Welcome to my e-portfolio! This website will reflect and showcase my teaching and educational experiences as I bridge into the field of primary education. Visitors to my website will find a clear and reflective teaching philosophy that explains my beliefs about effective teaching and learning, shaped by my classroom experiences, observations, and evolving teacher identity. The site highlights my commitment to students and student learning through evidence of positive classroom management, inclusive and culturally responsive practices, and thoughtful support for diverse learning needs. You will also see examples of my professional knowledge in action, including unit and lesson planning using backward design, assessment for, as, and of learning, and descriptive feedback that guides next steps. In addition, the website showcases my leadership within school communities, ongoing professional learning, and clear, organized communication that reflects the OCT Foundations of Professional Practice and Ethical Standards.
About me
My name is Samantha Seminara and I am currently in year two of my Bachelor of Education at Trent University. I have my Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Degree and am a Registered Early Childhood Educator. I chose to begin the Bachelor of Education program because I have always believed that schools should be places where students feel safe, valued, and truly supported as whole people, not just as learners. My desire to begin my Bachelor of Education was deeply strengthened during my Honours Degree, where I completed a quantitative research project exploring how prepared Ontario Certified elementary teachers feel in supporting student mental health and well-being. Through this work, and building strong relationships with children in the field of early education, I became increasingly aware of the critical role teachers play in noticing, supporting, and advocating for students' emotional and mental well-being needs. This experience pushed me to pursue teaching with a strong commitment to building meaningful relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and prioritizing student well-being alongside academic growth.