In 1988 Wendy Maxwell started her career as a French teacher – inspired to share her passion for language with her students. But after several years Wendy became frustrated to see, that by using the conventional method of language instruction, her students were not becoming proficient in the target language. And that’s when it hit her:
If students weren’t learning the way they were being taught, she had to teach the way they learned.
Wendy created a list of the students’ most frequently used words and expressions. She used this ‘pared-down language’ to develop plays, songs and stories that the students participated in, and worked on, collaboratively. This resulted in higher student engagement, reduced anxiety, as well as a more sophisticated level of response – right from day-one.
Next, simple gestures were attached to each word in the pared-down-language. Her teaching was now multi-sensory. Students were simultaneously listening, seeing, reading, writing, speaking and ‘doing’ the target language. This was the beginning of the Accelerative Integrated Method!
AIM brings true transformation to the experience of teaching and learning languages. Authentic learning is achieved through scaffolding techniques developed to systematically build on student’s progress. Being a part of a ‘learning community’ which emphasizes collaboration makes students feel comfortable to express themselves in the target language from the first lesson. They learn vocabulary through visual, auditory and kinesthetic tools. They participate in all activities in the target language based on literature and drama and they learn to think and write creatively, while practicing oral communication
Meet The Team
Wendy Maxwell (M.A.), award-winning teacher and AIM creator, has transformed world language instruction, both in Canada and internationally. Wendy is the lead author of AIM Language Learning’s French, English, Spanish, Mandarin and Japanese programs, including Histoires en action !, Jeunesse en action !, Stories in Action!, Life in Action!, ¡Jóvenes en acción!, Dònggǎn Gùshi!, and Akushon Banashi!!
Wendy Maxwell
AIM Creator
Neil’s love for languages is what brought him to join the AIM team. When he is not assisting customers with their orders, or helping setup or troubleshoot online access to AIM teaching resources, you’ll find him enjoying one of his many passions including gourmet cooking and ballroom & latin dancing.
Neil Holm
Customer Service and Support Manager
Kathy’s passion for helping children is what brings her to the AIM team. When she is not helping customers, Kathy is enjoying her grandchildren and painting pictures.
Kathy Poitras
Customer Service
Having been in the music business for most of her life, Sandra decided it was time to try other things, and joining the AIM team was right up her alley! She manages the shipping department, and also works on creative side of AIM. Sandra’s other full time job is taking care of her 2 daughters, and being a dance mom.
Sandra Dominelli
Creative/Marketing/Shipping
Alessandra has experience working with students, schools, administrators and districts across Ontario, specializing in K-12 curriculum and 21st Century Learning. She is passionate about creating a positive impact in the educational space and getting students excited about learning!
Alessandra Tino
AIM Ontario Representative
Bio
Jessie Fang
Accounting
Kimberly joined AIM in 2013 – after working in the educational arena in many capacities – including as a teacher! Sadly, her French teacher did not use AIM and Kim went through eleven years of French classes using the old textbook / grammar based method and is unable to speak a word.
Kimberly Tindale
Sales Director
Meet AIM’s AMAZING Facilitators!
Facilitators lead AIM Workshops and are mentors for some AIM Teacher Training and our Certification program. All Facilitators are AIM Certified Teachers.
AIM Certified Teachers
This is the highest level of training that we offer. You will have the skills and knowledge necessary to take your students to an even higher level of proficiency. Based on recommendation, you may be able to facilitate workshops.
- Alexandra Simsilevich
– Brampton, Ont., Canada - Amy Holodinsky
– Tantallon, NS, Canada - Anick Poulin
– Cranbrook, BC, Canada - Ann Chiasson
– Dartmouth, NS, Canada - Beth Hill
– Fonthill, Canada - Carolina Neva
– Trinidad and Tobago - Carole Rivoire
– Berlin, Germany - Catherine Gillion
– Langley, BC, Canada - Céline Foucher
– Vancouver, BC, Canada - Cheryl Roper
– Washington, USA - Colette Gauthier-Carr
– Anchorage, Alaska USA - Cynthia Pretorius
– Sylvan Lake, AB, Canada - Dalia Besasparis
– Toronto, ON, Canada - Dan Bart
– Toronto, ON, Canada - Diny Vervoort
– Meijel, Netherlands - Dona-Ruth Beyer
– Sherwood Park, AB, Canada - Edite Sammons
– ON, Canada - Emma Tilbury
– Toronto, ON, Canada - Ester Reiquam
– Seattle, Washington USA - Iegte de Jong
– Apeldoorn, Netherlands - Jacqueline Kelly
– ON, Canada
- Janny Spreen
– Stadskanaal, Netherlands - Jen(nifer) Jinks
– Welland, ON, Canada - Jennifer Bairos
– Toronto, ON, Canada - Jennifer McKinney
– Melbourne, Vic. Australia - Joëlle Rudick
– Ottawa, ON, Canada - Karen Oraas
– Canada - Kathy Kurbis
– Winnipeg, MB, Canada - Kem Opperman-Torres
– Louisiana, USA - Kerry Hooton
– Toronto, ON, Canada - Kevin Wenkoff
– Verona, ON, Canada - Kristi (Krupa) Griffith
– Las Vegas, NV USA - Kristopher Morehead
– Springfield, MO USA - Laurie Faber
– Alberta, Canada - Leslie French
– ON, Canada - Lisa Shurtz
– Berkeley, CA, USA - Lori Carson-Loveless
– Moncton, NB, Canada - Lisa Venne
– Perth, ON, Canada - Lori Pella
– King City, ON, Canada - Magali Forte
– Vancouver, BC, Canada - Mardi Michels
– Toronto, ON, Canada - Margaret Kohler
–Toledo, Ohio, USA
- Margaret Fuary
– Australia - Mary Kay Beck
– Louisiana, USA - Maryse West
– North Ridgeville, OH, USA - Monique Terrillon
– W. Vancouver, BC, Canada - Natacha Roudeix
– North Vancouver, BC, Canada - Pauline Galea
– Brooklin, ON, Canada - Pauline Vis
– Amsterdam, Netherlands - Renée Villeneuve
– Canada - Rhonda Murphy
– Edmonton, AB, Canada - Richard Smith
– Ottawa, ON, Canada - Robert Slabodnik
– Sedro Woolley, WA, USA - Sebastiaan Dönszelmann
– Amsterdam, Netherlands - Shannon Bourbonnais
– Vancouver, BC, Canada - Shannon Steinhoff
– Lockport, MB, Canada - Sophie Gammon
– Victoria, Australia - Sophie Thorne
– Perth, Australia - Sylvia Duckworth
– Toronto, ON, Canada - Tim Dittrick
– Winnipeg, MB, Canada - Wim Gombert
– Groningen, Netherlands