About Us
Tutoring Mission and Vision
We aspire to tutor and teach children how to become critical thinkers in an increasingly complex world. Rather than just providing students with formulas and answers, our tutors help them understand the reasoning and challenge them to question it as they make sense of it in their own lives.
Our tutoring aims to strengthen students' skills and fill in any gaps in their competency.
Our tutors also aspire to teach students to take ownership of their learning as they become self-aware individuals.
Tutoring Philosophy and Values
Everyone has different strengths, ideas, interests, and values. So, why is learning often done in a one size fits all model? The tutors at Pathways Academy understand that in order to succeed in life beyond school, individuals must have opportunities to explore their interests in ways that are meaningful to them while obtaining new knowledge.
Real-World Learning
We value real-world learning. This means, our teaching and tutoring are done through authentic experiences that have meaning in each student’s life. This helps individuals develop awareness and readiness to succeed in life beyond school. Our tutoring sessions may take place indoors - in a more traditional setting, outdoors - to help students see where the learning can take place beyond the classroom and textbooks, and around various local organizations such as museums and science centres. Real-world learning can help prepare students for life beyond school.
Project-Based Learning
One of the tutoring strategies that we use is Project-Based Learning. In Project Based Learning, students are given a project to work on over an extended period of time. These projects often involve solving real-world problems, figuring out the answer to complex questions, and can eventually lead to students creating their own product or solution. Project-Based Learning enhances critical thinking skills.
Remediation (Covid)
We understand that learning during a pandemic has been tough on everyone. Our tutors are prepared to remediate any time and learning that has been lost in order to help students catch up and return to their grade level and beyond.
About the Founder
Cara Yanowski grew up in Toronto and has always had a love for learning, adventure, and travel. After graduating from McMaster University in 2012 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts, she worked in marketing for two years. During this time, she was volunteering for a youth organization where she mentored youth in underserved communities. She quickly realized that her calling was to work with children. Her adventurous side prompted her to move to Australia for a year to complete her Graduate Diploma in Education. Upon returning to Toronto, Cara worked toward her TESOL diploma and taught English Language Learners. Then, she decided she wanted to further pursue working one-on-one with children, so she began tutoring students in grades 1-8. This experience allowed her to understand children’s thinking more deeply and recognize how to support children on their journey to success. She recognized that some of the key factors that children need to realize their achievements are confidence and critical thinking skills. While tutoring, Cara also volunteered at a private elementary school in Toronto. She worked closely with students who have exceptionalities to support their skill development and learning. In 2016, Cara moved to California for two years. During this time, she tutored and worked at a private elementary school, primarily working closely with a learning specialist to assist students in the learning centre. This additional time spent working with students one-on-one or in small groups taught Cara how important it is for students to have a mentor who not only believes in them, but can challenge them to do better. Upon moving back to Toronto in 2018, Cara worked at an elementary school teaching grade 5 students. She decided she wanted to further her professional development and education, so in the fall of 2020, she began her Master of Education at OISE at the University of Toronto. Throughout her experience teaching, tutoring, and through her Masters program, it became apparent that there are many gaps that still persist in education today. Her goal for Pathways Academy is to close these gaps by placing emphasis on critical thinking skills, allowing students to use their knowledge and ideas to work through obstacles and develop their own concepts on their pathway to success.
Why Choose Us?
Each of our tutors is licensed to teach in Ontario through the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) or is a subject expert in their field. Our tutors are hand-picked through an interview process that ensures that each tutor is personable and can customize their teaching approach to fit the needs of each student.
We provide:
Customized Plans
Whether students are looking to improve their understanding or grades, excel beyond what is taught in the classroom, engage in project-based learning, or prepare for a test, each tutor will customize their approach to best fit the needs of each individual. Our personalized approach helps students find a love for learning as we teach them how to learn in a way that best suits their needs.
Monthly Feedback
Our tutors will provide monthly feedback and updates including what material has been covered, the student’s strengths, challenges, and next steps/long-term goals.
Communication with Parents
In addition to monthly feedback, our tutors are available to provide additional information and answer any questions that parents may have.
Collaboration with Teachers and Other Professionals
Our tutors will work with students’ schools and other professionals to ensure that each session aligns with the curriculum. We will also speak to other professionals to establish that the most advantageous teaching approach is being used.
