In Conversation with Alexis Furlan, Junior School Faculty

It has been said that the ‘People are Pickering’ and I get to spend my day with 3-5 year olds who are full of joy and have a love of school and learning! We sing and dance, read, laugh, play outside, explore and learn from each other. I have the best job in the world!

Alexis Furlan, Junior School Faculty

Q. What is your educational background?

My passion for Independent School education was sparked when I attended Trafalgar Castle School. I majored in drama at Queen’s University and then I attended OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education) at the University of Toronto and received my bachelor of education in the primary/junior divisions. After graduating from teacher’s college, I taught Grade 4 and Kindergarten with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) for three years before coming to Pickering College. I hold additional qualifications in reading (specialist), Kindergarten, math and special education and am a British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD) certified dance teacher in ballet, tap and jazz.

Q. How long have you been teaching at Pickering College?

It’s hard to believe but I am in my 20th year teaching at Pickering College!

Q. Have you always taught Kindergarten?

With the exception of one year of teaching Grade 4 with the TDSB, I have always taught Kindergarten.

Q. List five adjectives that describe yourself.

Patient, Determined, Energetic, Kind, Loyal

Q. What interests do you pursue outside of the classroom?

I love to spend time with my family at our horse farm, walk my dog, read, cook and dance.

Q. What is the greatest success you have had in teaching?

I think being flexible is a huge asset for a teacher. Best practices for teaching and learning evolve and change and being open-minded is so critical. I love to learn and push myself to grow in my practice every day. Taking part in the Canadian study tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy, in March 2018 was a true highlight for me. Bringing back what I learned and creating a Reggio-inspired program for our young learners at Pickering College was really meaningful. Hosting the 2020 Reggio Conference at PC, in collaboration with my colleagues, for over 100 educators was a culminating moment.

Q. What is something most people don’t know about you?

I have a passion for tap dancing! A highlight of my life was dancing twice with my idol Gregory Hines. A friend even arranged for him to phone me and leave me a voice message inviting me to a class he was leading in Toronto. It was an experience that I will always remember.

Q. What are you currently reading for enjoyment?

I love reading fiction, particularly mysteries or books with funny female characters. I have just started to read The Guest List by Lucy Foley. It’s a mystery set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland.

Q. If you weren’t following this particular career path, what would you be doing?

I can’t imagine any other career that would provide me with the opportunity to do all the things that I love on a daily basis. Working with young children and seeing the world through their eyes is a remarkable experience. One day I may write a book about all of my adventures!

Q. Is there anything I haven’t asked you that you would like to tell me?

That I feel so fortunate to be part of the PC community and I am inspired every day by my colleagues, students and their parents. Our community supported my family as we started on our adoption journey five years ago and I couldn’t feel more privileged to have my own children now join the PC family!