About Me

I am an educator who loves to learn, and loves to share my passion for learning with those around me.

 Growing up, I was fascinated by the stars and the universe beyond. I graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours B.Sc. in Physics & Astronomy (and a minor in Mathematics), and then from Western University with a M.Sc. in Astronomy. 

During my undergraduate and graduate degrees, I worked as a teaching assistant, and discovered how much I enjoyed sharing the learning process with others. In 2001, I deferred acceptance for my Ph.D. in Astronomy in order to teach at an independent high school for a year. 

From that experience, I knew teaching was where I wanted to be. I obtained my B.Ed. from Brock University in 2003, with teachables in Science (Physics) and Math.

After teaching for 5 years in southern Ontario, a love of the outdoors and Ontario's near north led my husband (also a secondary school teacher) and me to throw our resumés to the wind. We landed on beautiful Manitoulin Island in 2006, and have been here ever since.

In addition to being in the classroom, I have also been fortunate to combine my love of Astronomy and teaching through outreach, particularly for teachers. I was the Education Co-ordinator for the Canadian Astronomical Society (CASCA) for 8 years, and until recently was the Chair of the STAO ScienceWorks committee. I am currently the NOMA representative for OAME.

 2015 was an auspicious year, as I was the recipient of the ORION K12 survey tablets, OAME's Award for Exceptional and Creative Teaching in Secondary Mathematics, and an Award for Excellence from my school board.

In 2016, I took on a new role as Program Co-ordinator (7-12 Mathematics) with the Rainbow District School Board, where I continue to this day, modeling the learning for educators within the board and beyond. In 2020, I was honoured to be awarded the OMCA Award for Excellence and Innovation in Mathematics Education.

Join me as I share my passion! You can also find me on Twitter (@htheijsmeijer), or Instagram (htheijsmeijer).

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