences for her. "I really grew as a teacher when I came to TFS, and I improved my ability to teach conceptually. I believe we have to occasionally step out of our comfort zone to renew ourselves. One's creativity can become dull, so change is good. I love that. Life is not static. It's dynamic." 31 TFS ENTRE NOUS 2016

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