Kostantine Kicks Off Full-Time Career
Math teacher Yostina Kostantine brings new ideas to Pioneer's campus.
By Mia Howell
Math teacher Yostina Kostantine brings new ideas to Pioneer's campus.
By Mia Howell
Yostina Kostantine is one of the newest additions to Pioneer’s math department, bringing lots of experience and background knowledge, as well as a love for math.
Originally from Canada, Kostantine holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the
University of Waterloo, as well as a minor in French and Pure Mathematics. She completed her
graduate degree at the University of Brock. Kostantine always knew she wanted to be a teacher.
“As a student I absolutely loved math and physics actually. That's what I chose to study and
teach,” said Kostantine.
In addition to knowing she wanted to teach math, Kostantine also knew she wanted to teach high school from the beginning.
“I was hoping that by this time they are mature enough that hopefully I can inspire some of them to choose math or choose anything really for their university or post grad experiences.”
For the first few weeks of school, Kostantine’s role was filled by a substitute teacher, but she was still involved in all the planning of the course.
“Even though Ms. Kostantine wasn’t being paid, she actually gave the sub all the plans and she made sure that when she had her own classes, the classes were ready for her and the curriculum,” said Math department co-chair Aruna Renduchintala. “I think it’s really nice of her to do that, she didn’t need to do that.”
Not only do her department colleagues appreciate Kostantine, but so do her students. Kostantine is known for her outgoing personality and her enthusiastic teaching. Renduchintala described her as “energetic and bubbly in nature.”
“I like how she's very open to helping. She’s very energetic during class which is rare with a
math teacher, so I enjoy that,” said Emerson Hill, 11, who has Kostantine for pre-calculus.
Kostantine has also been collaborating with the staff at Pioneer, like the rest of the math teachers, she works in a team of people who teach the same course. They share the curriculum with each other, and help one another out if needed.
“The staff here has actually been very nice. They are all very helpful anytime I need anything or
I’m feeling overwhelmed with the workload. They have always been very helpful in helping me
navigate everything,” said Kostantine.
Due to the experience Kostantine has, Math department co-chair Zohreh Moaven has high hopes for Kostantine, and what she brings to the department.
“(I hope she brings) new perspectives in terms of teaching techniques and collaboration with her colleagues.”
Kostantine has lots of experience in regards to technology based learning activities, and she hopes to incorporate those activities into her classroom as the year progresses.
“I hope to make math a little more bearable for my students. If I can do that, I’m successful.” said Kostantine.
Kostantine knew she wanted to be a teacher ever since she was in college, and she has some
advice for those who want to be a teacher.
“The subject you choose to teach is the most important thing to choose. If you do not absolutely
love your subject, you will not like teaching it for the rest of your life,” said Kostantine.
Originally from Canada, Kostantine holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the
University of Waterloo, as well as a minor in French and Pure Mathematics. She completed her
graduate degree at the University of Brock. Kostantine always knew she wanted to be a teacher.
“As a student I absolutely loved math and physics actually. That's what I chose to study and
teach,” said Kostantine.
In addition to knowing she wanted to teach math, Kostantine also knew she wanted to teach high school from the beginning.
“I was hoping that by this time they are mature enough that hopefully I can inspire some of them to choose math or choose anything really for their university or post grad experiences.”
For the first few weeks of school, Kostantine’s role was filled by a substitute teacher, but she was still involved in all the planning of the course.
“Even though Ms. Kostantine wasn’t being paid, she actually gave the sub all the plans and she made sure that when she had her own classes, the classes were ready for her and the curriculum,” said Math department co-chair Aruna Renduchintala. “I think it’s really nice of her to do that, she didn’t need to do that.”
Not only do her department colleagues appreciate Kostantine, but so do her students. Kostantine is known for her outgoing personality and her enthusiastic teaching. Renduchintala described her as “energetic and bubbly in nature.”
“I like how she's very open to helping. She’s very energetic during class which is rare with a
math teacher, so I enjoy that,” said Emerson Hill, 11, who has Kostantine for pre-calculus.
Kostantine has also been collaborating with the staff at Pioneer, like the rest of the math teachers, she works in a team of people who teach the same course. They share the curriculum with each other, and help one another out if needed.
“The staff here has actually been very nice. They are all very helpful anytime I need anything or
I’m feeling overwhelmed with the workload. They have always been very helpful in helping me
navigate everything,” said Kostantine.
Due to the experience Kostantine has, Math department co-chair Zohreh Moaven has high hopes for Kostantine, and what she brings to the department.
“(I hope she brings) new perspectives in terms of teaching techniques and collaboration with her colleagues.”
Kostantine has lots of experience in regards to technology based learning activities, and she hopes to incorporate those activities into her classroom as the year progresses.
“I hope to make math a little more bearable for my students. If I can do that, I’m successful.” said Kostantine.
Kostantine knew she wanted to be a teacher ever since she was in college, and she has some
advice for those who want to be a teacher.
“The subject you choose to teach is the most important thing to choose. If you do not absolutely
love your subject, you will not like teaching it for the rest of your life,” said Kostantine.