"Jennifer was my instructional coach at the beginning of my teaching career. She was an excellent mentor and supported me in my teaching and assessment practices through the many subject areas that I taught. I worked closely with Jennifer in my social science classes to develop transparent assessments, and to create lessons that would promote critical thinking. Additionally, Jennifer supported me in my General Learning Skills class, where we developed lesson plans that encouraged students to use numeracy, and literacy skills. We focused many activities on physical and mental health, which demonstrated the importance of wellness in our lives. Jennifer was an amazing mentor and leader and was always willing to go out of her way to support me in my classroom. Her knowledge of pedagogy and assessment helped to make me a better teacher, and I will always be grateful."

"Working with Jen completely changed the course of my teaching practices and pedagogy. Through her I was able to learn how to intentionally design courses and assessment from the beginning to the end. She worked with me and a teaching partner one on one to take apart the courses, brainstorm our goals, and put it together into a cohesive course. I never felt on my own throughout the process- Jen was approachable and available to answer any questions and brainstorm solutions. I have taken what I learned from Jen and now apply it into all courses I now teach! Now getting a new course with little resources isn't nearly as intimidating as it once was. I will always be grateful for her support, and without hesitation would recommend her to anyone in the teaching profession who is looking for a better way of doing things!"

“During math coaching cycles, Jennifer engaged respectfully with staff members, modelling and promoting effective communication skills. Jennifer used her active listening skills and questioning skills with a high degree of effectiveness in order to elicit information about the teachers’ needs as well as the needs of their students. Jennifer always encouraged teachers to set a professional learning goal at the beginning of each coaching session and would engage teachers in a reflective dialogue at the end of the coaching session. As a result of this practice, Jennifer was able to help support teachers with identifying their own next steps for professional learning.”

"Jennifer has demonstrated an eagerness to learn innovative strategies related to teaching and learning. She regularly attends educational workshops in order to continually expose herself to new learning (i.e., experiential learning, inquiry-based theory, and outdoor education). Recently Jennifer attended various workshops on assessment and the use of electronic portfolios. Jennifer shared this new learning with staff and inspired many of them to begin using electronic portfolios in the classroom due to the powerful impact that metacognition has on student learning.”

“Jennifer commits a great deal of her time following up with parents/guardians and connecting with students which is not an easy task given how busy the school is. The relationships that Jennifer builds with students and their families really helps motivate students to attend classes and meet their personal goals. I’ve also really appreciated her dedication to improving school operations and doing her best to make processes as efficient as they can be. Her focus on student and teacher well-being is very much appreciated.”

“ I am so appreciative of the service that Ms. Merkle has provided for my family. Ms. Merkle’s prompt responses to my daughter’s inquiry regarding her Calculus course and post-secondary application helped to alleviate our anxiety immediately. Our meeting was both informative and reassuring, and it was evident that Ms. Merkle genuinely cares about meeting students’ needs.”

"Ms. Merkle spent a great deal of time with my husband and I as we met with the school to transition our son from grade 8 to high school where he would be enrolled in the DDD-contained classroom for students with complex special needs. "Ms. Merkle was very accommodating and invited us to come into the school a number of times before the school year started so that my son could feel comfortable in his new school before beginning in September. As a result of being flexible and providing my son with these opportunities, he transitioned to school with ease and never wants to miss school.”

“My daughter struggled with anxiety a lot after COVID and had a difficult time returning to in person classes, full time. Ms. Merkle was very patient with my daughter and I and worked with us to create a plan to help her slowly transition back to school, full time. I never knew that this was an option but I am so grateful for her support and reassurance. I am happy to share that as a result of Ms. Merkle’s supportive approach, my daughter has now returned to in person classes full time and feels safe and comfortable at school.”

“Ms. Jennifer was very knowledgeable and helped answer many of the questions that I had about my son’s learning disability as well as what an IEP is. She was very helpful and took the time needed to explain what the special education program and services look like at the high school level. After meeting with Ms. Jennifer, I felt very confident that my son was in the right place and would be well supported at school.”

“In grade school I was diagnosed with a learning disability and Ms. Merkle worked with me one on one to understand more about my strengths and needs. She helped me understand that everyone learns differently and that I was smart, I just needed to use different organizational tools that worked for me in school. Her advice about how to organize my ideas and study for tests helped me feel confident at school and get better marks.”

“Ms. Merkle has been so helpful and supportive and has really helped me through some tough times. My problems have not gone away for good but she helped me understand how to deal with them in a more positive way. I am so lucky to have such a kind and caring adult in my life.”

“Ms. Merkle really cares and takes the time to listen. She doesn’t just judge you when you miss school. She really helped me out a lot when she learned that I needed financial support this year. For example, she helped me access financial support so that I could get a bus pass and get to my Co-Op placement on time. I am so grateful for her support.”

"I am a post-secondary student and am in the Nursing program at Western. I knew Ms. Merkle as a high school teacher and reached out for support during university when I was feeling overwhelmed. Ms. Merkle really helped me talk through my feelings and break down my to-do list into more manageable tasks. Her guidance with writing essays really helped alleviate a lot of my stress as well and made the process less intimidating (English is not my strength). Thank you, Ms. M.”