Looking for roles in Technology Education, Computer Curriculum Building, Learning Design and Instructional Design
My Story
I have always been motivated and driven by learning.
Allow me to explain:
When I was in elementary school I was devastated when my parents told me I couldn’t take the test for the gifted program. Not because I thought I needed the gifted program to succeed or because I thought it meant I wasn’t smart enough, but because I knew it meant I may be missing out on a new learning opportunity.
Years later, I would discover that this was a defining moment for myself as a lifelong learner and perennial curious spirit.
This passion is what drove me to share my love of learning as an educator. From teacher’s college, volunteering with Yonge Street Mission to working as a consultant and then a coding program builder at Pathways to Education, education and sharing my spirit of learning has always been my work.
My Teaching Philosophy
My Teaching Philosophy follows these core pillars:
Respect for Learners
Learn by doing
Community and Partnership
Ongoing Learning
Respect for Learners: All students deserve compassion and understanding of their own unique backgrounds.
Project Based Learning: Tying learning goals to an interesting project motivates students to keep learning and teaches skills like project planning and goal making.
Community and Partnership: Bringing in community, partnership and career exploration into the classroom creates a rich and engaging learning experience.
Ongoing Learning: Committing to personal development and keeping up with industry standards will create a classroom that prepares students for their careers.
Teaching Portfolio
See below for examples of classes and programs I have implemented as an educator.
Coding 101
The flagship of my Digital Literacy program was Coding 101. Once a week for 10 weeks after school, students would learn a new concept in Python and apply it to their culminating project: a text based choose your own adventure game. Students were able to come up with simple games like a guacamole maker as well as more complex games like a civilization simulator. Project-based learning really worked in this program as students were always motivated to learn more and add to their game.
This program offered technology workshops up to two times a week in subjects like Google Slides, website making programs, IT troubleshooting and Lego Robotics. For each workshop students attended, they would gain a sticker. Once the student filled their “Pathways to Technology Checklist" with stickers in each section, students would receive a laptop from Sky’s the Limit. I also offered full day workshops over the winter break and during PA days that offered multiple stickers.
Using the structure and methodology of popular coding bootcamps like Brain Station or Lighthouse Labs, combined with pedagogy learned in my BEd, I developed a 2 week intense web development summer bootcamp. The program had the learning goals of teaching the basics of HTML/CSS and Javascript followed by a week-long exploration project in either Chrome extensions or responsive web design. I also included time for career exploration in the form of fireside talks with young industry professionals and a field trip to two Toronto tech startups: Wealthsimple and Ritual.
The annual Girls March Break Hackathon aimed to teach young girls skills such as designing and project planning. Teams of up to 5 worked together for a whole week brainstorming their own idea and building a unique app prototype that demonstrated a final product. Students also participated in career exploration in the world of technology.
Please see below for my extensive Work, Volunteer and Education Experience. For a brief overview of my experience check out my LinkedIn or download my resume below.
I have included here any work experience post-2013 in reverse cronological order. Not included here are my formative roles as camp counsellor and ski instructor during High School and my valuable experience as part of my university's student council.
STEM Program Facilitator/Student Parent Support Worker
Pathways to Education Regent Park
Toronto ON
August 2018 – July 2020
At Pathways to Education in Regent Park I Developed a Digital Literacy program from scratch that included a variety of programs that spanned many technology topics. To learn more about these projects please see my teaching portfolio above. While developing these coding and technology education programs and classes I used a self-built project planning template using the ADDIE (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate) model for Instructional Design. One of my post-program evaluation reports led me to make a pivotal change to my Coding 101 project: to allow students to work on a project throughout the entirety of the course instead of in one culminating activity towards the end. Students were significantly more motivated and interested to learn after this change.
While program planning, I always made sure to include an online/blended learning option for students. For example, my Coding 101 program was taught through a Learning Management System for Python called Trinket. Students could complete learning and project goals on their own time through my material or additional resources in the form of Youtube videos and an online textbook (in addition to my in person lessons). When COVID restrictions were put in place in March 2020, I adjusted Coding 101 to become fully online and more asynchronous and student-focused. Students could now create their own learning goals and I would provide one-on-one support over Zoom, text and email to guide them to their goals. During this time I also started an online summer school wraparound support program. Students signed up for credited Computer Science classes with the TCDSB and I would provide support through near daily tutoring sessions, daily check-ins and weekly group study sessions. Students also had the option to work on a project that used what they learned in the course and provided some positive good. Students who completed this project would earn volunteer hours.
In addition to program building, I was also responsible for case management of about 30 students. I met with each student bi-weekly coaching students on their academic, career and personal goals. I also connected students to mental health resouces, social programs and alternative school options. The case management responsibilities of my role at Pathways led to some of the most touching and perspective changing moments in my career. During a conversation with one student, we discussed the inequalities related to the rising costs of some university programs and how she will have limited options. I learned that while I cannot fully understand the barriers students from these backgrounds will face, I can use my experience working in a community where these barriers are present along with my experiences and resources to provide guidance, advice and connections.
I also enjoyed getting involved with internal committees with goals of improving the organization as a whole. For example, I helped improve internal communication practices (ie meetings, newsletters) as part of the Communication Committee. I also helped improve internal work culture as part of the Wellness and Organization Health Committee and safety protocols as part of the Health and Safety Committee.
Positive Recomendations from my Colleagues:
While at Pathways, Maggie worked extremely hard to create STEM programs that were engaging, relevant, and accessible to all students. She developed classes for students to not only learn programming (Python), try robotics, and develop technical skills, but she also provided them opportunities to use technology in order to problem-solve.
Maggie fostered a safe and supportive environment in her classes. The overwhelmingly positive feedback that students had about their experience and the high level of student engagement speak to that fact.
As a case manager, Maggie helped students engage with high school. She helped them set and work towards academic and personal goals. She developed trusting relationships with them so that she could provide or find appropriate social/emotional supports, when needed. Her abilities to attentively listen, to advocate for students, and to regularly reflect on her practice were important keys to her effectiveness.
Maggie had a tremendous impact on students and the program during her time with us. We miss her tremendously.
Maggie Laidlaw has not only added exceptional value to the Pathways to Education Regent Park Program not only through her skills in STEAM, but also as a collaborative member of our multidisciplinary team. She has developed a full, hands-on STEAM curriculum accessible to students at all levels. Through her engaging approach to instruction, she has been able to tune in to student's personal interests and learning needs to support building their skills, interest and confidence with technology. In addition to developing and delivering multiple STEAM based programs, events, activities and workshops, she has also made an invaluable contribution to the entire agency of Regent Park Community Health Centre through her involvement in multiple cross team committees. Her committment to learning has also been demonstrated, not only through her dedication to student success, but through her regular participation in various professional development opportunities. Maggie has been a strong asset to our team. I have no doubt that she will contribute greatly in all of her endeavours.
Maggie is an innovative problem-solver with a collaborative spirit and dedication to the youth she serves. She pushes the envelope for excellence in whatever program, event or initiative she's part of. She built a STEM program from the ground up with limited resources, and as the technology guru of Pathways, was always available & willing to give both students and staff a "teachable tech moment." She is an advocate who asks good questions to drive the organization (and herself) to be better. A true gem of an employee!
Believing fundamentally in the value of computational thinking education for all youth myself, I was incredibly excited to have a Program Facilitator specialized in STEM join our team at Pathways Regent Park. Maggie fulfilled that role far beyond what we could have imagined, and she did so much more.
Maggie’s ability to centre student voice in her course development is unparalleled. Her drive to gather feedback from students and pivot her offerings accordingly is inspirational. She creates programming that meets students where they are at and provides numerous and varied opportunities for them to engage in and show their learning. She designs, develops, and delivers computer literacy instruction from the ground up with a clear passion.
Maggie also actively contributes to workplace and community well-being by participating in related committees, teaching tech skills to her colleagues, and engaging in continued learning herself. She is community-minded and brings that presence into every aspect of her work.
Technical Consultant
Salytics
Toronto ON
September 2016 – August 2018
At Salytics, I consulted remotely from Toronto for many companies in a variety of industries. I worked on and managed development and integration projects for clients mostly using the Salesforce and Marketo platforms. While working on Salesforce projects, I would work on: Apex/Java development, platform setup, bulk data management using SQL, tech stack integration, custom report generation and Salesforce Lightning development. While working on Marketo projects, I would work on: HTML/CSS email template building, automated marketing lead scoring and event/webinar integration.
While working on projects with clients I made sure to deliver projects on deadline and to maintain positive client relations. Due to my education experience, I was often called on to provide a technical voice on sales calls and design internal and external educational workshops. Through a chain of successful projects, I increased the size of a client enough to warrant hiring a new team member that I trained and supervised.
I also got a chance to work on in-house development projects. This included a project using Angular2 that dealt with bulk data editing and integrated with the Marketo API. I also worked on a project that used the Twitter API and Python to save tweets with a specific hashtag and then pick one at random for a contest.
One of my educational goals while at Salytics was to learn more about sales and marketing best practices. In addition to the Salesforce Developer and Marketo Certified Expert certifications I achieved, I regularly collaborated with my clients’ marketing departments and gained plenty of experience and insight into their work and processes. I also took the time outside of work to study various B2B and B2C sales pipelines and learned the basics of lead scoring to consult on Marketo projects.
Teaching Assistant - Database Management Systems
Queen's University
Kingston ON
January 2015 – April 2015
Marked assignments using a marking guide and developed equitable evaluation skills
Supported students with questions on course material (SQL, PHP, HTML, Relational Algebra)
Held office hours and provided resources and extra help for students
Held tutorials and exam preparation sessions where I learnt how to properly provide instruction in a succinct, but comprehensive way
Android Developer and Intern
Flashbackr Ltd
London UK
Septermber 2013 – September 2014
Designed, programmed and launched 2 versions of an Android app with Java
Learned about agile development processes and version release schedules
Gained valuable experience in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator creating visuals for the startup’s social media presence.
Volunteer Experience
I have included here any relevant volunteer experience and a brief explanation of my duties.
Lego Robotics Instructor
TD Securities Computer Literacy Centre (Yonge Street Mission)
Toronto ON
March 2016 - Present
Developed and implemented unit plans for two 10-week after school Lego Robotics Courses (Robotics 1 & 2)
Taught these classes in a volunteer position for 4 years, evaluating and refactoring to create an engaging and educational course
Volunteered to facilitate one off workshops with adults and youth on HTML/CSS and Lego Robotics for special events and other classes as a guest instructor
In December 2017, received the Volunteer Service Award for my work with the TD Securities Computer Literacy Centre.
Teacher Candidate
Albert Campbell Collegiate Institute
Toronto ON
Oct - Nov 2015
Feb - Mar 2016
May 2016
Taught and assessed Grade 10 Computer Science, Grade 11 Computer Science, Grade 11 Enriched Math and Grade 10 Applied Math
Leveraged educational technology and Learning Management Systems like Edmodo, Mozilla Thimble and Google Classroom
Promoted collaboration and teamwork in the math classroom.
Education Experience
I have included here my education experience, including active certifications and current learning goals.
Certified to teach Computer Science and Math at the Intermediate/Senior Level
Working on an Additional Qualification in Adult Education to be completed by December 4th, 2020
Bachelor of Education
Queen's University
Class of 2016
First cohort to graduate from the 16 month BEd program in Ontario.
Bachelor of Honours Computing in Software Design
Queen's University
Class of 2015
Software Design Specialization with Professional Internship as an Android Developer
Get in touch
I am currently looking for my next learning opportunity. I am looking for roles that allow me to develop my skills in curriculum building, instructional/learning design and classroom instruction. Please reach out if you want to talk or download my resume below.
