Supporting Educators to Connect Academic Assessment to Instruction
Educational Science in
Canadian Contexts
About
At Teaching Abilities Consulting, we aim to enhance assessment and instructional practices to improve student outcomes. Our specialization is in providing high-quality, practical professional development workshops tailored for Canadian school districts and divisions.
Our core focus is on equipping educators with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective literacy and numeracy instruction. We offer expert guidance on implementing robust screening and progress monitoring systems, ensuring you can accurately identify student needs and track their academic growth.
Our Aim
A cornerstone of our approach is bridging the crucial gap between academic assessment and daily classroom instruction. We empower teachers and administrators to translate assessment data into well-structured, actionable, and targeted instructional routines that support student literacy and numeracy acquisition.
With a proven track record spanning three provinces and collaborations with over three dozen school districts, Teaching Abilities brings a breadth of experience and a deep understanding of diverse educational landscapes to every workshop. We are committed to providing relevant, research-informed, and readily applicable support to help educators thrive.
Lead Consultant Bio:
Dr. David Fainstein
David is our lead consultant at Teaching Abilities. He completed his doctorate in School Psychology at the University of Oregon in 2022. Prior doctoral work, David had a decade of experience supporting children, youth, and families as a school psychologist, educational assistant, and behavioural interventionist. David’s most recent work as a professor of school psychology applies research and practice on supporting educators to make instructional adjustments that best meet the needs of learners.
Currently, David is located in the Pacific Northwest and willing to travel for consultations and workshops. Outside of work, David primarily spends time with family and friends in the Victoria – Vancouver – Seattle triangle. He is a happy runner, avid traveller, and curious data analyst.
Education and Certification
PhD, School Psychology | University of Oregon • 2022
MSc, Special Education | University of Oregon • 2021
MA, School Psychology | Mount Saint Vincent University • 2015
BSc, Psychology | University of Victoria • 2013
DIBELS Certified Trainer
Acadience Reading K-6 Mentor
Nationally Certified School Psychologist (WA #65344)
Applied Research and Practice Grants
- $3.5 Million US Department of Education – Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
- $30 thousand Professional Educator Standards Board of Washington State
- $60 thousand Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Let’s Connect!
Victoria, Canada