About CORE
For almost fifteen years, CORE has supported children across Greater Victoria with free tutoring services and provided opportunities for UVic Teacher Education students to gain practical teaching experience.
Our team
CORE is administered by the UVic Faculty of Education under the guidance of the Dean of Education and a steering committee composed of volunteer faculty members.
Tahmineh Farnoud
With over 15 years of experience in education, Tahmineh brings expertise in fostering inclusive learning environments and program development. She develops professional workshops, supports teacher training and hiring procedure, and collaborates with schools and educational centres to implement innovative programs. Tahmineh is also a PhD candidate in Education, focusing on equity-centered approaches, trauma-informed practices, and participatory research.
Leslee Francis-Pelton
Leslee Francis-Pelton is the Leadership Team representative from the Faculty of Education who supports CORE through guidance and oversight. She is an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at UVic, and her research focuses on the use of various technologies and problem-based learning in mathematics. With years of experience as an instructor and administrator, Leslee's leadership and mentorship of the CORE team is invaluable.
Ava Moradi
Ava is an experienced English Language Learning teacher and former educational leader with over 20 years of experience in English language instruction, curriculum development, and team leadership. She is currently a PhD student in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction at UVic, specializing in inclusive and innovative learning. She also works as an Educational Assistant in the Greater Victoria region.
Covel Hall
Covel is a PhD candidate in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction at UVic, where she continues demonstrating her unwavering commitment to education. This commitment is evident in the way she develops and contributes to community, education and research initiatives including CORE, the 2024 Victoria Forum, and an arts-based workshop on United Nations SDG 4 facilitated by her at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria Capital Region (2024).
CORE Tutors
At CORE, our dedicated tutors are passionate about supporting students. Many of our tutors are UVic students enrolled in teacher education programs. We also welcome tutors from other fields at UVic who have substantial teaching experience and a proven track record of working with children.
CORE Steering Committee
Current voting members:
- Leslee Francis Pelton, Chair
- Lucinda Brown
- Breanna Lawrence
- Kirstin Lane
- Tim Pelton
- Natasha Reid
- Carmen Rodriguez de France
- Wendy Seager, ex-officio
Partnership with Songhees Wellness Centre
Since 2023, CORE has proudly partnered with the Songhees Wellness Centre to support their community's educational goals. Through this collaboration, CORE hires and trains UVic teacher education students and tutors, equipping them with the skills needed to provide respectful and effective academic support.
These tutors work at the Songhees Wellness Centre's Homework Club, offering assistance to students from Monday to Thursday, 3-5 PM. This partnership emphasizes mutual learning and relationship-building, fostering a supportive environment that honors the Songhees Nation's values and priorities.
History
The Centre for Outreach Education (CORE) was established through the extraordinary generosity of an anonymous donor who was deeply passionate about children's education. A retired teacher, she remained connected with the Faculty of Education over the years, sharing a lifelong commitment to supporting young learners. Upon her passing, the Faculty was profoundly moved to learn that she had left her entire estate—including the proceeds from her home—to advance educational opportunities for children. Her only request was that her gift remain anonymous and be used to support students in need.
Recognizing a significant gap in academic support for struggling learners, the Faculty saw an opportunity to honor her wishes by creating a space where children could receive targeted, evidence-based instruction. CORE was designed not only to help students overcome learning challenges but also to serve as a training ground for future educators, ensuring a lasting impact on the field of education.
What began as one individual’s remarkable act of kindness has since grown into a vital resource for families and a hub for educational innovation. CORE stands as a testament to the power of generosity, community, and a shared commitment to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive.
Contact CORE
MAC D347
Monday - Thursday, 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm