Alberta: Mais Helwah
Mais Helwah is a Syrian Canadian language educator. After growing up in the oldest city in the world, Damascus, Mais immigrated to Canada to join her husband in 2005 and pursued her passion for education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta in 2010 and has dedicated over a decade to teaching Arabic language arts and other subjects within Edmonton Public Schools. For the past three years, Mais has served as a bilingual consultant, leveraging her experience to support fellow language educators in their professional learning and resource implementation. She is mother to two daughters.
Northwest Territories: Maude Frosst
Originally from Ottawa, Maude has lived in Yellowknife since 2017. She teaches Core French and Intensive French at William McDonald Middle School. Before moving to Yellowknife, she taught overseas in Korea. A product of the Ontario French immersion program, Maude completed her education degree at Bishop’s University as well as a master’s degree at the University of New Brunswick. She loves living up North and exploring the territory, traveling, and playing with her toddler. Maude is currently learning Spanish.
New Brunswick: Anthony Nolletti
Anthony is a Learning Specialist in French as a second language (FSL) with New Brunswick’s Department of Education as well as the co-founder and app developer of Pongo Learning. He works closely with educators and researchers to lead curriculum development, champion exemplary practices, and advance language education across the province. Driven by a deep passion for language, Anthony has built a network of experts and stakeholders in the field. His background in FSL, English as an additional language (EAL), and international education gives him a broad, inclusive perspective that enriches language learning initiatives.
Nova Scotia: Tony Bucci
Tony’s passion for the French language started in Grade 7, and he hasn’t stopped learning it since! In addition to teaching French in Nova Scotia since 1995, Tony also worked as the French Second Language Consultant for the Halifax Regional Centre for Education during the 2015-2016 school year. He was on the organizing committee for Franco-Fête, a day for Halifax-area students co-organized with Canadian Parents for French, local universities, and French for the Future. He has also mentored six student teachers, all of whom are currently teaching French in the province. Tony’s wife is also a teacher, and they enjoy travelling and volunteering together with their three children.
Newfoundland and Labrador: Laun Shoemaker
Laun has taught in Core French, Intensive Core French, and French immersion for 17 years. As treasurer of the Second Language Council of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association for the past eight years, he has organized both virtual and in-person province-wide tours for French-speaking storytellers, artists and technophiles. He is also currently the Vice President of Canadian Parents for French – Newfoundland and Labrador (CPF-NL). Passionate about FSL, English as an additional language (EAL), and environmental issues, Laun is the 2020 winner of the CPF-NL Teacher of the Year award and the 2021 Newfoundland and Labrador winner of the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.
