One of the top independent schools for boys in Canada, Crescent School spans 37 acres in midtown Toronto. Now in our second century, we provide rich and diverse experiences and opportunities for boys in Grades 3–12 to learn, grow and thrive. Character has always been at the centre of a Crescent education supporting our mission, Men of Character from Boys of Promise.
Since 1913, Crescent School’s focus has been on character development. It is part of our DNA and involves a deep, uncompromising commitment to three essential areas we believe bring out the best in boys: relational learning, mentoring and character-in-action. A school that truly understands what makes boys tick, Crescent is here to meet your son’s development needs every step of the way.
Finding the right school for your son is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Thank you for considering Crescent School. We invite you to apply through our online application form. Learn more about us by attending an Open House or taking a virtual tour. We look forward to welcoming you to our campus.
A Crescent education is exciting, fulfilling and broad. Our curriculum is taught by highly motivated, supportive teachers who understand that establishing a relationship with your son unlocks the door to learning and engages him in his character development. Your son will be celebrated for both his work and his work ethic as we guide him academically and emotionally on his journey to becoming a Man of Character.
Character-in-Action programs are Crescent's co-curricular activities that provide boys with ample opportunities to develop character outside the classroom. Through clubs and teams in the arts, business, robotics and athletics, your son will discover new interests and build his leadership skills. And our outreach programs will allow him to gain compassion for others both in our community and abroad.
The generosity of our Crescent community provides vital support for our campus development, signature academic and co-curricular programs, and Student Financial Assistance. Contributions, no matter what their size, allow us to deliver the best possible education for our boys and help ensure that we continue to fulfill our mission: Men of Character from Boys of Promise.
Crescent School doesn’t slow down when regular classes are out. We offer a Summer Academic Program available to all high school students, as well as summer camps for children 4 to 13 years old. Our Successful Start program is a special academic prep program exclusively available to Crescent students.
Employment at Crescent School is an opportunity to build a rewarding career and belong to a dynamic community where all are respected for their contributions. Our employees share a commitment to excellence that has made us one of the top schools for boys in the world. An equal-opportunity employer, we offer competitive compensation and benefits and believe strongly in workplace accessibility.
How long have you been teaching at Crescent? Since 2010 - that went by fast!
What motivated you to become a teacher? I loved my elementary school teachers. I used to invite them to my home for lunch – my mom would set the dining room table because it was such a special event. I got so much out of what each teacher brought to the classroom or sports arena and how they worked to bring out the best in me. I think that was a driving force in how I landed in my teaching career.
Describe a significant experience in your career. The action research program in the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) has been a powerful experience that elevated me as a professional. Action research requires you to take a step back and look at your teaching practice and consider what you can do differently. I believe this reflective inquiry – we call it “intuition from intention” – is a must for all teachers. As a Team Advisor with the IBSC Action Research Program, I have realized that peer coaching is a very fulfilling practice that makes me more mindful about my work as I strive to give good advice to the teachers I am coaching. It’s satisfying to think that if I am enriching the lives of teachers, the boys they work with must be enriched too.
What is your philosophy of education? I’ve been driven by the statement that we are preparing our youth for careers that have yet to be created. Keeping that in mind, I think the role of education is to build knowledge, create critical and independent thinkers, and try to inspire the idea of contributing to your community in a positive and productive way. I have a sticky note in my office that reminds me of the difference between engaging students versus empowering students. Empowerment is the true “owning” of one’s experience. That’s why I think having a strong reading culture and research-based experience helps to guide the boys to “finding their way, their way.”
Career Notes
Teaching career began in 1991; joined Crescent School faculty in 2010
CAIS Leadership Institute Certificate, 2007
Published findings of IBSC Action Research Project in ACCESS (Australian School Library Association Journal) in 2012
Became Team Advisor for IBSC Action Research Program in 2012
Presented at ISBC conferences in England, the U.S., South Africa and Canada
Initiated the ISBC Librarian Network
Co-curricular activities at Crescent include coaching soccer, curling and softball teams, and advising students in Middle School Leadership Council and Upper School Writers’ Guild