Hi, I’m Jennifer Merkle, Educational Counsellor & Consultant
BA, BEd, OCT
I have always been enthusiastic about education and consider myself to be a life-long learner. I began my post-secondary education at Wilfrid Laurier University where I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree (Honours Sociology & Honours English) in 2005. My volunteer and work experiences helped me discover how passionate I am about education and empowering marginalized and vulnerable youth. For instance, as an undergraduate student I spent a great deal of time volunteering with children and youth in schools as well as working part time as a Personal Support Worker (PSW) with adults with developmental disabilities. These experiences inspired me to continue my education by becoming an Ontario certified teacher. Since graduating from the teacher education program at York University in 2006, I have continued to seek various learning opportunities that align with my passions which include: social justice, experiential learning, guidance/counselling, special education, and career coaching. In 2018, I completed the Principal’s Qualifications courses and am currently working as a secondary school Vice Principal in the GTA. Currently, I am working to complete OISE’s Master of Educational Leadership and Policy program and am expected to graduate in 2024.
My Professional Background
Leadership Experiences
- Vice Principal, Peel District School Board (PDSB)
- Assistant Administrator, PDSB Continuing Education
- -Instructional Coach (K-12), PDSB
- Critical Incident Response Team Member, PDSB
- Curricular Head of Social Science and Humanities, PDSB
- Co-Chair of Peel Family Studies Association
- Director of Future Directions, OFSHEEA
Skilled in
- Supporting and advocating for English Language learners, students with special needs and students who have been historically underserved by the education system
- Student counselling
-restorative practices and conflict resolution
-crisis intervention
- Academic counselling/coaching/tutoring
- Research & report writing (as well as editing)
- Classroom management
- Proofreading, editing, and preparing professional presentations
research and report writing
- Innovative use of educational technology
- Curriculum development
- Assessment and instruction
- Building positive relationships and school climates
- Career planning & building capacity in others
- School success planning
- Group facilitation and professional development
Additional Qualifications & Certifications
- Member of Ontario School Counsellors Association (OSCA)
- Guidance & Career Education (Specialist)
- Special Education Qualifications
- Principal’s Qualification Program
- Contemporary Studies Specialist
- Lucy West’s Content Coaching Training
- Trauma Informed Practices
- SAFE Talk Training (Suicide Prevention & Mental Health First Aid)
- Restorative Practices Training
- ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
- Critical Incident Response Training
- Crisis Prevention Institute Training
- Anti-Black Racism Training
- Sexual Abuse Prevention Program
- Human Trafficking Prevention Training
- and more…
CREDENTIALS
I am an equity minded instructional leader with a demonstrated history of working in the junior, intermediate, and senior divisions (K-12). I am currently employed as a secondary school Vice Principal in the GTA. My previous leadership roles include: Social Science & Humanities Curricular Head; Instructional Coach (K-12); Critical Incident Response Team Member; Co-Chair of the Peel Family Studies Association (PFSA); Director of Future Directions for Ontario Family Studies Home Economics Educators’ Association (OFSHEEA); and Assistant Administrator for Continuing Education.