Teacher Spotlight: Tina Van Kuren

Introducing Ms. Tina Van Kuren

We’re so excited to introduce to you one of our newer teachers this school year. Mrs. Tina Van Kuren received her Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Education and Master of Education from Brock University. She has also completed her Special Education and Reading Specialists along with numerous other additional qualifications, including Guidance and Career Education plus 3 Mathematics courses. Tina created and implemented multiple courses in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Brock University as a part-time professor and has recently become a part-time instructor in the Faculty of Education at Redeemer University.

Prior to working in the field of education, Tina has had careers in recreation, social services, and health care. Tina has been teaching with an Ontario public school board for over twenty years. She has taught all grades from Kindergarten through Grade 11 in a variety of roles, including as a learning resource special education teacher. With warmth and humour, Tina builds a quick rapport and meaningful connection with her students. She supports each student’s unique learning profile with a multitude of engaging and interactive learning strategies. With a strong emphasis on cultivating a growth mindset, Tina uses a strength-based approach to foster her student’s academic development while building their skills and confidence as a learner.

Some personal interests include, being active outdoors doing things like hiking, walking with her dog, pickleball, kayaking, baseball, yoga, skiing, snowshoeing, and cycling. She also enjoys reading, visiting with friends and family plus watching movies. Tina is a passionate, life-long learner and hopes to inspire her students to excel in their learning and life aspirations.

At CVS, Tina teaches Grade 8 as well as a secondary English course. She will also be covering some subjects in Grades 4 and 5 later this year. Ms. Van Kuren is always sharing the love of God with her students through her thoughtful messages and encouraging feedback.

Grade 8 Course Highlights

Enjoy a snapshot of some of our grade 8 courses that Ms. Van Kuren teaches. These courses have been built with flexibility for the student in mind. The lessons contain numerous online activities with enjoyable, interactive games and offline activities that can be completed independently or as a family. Examples of offline activities could be worksheets, games, working with manipulatives, sorting, patterning, crafts, collaborative investigations, and exploratory and sensory activities with common household items. By using the manipulatives and resources already available in their homes alongside the lessons, these courses truly come alive for students.