Suzanne Marie, MA, M.Ed. · Teaching portfolioCurriculum designer and specialist in multilingual learners

Every lesson is a moment in time, and every moment can shape a student's future. From post-secondary classrooms in Canada to international schools across China and Turkey, I design learning that lasts.

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Suzanne Marie, curriculum designer, smiling in a white top

Education

Master of Education, Teaching Multilingual LearnersMoreland University, 2021 to 2022
Teacher Preparation Certificate ProgramMoreland University, 2022
Master of Arts, Conflict Analysis and ManagementRoyal Roads University, 2007 to 2009

Global experience

Teaching portfolio and student testimonials

For more than 25 years, my classrooms have been built on connection. In Canada, I taught at universities and colleges, facilitated professional development training and wrote curriculum. Today, I lead English curriculum as the system coordinator for an international school network, with campuses across China, from Hainan to Inner Mongolia, and in Turkey. Through all of it, my practice is grounded in relationships.

I use real-world examples to teach concepts and theories because I believe learning sticks best when it's real. I want my students to see how the lesson connects to their actual lives.

The architecture of teaching and learning

The ADDIE model

I use the ADDIE model (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate) to map out the entire learning journey.

Whether I am building for high schoolers in Hainan or adult professionals, we start with a clear analysis of learner goals and end with measurable results.

The ISW model

I use the Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) model to structure every class.

From the opening bridge-in to the final assessment, students are actively participating in the lesson rather than just watching it.

Cognitive depth

My goal is to move students effectively from remembering to applying and creating.

I use Bloom's Taxonomy to design projects that require higher-level thinking.

Student work

Project-based learning that connects language, literature, art and the real world.

Project-based learning

Student-designed travel brochure for a trip to Japan — Real-world skillsPlan and budget for a trip, and design a travel brochure.

Student poster rewriting a planet from The Little Prince as a tech billionaire — Literature and analysisRewrite the story of the planets in The Little Prince with modern-day issues and themes after reading the book.

Hand-painted t-shirt with a colourful butterfly and an inspirational message — Cultural connectionRead about fashion design businesses, write a marketing essay, and create an inspirational painted t-shirt.

Analysis and culture

Student illustration of a modern-day Mona Lisa — Sociological inquiryInvestigate beauty standards and the Mona Lisa's fame, then create a modern-day Mona Lisa.

Close-up painting of a red and black butterfly wing — Biological metaphorWrite an academic essay on the butterfly life cycle, connect it to personal growth, and paint a butterfly.

Student-decorated egg inspired by Fabergé designs — Historical designExplore the history of Fabergé eggs and the Romanov family, then design a decorated egg.

Metaphor and multimedia

Student poster titled The Life of Coral about reef bleaching — Ecological advocacyResearch coral reef ecosystems, describe key species, and create an informative poster.

Student book cover for an original story, An Accident in the Flight — Digital storytellingWrite a story with story elements, illustrate it, and create an animated video adaptation.

Student 3D poster of a tree inspired by The Giving Tree — Literary symbolismSummarize The Giving Tree using tree parts as metaphors for life's importance, and craft a 3D poster.

Philosophy and adult learning

While my high school classrooms are often filled with paint and projects, my work with adult learners requires a different kind of creativity. The goal is academic fluency and real-world capability.

When teaching adults, I design curricula that build the emotional and linguistic confidence students need to function in a new culture, creating a nexus between textbook English and living English.

I have distilled this experience into a collection of resources for educators. These tools are designed to be engaging, flexible, and immediately useful for anyone teaching adult learners.

See the collection

Student-centred learning

Through guided reading, active learning and explicit strategy instruction, students strengthen their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. They learn how to learn, take ownership of their progress, and build independence.

Data-informed instruction

I use diagnostics, formative assessments, IXL and ReadTheory to understand student needs and guide next steps. Every activity has clear academic value and is designed to build skills with purpose.

Higher-level thinking

I build critical and reflective thinking through journalling, discussion and analysis. Students question assumptions, make deeper connections, and apply their learning in meaningful, real-world contexts.

Books for educators

Practical guides from my classrooms, ready to use in yours. Schools and libraries can order through Kiwetin Press.

How to Successfully Teach Teens Conflict Resolution

A guide for facilitators that treats conflict management as a learned skill and gives educators the tools to teach it.

Get your copy

Teach ESL to Adult Learners

Practical strategies, lesson materials and tips for real-world classrooms, drawn from years of teaching adults in Canada and China.

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Let's connect

For curriculum consulting, speaking inquiries, collaborations, or just to say hello.

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