Vivi Shi

BAH, MA, B.Ed, OCT

vivi.shi@ycdsb.ca | (613) 770 -1386 | www.linkedin.com/in/vivi-shi-b72580a6

To Whom It May Concern,

The York Catholic District School Board mission statement states that teachers should be “Guided by Gospel Values and
Catholic Virtues, in partnership with home and Church. [They should] educate and inspire all students to reach their full
potential in a safe and caring environment.” My name is Vivi Shi, and for the past four years, I have had the wonderful
privilege of serving my community, and fulfilling my vocation to teach as a dedicated Educator for the YCDSB. As a
second-generation Asian-Canadian teacher, one of my greatest aspirations is to be able to truly engage in Canada’s
diverse multicultural community by bringing students of all identities together, and by creating spaces that are inclusive
for all learners. I am an optimistic leader, and my honed experiences demonstrate that I will continue to champion
YCDSB’s commitment to accessibility, and growing success for all.

This year, I am applying for the position of LTO/Permanent Teacher at YCDSB. I am a Queen’s University graduate from
the class of 2018, and I am qualified to teach I/S English, and Geography. I hold a Master’s degree in English
(majoring in Canadian Indigenous Literature), and Additional Qualifications for ESL, Religion, Special Education,
Junior Basic, Guidance, Co-Op, and Library. Furthermore, I also hold professional certificates for: IB Economics
Category 1, SafeTalk Suicide Prevention, and High-Five Healthy Child Development. In my most recent LTO
placements, I have engaged school communities by: developing relevant and challenging lessons for my students,
planning and leading school-wide mental health initiatives, and getting involved in a variety of extracurricular activities.

I am very passionate about fostering engaging learning communities that will challenge and encourage student success,
and creativity. I always ensure that my classroom is based in accessibility, equity, and respect by incorporating land
acknowledgements, prayers, Tribes exercises, energizers, and icebreakers. My goal when teaching, is to be a caring adult
who promote good rapport and to develops safe spaces for students. During my planning process, I validate my students’
identities and ideas by listening their input as a source for the inquiry process, thereby fueling their appreciation for
learning as they develop responsibility, and ultimately take ownership of their own education. Finally, I always
incorporate Universal Design, Differentiated Instruction, ongoing feedback, accommodations and modifications to ensure
that every student is reflective and able to meet the success criteria.

Furthermore, I am committed to leading professional learning communities. More specifically, this year I worked with the
STR Mental Health Committee to plan and lead several Professional Development days centered on staff well-being. In
collaboration with Admin and Guidance, we offered staff lunch and learns featuring impactful guest speakers, skills
training sessions, wellness events, and resource slide decks. In addition, I have supported staff Asian Heritage, OSSLT,
Graduation, and Prom committees. From these experiences, I have learned that positive staff mental health and
involvement in the community can trickle down to influence student wellbeing and success for all.

Finally, I help students enrich their learning by supporting extra-curricular activities such as Investment Club, Peer
Mentorship, HOSA, STEM Council, Yearbook, Social Justice, and Student Council. I am always ecstatic about student-
lead initiatives, as hands-on experiences are what truly propel the creation of robust and dynamic learning communities. I
look forward to bringing my skills to your school community, thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Yours in Catholic Education,

Vivi Shi
BAH, MA, B.Ed, OCT