Faculty and Staff
Emma Lawlor
Instructional Assistant
Emma brings a wealth of passion and diverse experience to her current role as an Instructional Assistant in the Third Academy J1 Classroom, and she is thrilled to be stepping into a Lead Teacher position for the 2026-27 school year. At the core of her educational philosophy is a deep commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all students feel safe, valued, and empowered to learn and share.
Born and raised in Dundas, Ontario, Emma's academic journey has taken her across the globe. She earned her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Sport Management from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, followed by a Diploma in Secondary Teaching from the Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, with a dual focus on Physical Education and Visual Arts.
Emma’s professional background is rich with diverse teaching experiences. She has supported learners in a wide variety of capacities, including work as an early childhood educator, STEM teacher, camp counselor, educational assistant, and high school volleyball coach. A lifelong athlete and avid sports fan (Go Jays Go!), Emma brings a highly thoughtful, adaptable approach to physical education. She strives to modify her lessons creatively so that every student can experience success, aiming to foster a positive relationship with movement, build confidence, and help students find meaningful ways to enjoy being active.
Alongside her love for sports, Emma is deeply passionate about the visual arts and brings hands-on expertise in ceramics, pottery, and stained-glass construction. Outside of the classroom, her hobbies keep her busy and creative; you can often find her attending weightlifting classes, hiking during the spring and summer, crocheting, or trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
Emma's unique blend of expertise in both physical education and the visual arts offers tremendous benefits to the diverse learners at Third Academy. By combining kinetic movement with creative expression, she provides students with alternative, hands-on pathways to build fine and gross motor skills, regulate their emotions, and develop self-confidence. Whether thoughtfully adapting a physical activity for accessibility or guiding a student through a tactile pottery project, Emma's specialized approach ensures that every child receives the individualized support they need to thrive and discover their own unique strengths.
Born and raised in Dundas, Ontario, Emma's academic journey has taken her across the globe. She earned her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Sport Management from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, followed by a Diploma in Secondary Teaching from the Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, with a dual focus on Physical Education and Visual Arts.
Emma’s professional background is rich with diverse teaching experiences. She has supported learners in a wide variety of capacities, including work as an early childhood educator, STEM teacher, camp counselor, educational assistant, and high school volleyball coach. A lifelong athlete and avid sports fan (Go Jays Go!), Emma brings a highly thoughtful, adaptable approach to physical education. She strives to modify her lessons creatively so that every student can experience success, aiming to foster a positive relationship with movement, build confidence, and help students find meaningful ways to enjoy being active.
Alongside her love for sports, Emma is deeply passionate about the visual arts and brings hands-on expertise in ceramics, pottery, and stained-glass construction. Outside of the classroom, her hobbies keep her busy and creative; you can often find her attending weightlifting classes, hiking during the spring and summer, crocheting, or trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
Emma's unique blend of expertise in both physical education and the visual arts offers tremendous benefits to the diverse learners at Third Academy. By combining kinetic movement with creative expression, she provides students with alternative, hands-on pathways to build fine and gross motor skills, regulate their emotions, and develop self-confidence. Whether thoughtfully adapting a physical activity for accessibility or guiding a student through a tactile pottery project, Emma's specialized approach ensures that every child receives the individualized support they need to thrive and discover their own unique strengths.