HI THERE!
I’M AHMED EL-SAYEGH
Come Explore
Thanks for visiting! Explore my site to learn more about me, my background and what I have to offer. If you have questions or would like to discuss an opportunity to work together, feel free to get in touch.
BIO
My Story
I’m a fairly new educator. My teaching subjects are Business and Social Studies. In addition, I have experience teaching English Literature, English Language Learning, Culinary Arts and Hospitality & Tourism.
Before arriving at the University of Windsor and graduating with a B.Ed., I worked in the hospitality industry for 10 years. Most of this time was spent obtaining several bachelor’s degrees and diplomas as well gaining valuable industry experience.
During the last 3 years, I have taught in Ontario, England and China. I was also a campus tutor, assisting college and university students with their essays and precis.
Currently, I am certified by both Ontario (OCT) and British Columbia (TRB) and have participated in a variety of pedagogy workshops on a variety of topics, particularly in diversity.
As a natural born go-getter, my passion has continuously driven me to expand my knowledge, experience, and relationships. With a strong background and diverse skill set, I’m confident in the creative ideas and successful solutions I bring to the table. Keep exploring my site to learn more information about me, and reach out directly with any questions.
EDUCATION
My Studies
Windsor, ON
September 2017 - April 2019
BACHELORS OF EDUCATION,
CONSECUTIVE I/S
UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR
The two-year consecutive program prepares Teacher Candidates in teaching specialization of Intermediate/Secondary levels
Toronto, ON
January 2016 - April 2017
BUSINESS AND SOCIETY, B.A HONORS
YORK UNIVERSITY
The Business & Society program is an interdisciplinary Liberal Arts degree program which provides students with the tools needed to study the relationship between business, the economy and society.
Toronto, ON
January 2010 - April 2011
CULINARY ARTS INTEGRATED DIPLOMA,
GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE
The Culinary Management (Integrated Learning) program takes an integrated experiential approach to learning, with industry placement, in-school studies, online and self-study learning.
Toronto, ON
September 2007 - April 2009
HOTEL MANAGEMENT DIPLOMA,
GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE
Hotel Management diploma program is a hospitality management training that develops business management skills via hands-on learning, theoretical classes and practical labs led by industry experts.
Oakville, ON
September 2004 - April 2006
GENERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE DIPLOMA,
SHERIDAN COLLEGE
The General Arts and Science program helps develop the academic skills one needs for degree-level studies. It focuses on writing, literature, sociology, psychology – courses that will benefit future studies in the humanities and social sciences.
Toronto, ON
September 2011 - April 2013
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, B.A HONORS
GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE
The Bachelor of Business Administration develops exceptional decision making and problem-solving skills. It prepares business leaders and owners to thrive in a complex and dynamic industry and combine experiential learning through four-month paid terms working full-time in industry.
EXPERIENCE
Work History
May 2019 - January 2020
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER, MAPLE LEAF EDUCATION
• Taught four blocks of Grade 10 English and one block of Grade 12 Tourism.
• Effectively managed classrooms and supervised 120 students
• Provided quality classroom instructions using a variety of teaching strategies.
• Prepared plans including course overviews, unit plans and lesson plans.
• Used a variety of formative and summative assessments.
January 2017 - April 2019
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER (PRACTICUM), VINCENT MASSEY PUBLIC SCHOOL
• Instructed in Business and Social Studies to classrooms up to 30 students in 10th 11th and 12th Grade.
• Established rapport with students, parents and critical family members, using Arabic speaking skills as needed.
• Enhanced student engagement for learning Business and Social Studies through maintaining collaborative learning classroom environment.
• Observed, planned, taught and assessed practice to inform and modify instruction for multi-cultural classes with many levels of ability.
• Performed classroom benchmark assessments.
May 2018 - June 2018
ASSISTANT PRIMARY TEACHER (VOLUNTEER), AURELIA EDUCATION
• Provided support to an Associate Teacher for fifth grade students.
• Assisted in designing, planning and implementing math, reading, writing and social skills lessons for small groups of varying skill levels based on UK Standards.
• Established rapport with students, parents and critical family members, using foreign-speaking skills as needed.
• Utilized my Culinary Arts and Artistic background to provide weekly cooking and drawing lessons.
• Observed and planned teaching practices to inform and modify instruction for diverse classes with many levels of ability.
• Acted as a positive male role model.
November 2017 - December 2017
STUDENT TEACHER, TALBOT TRAIL PUBLIC SCHOOL
• Developed lessons and instructed 4th grade students on Learning Standards and grade level expectations.
• Established rapport with students, parents and critical family members, using Arabic speaking skills as needed.
• Enhanced student engagement for learning science through maintaining collaborative learning classroom environment.
• Observed, planned, taught and assessed practice to inform and modify instruction for multi-cultural classes with many levels of ability.
January 2018 – April 2019
LITERACY TUTOR, VINCENT MASSEY PUBLIC SCHOOL
• Tutored and mentored ELL students using culturally competent methodology during afterschool sessions.
• Established rapport with international students who have significant language barriers.
• Translated school communications to Arabic in order to better serve Arabic-speaking families at Vincent Massey Public School.
• Prepared students for EQAO testing.
January 2016 – April 2017|
ESSAY TUTOR, YORK UNIVERSITY
• Assisted international students with essays, precis, presentations and proofreading.
MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I strongly endorse Benjamin Franklin’s statement: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” I believe that it is necessary to teach in a way that will allow students to grow, both academically and as individuals, in order to create a more informed and understanding society.
My role as a teacher is to facilitate learning by teaching my students to think critically, allowing them to examine the material that we study with an analytical lens that will extend beyond the scope of the classroom.
I have a growth mindset regarding education and will always encourage my students to view their education in a similar perspective. I seek to influence students to view their areas of struggle as opportunities for learning and improvement with the aim of aiding their confidence and self-esteem and promoting continuing education. I will utilize strategies and resources to reach all learners, using a thorough understanding of my students’ capabilities when planning my lessons.
I intend to teach with a hands-on approach, promoting active involvement in students’ learning experiences and relating the content and curriculum expectations to subjects that interest them.
One of my goals is to inspire my students to take a deeper interest in literature and in learning.
My other goal is to induce genuine enjoyment in my classroom, by not only teaching engaging material, but by continually providing the opportunity for active learning with engaging activities and lessons fitted with my students’ specific interests in mind. This teaching strategy will involve ongoing learning on my part, as I intend to continue educating myself and growing as a teacher to create the best learning experience for my students.
I strive to be a positive role model to my students by demonstrating empathy, kindness, and expertise in teaching methods and subject matter.
It is important for my students to know that I am available as a support system in the school, as my goal is always to help students in any way I can.
Therefore, as a teacher both in and outside of the classroom, I find my philosophy of education and learning as a threefold approach:
- to create meaningful engagement;
- emphasize equity and just learning for all learners;
- instill inspiration that leads to lifelong curiosity of improving oneself.
STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
Commitment to Students and Student Learning
Leadership in Learning Communities
Professional Knowledge
Professional Practice
Ongoing Professional Learning
COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS AND LEARNING
"Members are dedicated in their care and commitment to students. They treat students equitably and with respect and are sensitive to factors that influence individual student learning. Members facilitate the development of students as contributing citizens of Canadian society."
Building an Inclusive and Safe Environment for all Students
As a part of the Professional Learning Series through the Faculty of Education, on January 2019, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop about diverse communities put on through Ontario Teachers Federation. This workshop was informative on how we can celebrate our differences and how we as teachers can be more sensitive to issues to create a safe school.
The presentation was structured in a conversation format so that as an audience member I was able to contribute to the conversation and was able to think concretely about students. In this workshop, I was educated on the different terms that make up the common acronyms among other hot topic issues.
LEADERSHIP IN LEARNING COMMUNITIES
"Members promote and participate in the creation of collaborative, safe and supportive learning communities. They recognize their shared responsibilities and leadership roles in facilitating student success. Members maintain and uphold the principles of the ethical standards in these learning communities."
On January 2018, as a part of the Leadership Experience for Academic Direction course at the University of Windsor, I was able to participate in the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility Workshop.
This workshop consisted of gaining knowledge of the background into what makes up the TPSR model and how to incorporate it into cross curricular content areas.
I was able to understand how teaching personal and social responsibility in the classroom gives students valuable skills that can be transferred to so many aspects of their lives.
Students who learn to follow a TPSR model are able to improve behaviour, cooperation, self-direction and are ultimately more caring towards other people.
This model workshop demonstrated that teaching students transferable skills is a key part of education.
Following the information session, the teacher candidates experienced what a typical TPSR activity would be. We participated in team based games and ice-breaker activities. In doing the activities used in the TPSR model, I was able to understand and see the full effects that TPSR has on students.
The team building games require social skills, teamwork, cooperation, communication and ultimately caring for the other team members for the purpose of completing the activity.
ONGOING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
"Members recognize that a commitment to ongoing professional learning is integral to effective practice and to student learning. Professional practice and self-directed learning are informed by experience, research, collaboration and knowledge."
Microsoft Training
As a part of Professional Learning Series, I attended a workshop on Microsoft on November 2018.
In this special workshop hosted by Microsoft and created specifically for Faculty of Education students, learn about the free technological tools that current educators are integrating into their classrooms to increase student engagement and learning!
This workshop introduced me to the various technologies that Microsoft has for educational applications. I was introduced to Microsoft Sway, an interactive way of presenting information similar to PowerPoint but done online. This can be accessed as long as you have your login and internet connection. The Sway is both visually appealing and accessible.
As technology evolves, it is important as an educator to be up to date on the technologies being used in the classroom. This presentation showed me how important technology can be in education and that student engagement and involvement can greatly improve with the proper and effective use of technology.
PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE
"Members strive to be current in their professional knowledge and recognize its relationship to practice. They understand and reflect on student development, learning theory, pedagogy, curriculum, ethics, educational research and related policies and legislation to inform professional judgment in practice."
As an educator with three Bachelors and three Diplomas, I have had several years of relevant experience in pedagogy - including two years as a student-teacher in Windsor-Essex, two months volunteering in England, two years tutoring at York University and a year teaching in China.
As an educator, I am committed to developing confident, independent learners who are encouraged to apply their curiosity and creativity towards solving problems and learning.
I believe in teaching youth strong personal character and engage them in outreach initiatives, leadership opportunities and conflict resolution skills.
I strive to empower students to think deeply about their community and how their actions affect the people around them. By creating their own rights, responsibilities and rules for work and play, the students in my classroom are able to be successful participants in a self-created community.
I believe in teaching lessons that not only follow the curriculum, but are geared towards their developmental levels, needs, interests, and learning styles.
I place an emphasis on open-ended, real life and relevant experiences that involve cooperative learning and relate to my students’ personal lives. I make every effort to give them tools and language they require to regulate their emotions, solve problems, and practice self-reflection.
I encourage students to share their personal life experiences with their peers by taking an in-depth look at specific topics of interest. I also infuse social justice and equity into my lessons and am particularly strong and incorporating mindfulness and restorative practices into my everyday practice.
ARTIFACT # 1
May 2018
When I volunteered as an Assistant P/J Teacher in England ... Never a dull day :)
ARTIFACT # 2
June 2018
Gifts from my students .. They latched on to my legs during my last day and begged me not to go back to America (so cute)
ARTIFACT # 3
February 2018
My I/S class where I taught World Religions and Social Studies (Practicum).
ARTIFACT # 4
September 2019
My home classroom in China where I taught 120 students .. A very memorable experience!
ARTIFACT # 5
September 2020
A letter of gratitude sent to me by a former ELL student from China.