Our faculty is the key to our success as educators. They are selected for a unique combination of qualities that set them apart and help empower our students.

Our teachers are known for their:

• Excellent teaching skills and depth of knowledge.
• Dedication to each student in and out of class.
• Ability to relate to today’s students.
• Experience working in small class settings.
• Complete familiarity with current Ministry of Education curriculum and assessment policies.
• Skills to deal with learning accommodations and special needs.
  

Meet some of the Blyth Academy faculty:

Dr. John Vervaeke Ph. D. (University of Toronto) Nominated for the Prime Minister’s Best Teacher award (2006) and Best Lecturer in Ontario, TVOntario Big Ideas (2006), Dr. Vervaeke is a published author in Philosophy and Psychology. His real passion is working with young people and he has taught high school for several years. Dr. Vervaeke is part of the Philosophy and Social Science departments.

Dr. Peter Flaherty (York University) Dr. Flaherty holds a Ph.D. from York University and is the former head of the History Department at Runnymede Collegiate Institute. He is the author and coauthor of several textbooks and writes for MacLean’s magazine and CBC News-in-Review. He is a part-time professor with York University’s Faculty of Education. He spends his summers teaching abroad with the Blyth Education International Summer Program and spends the academic year teaching in Toronto with the Blyth Academy Full-Time Program.

Mr. Robin Benmergui M.A. (University of Toronto) has had an illustrious career in public education, both in teaching as a Head of English, and as an admired administrator. His years of experience are an asset to our student body. Mr. Benmergui is part of the English department.

Dr. Cynthia Morin Ph. D. (McMaster University) a native of Quebec, educated in Ontario, Dr. Morin brings to Blyth Academy an impressive resume of teaching both high school and University and research here and abroad (University of Utrecht). Dr. Morin is part of the Biology and Mathematics departments.

Ms. Frances Bleviss loves studying English with teenagers; she believes they teach her more than she can ever teach them. Her goal is to empower students with the confidence and skills necessary to articulate their opinions both orally and in writing. A lifelong learner, curious about everything, except how cars and computers work, Ms. Bleviss believes that everything we do informs who we are and how we see life, the universe and everything (thanks to Douglas Adams!). Ms. Bleviss obtained an Honours B.A., B.Ed., and M.A. from the University of Toronto. She is the former head of English at Northern Secondary School and head of the Gifted Program at Woburn C.I.

Meet some of the Blyth Academy Guidance Counsellors:

Ms. Nili Isaacs B.Ed (McGill) M.Ed. (University of Toronto) is Head of Guidance and Administration for the Yorkville Campus. Ms. Isaacs, a dynamic young educator, received her undergraduate education at McGill University and received her Master’s Degree from the University of Toronto specializing in Guidance and Counseling Psychology. She has been a teacher and guidance counselor for over 7 years. She has international experience being a member of the staff at an inner city school for 4 years in London, England as a teacher and guidance counsellor. She has experience counselling in both the private and public school systems and for the past year was an integral member of the Guidance department of Jarvis CI. Her expertise and energy serves our student body well.

Ms. Sarah K. Davis B.A., M.A. (University of Iowa, US) is Head of Guidance and Administration for the Thornhill Campus. Ms. Davis received her high school education in Canada before pursuing her undergraduate education in the United States, earning a B.A. in English. She continued her schooling at the University of Iowa obtaining a Master’s Degree in Counselling, Rehabilitation and Student Development. Following this, Ms. Davis put her formal education to good use as a teacher and guidance counsellor at the high school level in the US and in England for 6 years. She has also worked in the field of Gifted Education. She is well-traveled and is fluent in English, Spanish and French. As an energetic educator, our student body is well-served by her expertise and broad range of experience.

Mr. Sam Blyth M.A. (Cambridge) was educated at Pembroke College, Cambridge and the University of Paris. He has taught at the École St. Louis de Gonzague in Paris and at Blyth Academy-International and in Canada for over 30 years. He has written frequently for the Globe and Mail and the National Post, and lectured widely around Canada and the United States. He chairs the Cambridge University Scholarship Fund in Canada and interviews for Pembroke College, Cambridge. He teaches Careers and provides guidance to students.

Ms. Danielle Major B.Ed (Lakehead) is Head of Guidance and Administration for the Lawrence Park Campus. Ms. Major is a passionate young educator. She has received degrees from Lakehead University and has received additional qualifications in Guidance from OISE, University of Toronto. She has been a director, teacher and guidance counselor for over 4 years. She has experience counselling in the private school system and for the past year was an essential member of the senior guidance department of The Toronto French School. Ms. Major is energetic, creative and passionate about enhancing the educational experience of her students. She is well poised to create an exciting and enriching culture at our new Lawrence Park Campus.