AQ/ABQ Courses

Susan has been facilitating Special Education Additional Qualification courses on-site, on-line and at a distance for the past 30 years at NU.

Susan has been working in the field of special education at all levels for the past 35 years. Currently retired as the Director, Counselling and Student Support at Cambrian College, she remains active on the board of the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario and others.

Dr. Tina Benevides is an Assistant Professor in the Schulich School of Education at Nipissing University. 

In 2013, Tina was named an Apple Distinguished Educator for her research into the innovative uses of technology to assist struggling readers. Tina has taught a number of courses in the Schulich School of Education and presented at numerous conferences both nationally and internationally. Tina's research interests lie in early literacy, new literacies, children's literature, and children's mental health. Tina has taught several courses in the Schulich School of Education including Language and Literacy, Classroom Management, Social Studies, Science and Technology Education, and Kindergarten, Part I, II and III.

Robert has 26 years of experience teaching English and literacy.

Robert teaches with the Near North District School Board. He has served as the team leader of a languages department, chairperson of an English subject council, and on various assessment and evaluation, information and communication technology, and new teacher induction committees at the school and district levels. Most recently, Robert has taught Language and Literacies for the Intermediate and Senior Divisions.

Kimberley has taught addition qualification courses for Nipissing University since 2010.

With a degree in French Teaching Specialization and an honours specialist in French, teaching FSL Part 1, 2 and Specialist has been a perfect fit for Kimberley. She has a breadth of experience in the FSL classroom teaching core, extended, and immersion classes as well as the International Baccalaureate program. In 2021, Kimberley contributed to the review and update of the FSL Course Guidelines for the Ontario College of Teachers.

Shanna has facilitated Health and Physical Education Additional Qualification courses for the Intermediate and Senior divisions at Nipissing University for 13 years.

Shanna is an alumnus of the BA and BEd programs at Nipissing University, as well as a past member of the Women’s Soccer and Volleyball teams. Shanna has been a teacher with the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board in North Bay, Ontario since 2005, where she has taught in all divisions.

James (Jimmy) is proudly celebrating his tenth anniversary working with Nipissing University.

Jimmy is one of Ontario’s most passionate advocates for International Languages programs, students, and educators. In 2012, he co-wrote the Spanish - Part 1 AQ and has been teaching it ever since. His engagement with second language programming has been key to helping Nipissing University to offer Spanish - Part 2 and launch the German, Italian, and Portuguese AQs. Jimmy is a teacher and guidance counsellor with the Toronto District School Board.

Mary is an experienced instrumental music teacher who has taught grades 7-12 for over 35 years.

Mary teaches the onsite (Intermediate and Senior) and online Intermediate and Senior ABQ courses and has lectured, and done workshops and clinics around Ontario. Mary is an adjudicator and band director who always looks forward to supporting future and present music teachers.

Karen has been involved for over 14 years with facilitating the Primary Part I AQ and Primary ABQ courses.

As a teacher of 16 years and an administrator of 17 years, Karen has supported a wide range of educators and administrators. Karen’s most recent portfolio in the Near North District School Board is as both an elementary school principal and school board system principal with a focus on Equity.