Innovate and Educate - SEPTEMBER 2021 THE PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO COLLEGE OF TEACHERS
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SEPTEMBER 2021 THE PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO COLLEGE OF TEACHERS Innovate and Educate How the pandemic sparked creative strategies for experiential learning at a distance. p. 28 Transportation technology teacher Cesar Da Silva, OCT
Learn. Lead. Inspire. Learn. Lead. Inspire.
Are you considering a graduate degree in Education?
Have you taken AQ courses with us in the past?
Queen’s University Continuing Teacher Education and the Faculty of
Education have designed the Specialized Applied Graduate
Experience (SAGE) program to help you meet your goals for a
graduate education on your own terms. The course-based, fully
online SAGE program offers advanced standing into the Graduate
Diploma in Education and Professional Master of Education programs
upon completion of a Post-Graduate Certificate.
POST-GRADUATE CERTIFICATES
Comprised of five AQ courses, certificates are based on specific
challenges that teachers face in the classroom that will allow you to
specialize in a particular field such as:
▪ First Nations, Metis and Inuit Studies
▪ Principal’s Qualification Program
▪ Reading & Literacy
▪ Special Education
▪ Teacher Leadership
▪ Teaching English Language Learners
▪ Teaching Mathematics
▪ Technology in Teaching
Candidates that complete a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education
will receive advanced standing in two of the electives in the Graduate
Diploma in Education as part of the SAGE program.
GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN EDUCATION
After achieving a Post-Graduate Certificate, candidates will complete
our Graduate Diploma in Education, where they will examine their
professional environment to understand it more deeply, to solve
problems and to affect change in a chosen area of concentration.
PROFESSIONAL MASTER OF EDUCATION
The last step in the SAGE program is the Professional Master of
Education, which will elevate the skills acquired in the Post-Graduate
Certificate and the Graduate Diploma in Education and apply them
through a capstone project.
For more information about the SAGE program, visit
educ.queensu.ca/sage
Learn. Lead. Inspire. Learn. Lead. Inspire.
Our Online Continuing Teacher Education Courses
ADDITIONAL BASIC QUALIFICATIONS THREE-PART ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
▪ Primary ▪ Cooperative Education
▪ Junior ▪ Environmental Education
▪ First Nations, Métis & Inuit Peoples
ABQ INTERMEDIATE ▪ French as a Second Language Part
▪ Business Studies ▪ Guidance & Career Ed
▪ English ▪ Health & Physical Ed (P/J)
▪ Family Studies ▪ Inclusive Classrooms
▪ First Nations, Métis and Inuit Studies ▪ Integration of Information & Computer
▪ French as a Second Language Technology in Instruction
▪ Geography ▪ Kindergarten
▪ Health & Physical Education ▪ Mathematics, Primary & Junior
▪ History ▪ Reading
▪ Mathematics ▪ Religious Education in Catholic Schools
▪ Science - General ▪ Special Education
▪ Teacher Leadership
ABQ SENIOR
▪ Teacher Librarian
▪ Biology
▪ Teaching English Language Learners
▪ Chemistry
▪ English ONE-SESSION QUALIFICATIONS
▪ Environmental Science ▪ Adult Education
▪ Geography ▪ Classroom Management
▪ History ▪ Orientation To Teaching In Ontario
▪ Law ▪ Outdoor Experiential Education
▪ Mathematics ▪ Safe & Accepting Schools
▪ Physics ▪ Teaching Students with Behavioural Needs
▪ Social Sciences ▪ Teaching Students with Communication
▪ Science - General Needs (Autism)
▪ Visual Arts ▪ Teaching Students with Communication
Needs (Learning Disability)
HONOUR SPECIALIST ▪ Student Assessment & Evaluation
▪ Biology ▪ Teaching & Learning Through e-Learning
▪ Business Studies ▪ Teaching Combined Grades
▪ Chemistry ▪ Teaching First Nations, Métis and Inuit Children
▪ Dramatic Arts ▪ Teaching LGBTQ Students
▪ English ▪ Teaching Students with Intellectual Needs
▪ French as a Second Language (Mild Intellectual Disability)
▪ Geography ▪ Use and Knowledge of Assistive Technology
▪ Health & Physical Education PRINCIPAL'S QUALIFICATION PROGRAM
▪ History ▪ Principal's Qualifications
▪ Mathematics
▪ Music TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION
▪ Physics ▪ Communications Tech Grades 9/10 & 11/12
▪ Science - General ▪ Computer Tech Grades 9/10
▪ Social Sciences ▪ Green Industries Grades 9/10
▪ Technological Education ▪ Tech Design Grades 9/10 & 11/12
▪ Visual Arts
We now offer Educational Support Staff courses! Visit pros.educ.queensu.ca for more details.
Upcoming Sessions starting September 27 and November 8
Learn more and register at
www.coursesforteachers.ca
facebook.com/QueensCTE twitter.com/QueensCTE instagram.com/QueensCTE
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Contents
Upfront
From the Transition Supervisory Officer 7
Registrar’s Report 9
Letters to the Editor 11
14
Connections
PS Poll; In Your Profession; In Your Classroom; 13
Tools of the Trade
Pop Quiz 14
Amorell Saunders N’Daw, lead writer for the
professional advisory on anti-Black racism.
PHOTOS: (TOP & BOTTOM) MATTHEW PLEXMAN; (MIDDLE) KIM BELLAVANCE PHOTOGRAPHE; ILLUSTRATION: LEEANDRA CIANCI
Departments
Great Teaching 20
OCTs put into practice advice from the professional
advisory on Additional Qualifications.
Remarkable Teacher 24
Olympian figure skater Patrick Chan on the high school
guidance counsellor who set him on a winning path.
24
Features
Innovate and Educate 28
How the pandemic sparked creative strategies for
experiential learning at a distance.
Turning Inquiry into Practice 34
When OCTs collaborate on questions about student
needs, creative strategies can emerge.
Making Their Mark 38
Second-career teachers share their stories about
their radical transformations.
Resources
New at the Library 42
Tech Class 46
38
Governing Ourselves
College News; Investigation Committee 47
Case Study; Hearings
Professional Learning
The many benefits of mentoring. 60
September 2021 Professionally Speaking 3
TRANSITION SUPERVISORY OFFICER Paul Boniferro
REGISTRAR & CEO Dr. Derek Haime, OCT
DEPUTY REGISTRAR Chantal Bélisle, OCT
DIRECTORS Linda Lacroix, OCT, Investigations and Hearings;
Richard Lewko, Corporate and Council Services; Demetra Saldaris, OCT,
Standards of Practice and Accreditation; Linda Zaks-Walker, OCT,
Membership Services
PUBLISHER Richard Lewko
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF William Powell
MANAGING EDITOR Kristin Doucet
SENIOR EDITOR Melissa Campeau
COPY EDITOR Geri Savits-Fine
FRENCH CONTENT EDITOR Véronique Ponce
TRANSLATION Thomas Brouard; Geneviève Dubé; Pierre Ducharme;
Luci English; Julie Fournel; Andrea Goren; Lucie Leblanc; Pamela Lipson;
Prince Macauley; Eleanor Paul; Véronique Ponce; Karine Schweitzer;
Francine Tardif; Stéphanie Tétreault
CONTRIBUTORS Gabrielle Barkany, OCT; Kim Bauer; Richard Bercuson
(Reviews); Paul Boniferro; Dr. Derek Haime, OCT; David Tallo
CIRCULATION Kerry Walford
ART DIRECTION, DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Studio 141 Inc.
Dave Curcio (President and Creative Director); Hannah Browne (Art Director);
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Professionally Speaking is published Members can select their preferred
quarterly by the Ontario College of distribution method — mail, email
Teachers to inform its members or both — via their College account
about the activities and decisions of in the members’ area of our
the College. The magazine provides website, oct.ca, under College
a forum for discussion of issues Communications.
relevant to the future of teaching
and learning, teachers’ professional Canadian Publications Mail Product
learning and standards of practice. Sales Agreement No 40064343
The views expressed in the articles ADDRESS
are those of the authors and do not Return undeliverable Canadian
necessarily represent the official addresses to:
position of the College. Professionally Speaking,
Ontario College of Teachers,
Reproduction, in whole or in 101 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
part, of articles from this issue M5S 0A1; ps@oct.ca.
of Professionally Speaking is
encouraged. Please credit the ADVERTISING
Ontario College of Teachers Dovetail Communications
and Professionally Speaking, t. 905-886-6640 f. 905-886-6615
September 2021. e. psadvertising@dvtail.com
Letters to the editor and submissions Publication of an advertisement in
on topics of interest to the profession Professionally Speaking does not
are welcome. Unsolicited constitute an endorsement by the
manuscripts cannot be returned. College of any advertiser’s product
or service, including professional
Subscriptions are available for learning opportunities.
$10/year in Canada ($20/year outside
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Professionally Speaking is included inks on PEFC-certified stock
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Professionally Speaking is proud to participate
in Ontario’s Blue Box Recycling Program
through Stewardship Ontario.
4 Professionally Speaking September 2021
EZHI-NAWENDING:
HOW WE ARE RELATED
“WE ARE ALL WE’RE TAKING TREATY Throughout this experience, users will
TREATY PEOPLE” EDUCATION INTO THE have a variety of games and fun activities
VIRTUAL WORLD! to explore. The content and activities are
This simple but immensely powerful phrase connected to the Ontario Curriculum
reminds us that Treaties are not only between The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in History, Social Science, Science, Art,
the First Nations and the government—they works to inform Canadians about what Geography and Language.
involve us all. happened in Indian Residential Schools.
Part of this was the creation of a series In addition to the online experience,
A treaty is an agreement made between of Calls to Action for the federal and a teacher’s guide will be available as an
the First Nations and the Crown. Some territorial governments, in consultation and E-book. This teacher resource is intended
of these early agreements were peace and collaboration with Survivors, Indigenous to support educators as they guide their
friendship treaties. Treaties explain the rights, peoples and educators, including a call to students through this experience. It includes
responsibilities and relationships of First make an age-appropriate curriculum on a timeline of treaty education to demonstrate
Nations and governments. Treaties included residential schools, Treaties, and Indigenous which concepts should be taught,
payments of goods and or cash, land and people’s historical and contemporary connections to learning, suggested inquiry
the promises of schools. Many included the contributions to Canada a mandatory questions and activities.
protection of fishing, hunting and harvester education requirement.
rights. Treaties are living agreements, and The Anishinabek Nation is a political advocate
there are 46 of them in Ontario—almost the The Anishinabek Nation is continuing this for 39 First Nations throughout the province
entire province is treaty land. important work by bringing these resources of Ontario from Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn
to the virtual world. Our new resource, Ezhi- in the east, Aamjiwnaang in the south, Fort
Every Canadian has treaty rights, and Nawending: How We Are Related, aims to William and Lake Nipigon in the Northwest.
the Anishinabek Nation is committed to educate and facilitate public awareness about The 39 First Nations have an approximate
supporting a transparent and responsible the significance and importance of bringing combined population of 65,000 citizens. The
understanding of the treaty relationship. treaties into the classroom. Anishinabek Nation has four strategic regional
areas, Southwest, Southeast, Lake Huron and
The promises made in dozens of treaties Students and teachers will navigate an online Northern Superior.
have been broken or ignored, and like 800 world as they take a treaty adventure!
unresolved land claims, have become the
subject of lengthy and costly court actions. The new resource includes videos and EXPLORE EZHI-NAWENDING:
The education and awareness of treaties avatars explaining key areas such as HOW WE ARE RELATED AND
made with First Nations will help Canadian Natural Law, worldview, the Anishinabek, MORE FREE RESOURCES AT
citizens understand their obligations as wampum belts, treaties, and Anishinabek ANISHINABEK.CA/
subjects of treaty conditions in this country, heroes. Information from Elders, EDUCATION-RESOURCES/
and understand the history of Indigenous Knowledge Carriers and students will
peoples in Canada. provide a base for this journey.
88
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FROM THE TRANSITION SUPERVISORY OFFICER
Seeking Leaders
Help shape the future of your profession.
BY PAUL BONIFERRO
A
re you a leader who wants to be more involved in your WHAT’S THE CRITERIA?
profession? Serving on Council or on committees Council members come from different regions and different
means sharing your perspectives and experience systems. Some work full time and some part time. What they
with colleagues and other professionals. have in common is sound judgment and the ability to listen
The College is modernizing its governance structure and well, to be objective and to make fair decisions for the good
more members than ever will be able to participate on our of the public.
new Council, committees and rosters. Each committee will need members with specialized skills
We are looking for a diverse group of people with a wide and interests. For example, members of the Accreditation
range of expertise, knowledge and perspectives to govern Committee and Accreditation Appeal Committee should have
the profession in the public interest. They’ll be part of the a good understanding of accreditation practices. Members of
decision-making process that helps shape the teaching the Standards of Practice and Education Committee should
profession in Ontario for years to come. have the ability to evaluate teacher education programs and
The College is in a period of transition that will result consider their impact on the public interest.
in a new governance model in January 2022. Once the Those who serve on Council, committees and rosters
changes are complete, the College will be able to operate of panellists will have the ideal skills and competencies
more nimbly, more efficiently and more effectively. needed for those roles. Professional expertise and
experience matter.
WHAT’S INVOLVED?
Committee and Council meetings will be held by video HOW DO I APPLY?
conference or occasionally in person in Toronto. Members Visit oct.ca to find out more. There, you can fill out an
who take part in College Council and committees will need application form. Candidates who meet the required criteria
between 10 and 30 days of leave per school year. Some will be contacted and invited to participate in the next steps
committees and adjudicative panels will require more time. of the selection process.
Members’ commitments last two years and can be
renewed up to six years of continuous service. Chairs of Apply.
PHOTO: MATTHEW PLEXMAN
Council and committees serve one-year, renewable terms. Get involved.
Step into a leadership role. PS
WHAT ABOUT MY EMPLOYER?
Employers are required to release Ontario Certified
Teachers to serve the profession in the public interest.
In addition, the College will reimburse its members’
employers for expenses in hiring supply teachers.
September 2021 Professionally Speaking 7
Bring the magic of ballet into
your classroom!
Watch student performances online and explore the
artistry and athleticism of pre-professional dancers at
Canada’s National Ballet School. This free digital
resource includes performances and supporting
materials that have been curated to provide viewers
with a glimpse—through the lens of young artists—into
the beautiful world of ballet.
Grades 4-12 | Curriculum Connections: dance, writing, media literacy and social studies
www.nbs-enb.ca/loveballet
WATCH LEARN CREATE
Beyond Moving
Educator Kit
Inspire your students through
dance and film!
Explore a comprehensive study of Vikram Dasgupta’s
Beyond Moving—the feature-length documentary film
following the remarkable journey of dancer Siphe November
from his township in South Africa to the world stage.
Grades 9-12+ | Curriculum Connections: dance, media studies and social studies
A beautiful, uplifting and inspiring joie de vivre in the world
of dance that goes to the heart of sacrifice, love and hope.
— ALEX LEE, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, DOCEDGE NEW ZEALAND
www.beyondmovingfilm.com/education
BEYOND MOVING Film Leading Support Renette and David Berman
Presented By: Provided By: Patricia Ann & Ross G. DobbinREGISTRAR’S REPORT
Stronger
and Brighter
The College’s new governance
structure will improve our capacity
to protect students.
BY DR. DEREK HAIME, OCT
@DerekHaime
T
he Ontario College of Teachers was established Today, the College is entering a new era. The legislated
nearly 25 years ago. The idea to form a self-regulatory modernization of its governance structure, which took
body for Ontario’s teaching profession came about in root earlier this year, puts the College on a direct path
1994, when the provincial government’s Royal Commission to becoming a global model for self-regulation. The new
on Learning drafted its landmark report For the Love of Council will be in place in early 2022 and will benefit from
Learning. The goal of the report was to “ensure that On- an equal number of Ontario Certified Teachers and mem-
tario’s youth are well-prepared for the challenges of the bers of the public. These individuals, along with those who
21st century.” will serve on committees and adjudicative rosters, will be
For the Love of Learning articulated a vision and action appointed based on competencies. This will help ensure a
plan to guide reform of Ontario’s public school system, more diverse, relevant and nimble governing body that is
including governance of the teaching profession. Three reflective of our province and our long-standing commit-
years after the report was published, the College opened ment to collaboration and inclusion.
PHOTO: KENORA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
its doors and elected its first governing Council. Since that This is a unique opportunity to get involved in your
time, the College has been governed by seven more Coun- profession and to truly have an impact on the future of
cils, each tasked with ensuring it met its mandate of public education in Ontario (see pp. 7 and 47 to find out
protecting the now two million students attending the what is involved). Applications are open at oct.ca from
province’s publicly funded schools. August 16 until September 30. Those who are selected to
In 2018, the College conducted an independent review of its serve in one of the more than 100 positions available will
governance practices and structure as part of its commitment reap the rewards of growing their professional experience
to continuous improvement. The report provided 37 recom- and knowledge in regulation and education.
mendations to improve how the College regulates Ontario’s Let us enter this new era of self-regulation together and
teachers, the majority of which were adopted by the eighth make a difference in Ontario’s publicly funded schools. PS
Council. Many of these recommendations were incorporated
in legislative amendments to the Ontario College of Teachers
Act introduced by the current government.
September 2021 Professionally Speaking 92021 Virtual Annual
Meeting of Members
Wednesday, September 29, 2021 | 5–6:30 p.m.
OUR PANEL OF REGULATORY EXPERTS WILL PROVIDE
INSIGHT ON MODERNIZING GOVERNANCE AND ITS
BENEFITS TO STUDENTS, EDUCATORS AND PARENTS.
DAVID BROWN CORRINE DE BRUIN
Executive Vice-President Executive Director
Governance Solutions Inc. College of Physicians and
Surgeons of British Columbia
ENGAGE WITH US
Have questions? Send them in
advance or during the event via
email to outreach@oct.ca.
LIVE STREAMING
We’re livestreaming the meeting.
Visit oct-oeeo.ca/amm2021.
Please ensure your computer
or device meets the minimum
ANDRÉ GARIÉPY DEANNA WILLIAMS
requirements to livestream.
Commissioner for President
Admission to Professions Dundee Consulting
Office of the Professions REGISTER
Government of Québec oct-oeeo.ca/registerLETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Tell us what In the spirit of open conversation and to support an array of perspectives, Professionally
Speaking welcomes letters to the editor. The opinions expressed in letters are solely those
you think!
of the authors and should not be interpreted as the view of the College. We reserve the right
to edit letters for length and clarity. Letters should be sent to ps@oct.ca, be in response
to content in the magazine, and include the writer’s phone number and registration number.
FINAL EXAM
Olympian Omission
Going the Distance
Olympian, broadcaster, and now author
Perdita Felicien on finally achieving her
childhood dream and why she missed
her high school graduation.
Only moments after suggesting to my English-teacher wife that the “True Grit”
BY LAURA BICKLE
article in the June 2021 issue of Professionally Speaking could be used as an
• Born in Oshawa, Ont., on August 29, 1980
• Won Canadian junior hurdling championships in 1998, 1999
• Attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
graduating with a B.Sc. in kinesiology (Honours) in 2004
exemplar in organizing an essay with three points — second-strongest first,
followed by the weakest point and finishing with the best argument — I read
• Two-time Olympian (2000, 2004) in hurdling
• Named Canadian Female Athlete of the Year by the
Canadian Press in 2003
• Two-time world champion (2003, 2004)
• Retired from competition in 2013
• Reporter with CHCH News in Hamilton 2013 to 2014
• Athletics Canada Hall of Fame Inductee, 2016
“Going the Distance,” which failed to inform me of the sport in which Perdita
Felicien had excelled!
• Member of CBC’s broadcast team during the 2016 Summer
Olympics in Rio and the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea
• Host of the unscripted challenge series All-Round
Champion on TVO, launched in 2020
• Her memoir, My Mother’s Daughter, was published by
Doubleday Canada, an imprint of Penguin Random House
Canada in March
Describe yourself in elementary
school in three words.
What were your favourite literary
pieces (novels/plays/poems) studied
What do you wish you had been taught
in school but weren’t?
Gord Walden, OCT, is a retired teacher who worked in the London District
Catholic School Board.
Talkative. Funny. Athletic. at school? How to write a cheque, pick stocks,
The Color Purple, The Most Dangerous financial literacy.
Describe yourself in high school in Game, Lord of the Flies and To Kill A
three words. Mockingbird. Still love a good book to My favourite way to spend recess was …
Smart. Competitive. Driven. this day. Eating Fruit Roll-Ups and grabbing
baseball caps off the boys’ heads.
What was your favourite subject in Who are your heroes from fiction? They’d try to catch me, but of course,
school and why? Celie, from The Color Purple, who I was too fast.
English. I loved expressing myself on
the page. Writing was an outlet for my
shows us what grit and resilience
looks like. Most important life lesson learned
Editor’s note: You’re right. An unfortunate edit meant we lost that important detail.
feelings, especially the heavy emotions. at school?
What was your most challenging
subject and why?
As a student, what career path did you
dream of following?
In Grade 4 we had to dress up as what
Always finish what you start.
Quality you most appreciated in
Perdita Felicien is a two-time Olympian, 10-time national champion and world champion
Math. I wasn’t good at it, even when we wanted to be when we grew up. a teacher?
I worked hard it was a chore. I dressed up as a writer. Thirty years
later, I am an author today!
Kindness.
in the sport of hurdling.
What songs take you back to your Strongest graduation day memory?
PHOTO: MARTIN BROWN
school days and why? What natural gift did you wish to possess I didn’t go. I had to do school visits
“Killing Me Softly with His Song” by during your school days? And now? to decide where I would accept an
the Fugees. It was huge hit when I I dream about having a beautiful athletic scholarship. On that day I was
was in Grade 9. We sang the bridge a singing voice like Aretha Franklin or visiting the University of Illinois, where
cappella all throughout the hallways. Mariah Carey. But God knew not to give I eventually decided to go and trained for
Oh, the memories! me that gift though. I’d get too cocky! a decade. So, it was sort of worth it! PS
52 Professionally Speaking June 2021
45th Language Arts Conference
Thursday, February 24th & Friday, February 25th
Sheraton Centre Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
SPECIAL OPENING
PRESENTATION Meal Keynotes
Featuring that should not be missed include:
Wali Shah
Wenzdae Brewster
Cherie Dimaline
2022 SUPERSTAR SPEAKERS
Write to Us!
include Rebecca Bellingham,
Mary Bigler, Greg Birkett, Anne Burke,
Candice Camille
Simon Remark
Sara Florence Davidson, Adrienne Gear,
Sylvia Gunnery, Nadia Hohn,
Professionally Speaking Lori Jamison, Marthe Jocelyn,
Rabia Khokhar, Kathy Lundy,
Michelle Good Jael Richardson
welcomes letters to the editor. Donalyn Miller, Jeff Nathan, Ruth Ohi,
Kenneth Oppel, Barbara Reid,
David A. Robertson, Jennifer Serravallo,
Please address your thoughts about content in Larry Swartz, Kevin Sylvester,
the magazine to ps@oct.ca, and be sure to include Ted Staunton, and a special return feature
of the all-day Apple Education classroom
your phone number and registration number. workshops. The Fan Brothers
We look forward to hearing from you! CONFERENCE REGISTRATION opens on September 1, 2021.
Plan to attend the 2022 conference!
Visit our web site for details at www.readingfortheloveofit.com
Hosted by the East York-Scarborough Association
September 2021 Professionally Speaking 11Advance Your Career
at Western Education
Additional International Graduate
Qualifications Baccalaureate Programs
Additional Qualification Delivered completely Continue pursuing your
courses designed for online, gain access career while integrating
certified teachers. Offered to employment research into practice
primarily online in a opportunities in over with our online and
collaborative environment. 350 IB World Schools in professionally focused
Expand your knowledge Canada and more than Master of Professional
and enhance your career. 3,300 worldwide. Education.
Visit edu.uwo.ca/oct
for more information
12 Professionally Speaking September 2021PS POLL
ILLUSTRATION: JEANNIE PHAN
Silver Linings
Teaching through the pandemic has presented more than its share of challenges.
However, Ontario Certified Teachers still managed to identify the Top 10 positives
to emerge from this extraordinary time, courtesy of our latest poll.
1. reater confidence in navigating
G 6. n appreciation of the ability to
A
technology. adapt and go with the flow.
2. renewed appreciation of every-
A 7. n even better understanding of the
A
day face-to-face interactions. value of extracurricular activities.
3. eightened awareness about the
H 8. greater appreciation of
A
importance of mental well-being. students’ resiliency.
4. n even greater commitment
A 9. willingness to host more virtual
A
to keeping care and kindness field trips and online guest speakers.
at the forefront.
10. G
reater creativity — from
5. desire to keep using new tech
A connecting with students to
platforms and digital media. delivering the curriculum.
September 2021 Professionally Speaking 13IN YOUR PROFESSION
Pop Quiz
With Amorell
Saunders N’Daw
BY LAURA BICKLE
When the College appointed Amorell Saunders N’Daw as lead
writer for its professional advisory on anti-Black racism, her
credentials made her an obvious and excellent choice: she’s a
journalist, has her master of education from the Ontario Insti-
tute for Studies in Education/University of Toronto, recently
completed a certificate program in diversity and inclusion from
Cornell University, and she’s also partner and equity, diversity
and inclusion lead at KBRS, one of Canada’s leading authorities
on human capital.
But what drew her to the project, and what also informs it, is her
personal experience. “A lot of the examples of anti-Black racism in
the advisory came from my lived experiences and those of my sons.”
The main focus of the advisory — which will be published in the
December issue of Professionally Speaking — is to “talk about
ways we can create safe, welcoming, inclusive spaces for learning
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
for everybody, particularly students from traditionally marginal- To view a segment from the interview,
ized communities who face the impacts of systemic racism,” visit oct-oeeo.ca/Amorell
she says. We asked Saunders N’Daw to tell us more about the
process and how teachers can help dismantle anti-Black racism.
What should teachers expect from An example in the advisory is the at meetings. Talk about ways in which
the advisory? experience of my eldest son, Daniel, students and teachers can co-create
I want every person reading it to gain who did not study for an English test an environment that is respectful and
some knowledge or benefit from it, and got a mark of 60 per cent. The welcoming of everybody.
so it’s important for people to find teacher wrote “good work” on the test. It is all part of the process of encour-
themselves in the content in some Daniel knew that was not his best aging all students, including Black
way. I was hyperaware of the need effort. He felt that those two words, students, to perform at the highest
to not use inflammatory language or good work, really spoke volumes about levels and to really start to dismantle
an accusatory tone, and to make the the teacher’s expectations of him and the systemic impacts of racism.
information helpful and not harmful. it hurt him; he felt disrespected. He
asked me to raise it with his teacher, What is your hope for the advisory?
The advisory explores the “racism which I did. I told the teacher that That it can move the needle on raising
of low expectations.” Can you give writing good work set expectations awareness and support teachers who
an example? that were not conducive to Daniel want to be more intentional about
Just based on someone’s identity, actually doing and being his best. creating inclusive, safe spaces for all
students are more likely to be placed in to learn. If we can see changes in the
applied-type courses instead of being What’s your advice to teachers who number of Black-identifying students
encouraged to pursue academic want to address anti-Black racism? who are choosing to stay in school,
PHOTO: MATTHEW PLEXMAN
courses, which would then lead them The Ontario College of Teachers has a that would be wonderful.
to better career options and help to lot of resources and has launched an There’s an intentionality of effort at
break up the socio-economic impacts Additional Qualification to address this particular point in the education
that see Blacks at the lower socio- anti-Black racism. There are also system that sends signals of hope to
economic rung of society. The notion resources and links in the advisory. all students, particularly those who
of streaming speaks to the racism of Open up the conversation in the have been at the margins as a result of
low expectations. learning environment, in the classroom, anti-Black racism.
14 Professionally Speaking September 2021IN YOUR PROFESSION
By the Numbers: TWEET SHEET
The State of Early- Follow what's trending in the
Career Teaching
education Twitterverse.
Follow us on Twitter @OCT_OEEO
Statistics from the College’s Transition MediaSmarts
to Teaching 2020 Canada’s leading digital and
media literacy organization
focused on providing educa-
BY STEVE BREARTON tional resources to help raise
a media savvy generation.
FINDING BALANCE 10.8K
@MediaSmarts
TEN YEARS AGO, THERE WERE MANY MORE NEW TEACHERS CERTIFIED FOLLOWERS
ON AN ANNUAL BASIS THAN TEACHER RETIREMENTS. TODAY — AND
PROJECTING INTO THE NEAR FUTURE — THOSE NUMBERS ARE IN BALANCE. It’s not just about spotting
misinformation. It’s about
2008–11 2019–22 responding to it. See how to
question, correct or debunk
misinformation at checkthen
AVERAGE ANNUAL 12,138 share.ca/say-something
NEW TEACHERS 5,851
Canadian Museum
AVERAGE ANNUAL 4,350 for Human Rights
TEACHER RETIREMENTS 5,658 Canadian Museum for
Human Rights is the first
museum solely dedicated
ANNUAL SURPLUS +7,788 to the evolution, celebration
OF NEW TEACHERS +193 and future of human rights.
11.5K
@CMHR_News
FOLLOWERS
PANDEMIC DISRUPTION
Our “Indigenous history
PERCENTAGE OF DAILY ROSTER TEACHERS ENDING THE 2020 SCHOOL and human rights” page is a
YEAR WITH NO MORE ASSIGNED DAYS AFTER MARCH SCHOOL CLOSURES. jumping-off point to discover
Indigenous films, exhibitions
and stories about Indigenous
FIRST-YEAR 75% people and communities
fighting for their rights.
SECOND-YEAR 73% #IHM2021 oct-oeeo.ca/CMHR
THIRD- TO FIFTH-YEAR 63% Biodiversity Education
& Awareness Network
Ontario-based group working
to increase understanding
FIRST-YEAR SUCCESSES of biodiversity and what we
can do to conserve it.
DESPITE THE CHALLENGES, FIRST-YEAR TEACHERS GAVE SCHOOLS AND
COLLEAGUES HIGH MARKS IN 2020. PERCENTAGE OF FIRST-YEAR TEACHERS
4,290
ASSESSING THEIR EXPERIENCE AS EXCELLENT OR VERY GOOD: @BEANOntario
FOLLOWERS
Our free #biodiversity
resources can be used year
78% 68% 67% 59% round! Check out our lesson
plans, BEAN Sprouts and
activities at biodiversity
OVERALL TEACHING SUPPORT FROM PROFESSIONAL OPTIMISM FOR education.ca #outdoors
EXPERIENCE COLLEAGUES SATISFACTION PROFESSIONAL FUTURE #outdoor #outdooreducation
#enviroed
Source: Ontario College of Teachers Transition to Teaching 2020.
September 2021 Professionally Speaking 15IN YOUR CLASSROOM
Professional
Practice
Last year, I conducted a survey to gather anonymous
insight from my class. Asking students to consider what
they want and need from the classroom not only helps me
support their success, but also promotes their critical
thinking and growth. One key takeaway was that my students
were looking for a hand with time management. To support
this, I helped them create daily and weekly agendas. To lead
by example, I posted a detailed agenda using Google Class-
room every Sunday afternoon. The agendas included assem-
blies, important dates related to assignments, extracurricu-
lars, and information about course assessments.
Students were very receptive. They used this template to
add to their calendars and shared any overlapping assess-
ments with me. Often, I needed to alter the agenda through-
out the week, and doing this showed students that it is
important to be adaptable, flexible, and most of all, positive.
SANDEEP VIRK, OCT, TEACHES HIGH SCHOOL AT AN
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE WORLD SCHOOL
IN MARKHAM, ONT.
HAVE A CLASSROOM IDEA TO SHARE?
Send it to us at ps@oct.ca and your advice could
be published in an upcoming issue! Check out
our Professional Practice Research archive at
oct-oeeo.ca/research.
The Path to Reconciliation
BY STEFAN DUBOWSKI
Residential schools are a dark and long-suppressed part of past and to pave the way for a better future. To support
Canada’s history. The Legacy Schools Toolkit is designed to this, the tool kit also comes with a copy of the Recon-
support reconciliation through awareness, education and ciliACTION Guidebook, offering uplifting examples of
ILLUSTRATION: MARELLA ALBANESE/ANNA GOODSON
action, and contains free materials to help Indigenous and students and teachers across Canada undertaking
non-Indigenous students and teachers understand what they reconciliation projects.
can do to move Canada and First Nations forward, together. Part of DWF’s Legacy Schools program, the tool kit aims
Developed by the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund to enhance Canadian students’ and teachers’ awareness
(DWF), the tool kit includes copies of Secret Path, a graphic of the rights and perspectives of Indigenous peoples. By
novel by Gord Downie — the Canadian songwriter and joining the program, schools have access to virtual and
frontman for the band The Tragically Hip until his death in in-person resources including interviews with artists,
2017 — and comic artist Jeff Lemire. The novel tells the musicians and others working toward reconciliation.
story of Chanie Wenjack, a 12-year-old Anishinaabe boy who Participating schools are also deemed “Legacy Schools”
in October 1966 ran away from a residential school to find and are encouraged to start reconciliation projects and
his family and then succumbed to starvation and exposure. take part in Secret Path Week (October 17 to 22, the dates
With the Legacy Schools Toolkit, DWF aims to build on Downie and Wenjack died, respectively).
the call to acknowledge the devastating reality of this Visit LegacySchools.ca for details.
16 Professionally Speaking September 2021IN YOUR CLASSROOM
Apps Analysis
BY STEFAN DUBOWSKI Group Rates on
Threes! Happify: for Stress & Worry Car and Home
A fun game to sharpen mathematical Everyone could use a boost these days Insurance
literacy: that’s Threes! in a nutshell. — people currently in the turbulent
To play, you just add and match teen years even more than most. Along
numbers — mostly multiples of three, comes Happify, a mood-enhancing
but with other numbers thrown in to app with activities and games teens
Get a Quote and be entered
spice things up — all across a straight- can use to quell negativity and see
forward grid. Each swipe of the finger the potential ahead. Although it’s all in our Economical Insurance
introduces a new number and changes virtual, Happify feels truly personal sweepstakes for a chance to
the positions of the other numbers, with questionnaires and the occasion- win one of the
making it a bit more challenging to al probing question from the built-in 30 x $5000 prizes!
match and add each time. Common digital assistant to help identify which
Sense Media recommends this app activities the player should do next.
Just for getting a quote we will
for students eight and up. There’s a While not a substitute for professional
“Freeplay” version with advertise- therapy, it’s still an engaging support
also send you a
ments, but watch out for those ads; for mood management. A number of $5 Tim Horton’s card.
they may not be appropriate for young activities are free but others require
audiences. The non-Freeplay/ad-free “premium” access with subscriptions Email a quotation request to
version is the better option. from $14.99 per month and up.
sales@cyins.com
DEVICE Apple, Android DEVICE Apple, Android www.cassidyyoung.com
SOURCE Apple App Store SOURCE Apple App Store
($8.49), Google Play ($1.29) (free), Google Play (free)
RATING 4+, Everyone RATING 4+, Everyone
DNA Play FirstVoices Keyboards
This app comes across as a simple Students learning First Nations
time-killer for the four to nine set, languages can practise to perfection
but it’s actually steeped in science. using this app, which enables them
Players create monsters with differ- to type words in more than 100 native
ent body shapes and various numbers languages including Invialuktun,
of limbs by placing puzzle pieces. Mi’gmawi’msimg, Kwakwala, Ojibwa
In fact, players are experiencing a and Anishinaabemowin. The app has
simplified representation of how DNA keyboards for languages not only from
works: how these genetic building nations in what’s now called Canada,
blocks come together to make unique but also from Australia, New Zealand
life forms, and how characteristics and the United States. The developers
can change according to where the say once installed, the app can be used
pieces are moved. Students don’t to type in any of the built-in mother
really start studying the concept of tongues across all other programs
DNA manipulation until Grade 10, but including email, word processors and
here’s a fun way to introduce any of social media networks. It speaks to the
your science-minded younger ones provincial Native Languages program
to the idea. for Grades 1 to 8.
DEVICE Apple, Android DEVICE Apple, Android
SOURCE Apple App Store SOURCE Apple App Store
($3.99), Google Play ($4.99) (free), Google Play (free)
RATING 4+, Everyone RATING 4+, Everyone
September 2021 Professionally Speaking 17EXPAND YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
OCT accredited • Ontario-based and online programs • Competitive Fees
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP SCHEDULE A COURSES
• Exceptional preparation for emerging leadership opportunities. ABQ — Primary, Junior and Intermediate divisions
• M.S.Ed. is designed for candidates who aspire to lead educational programs SCHEDULE C COURSES (one session courses)
in both the private and/or public settings. Adapting Curriculum for the Catholic School System
• This 12 course program provides foundational content in subject specific areas, Teaching in the Catholic System
research skills, leadership and change theories all with a 300 hour internship. Mathematics 7 and 8
Student Assessment and Evaluation
• Equivalency courses for completion of PQP Part 1 and Part 2. Use and Knowledge of Assistive Technology
Teaching Students with Communication Needs/Autism Spectrum Disorders
Also offering:
BACHELOR DEGREE IN TEACHER EDUCATION IN ONTARIO SCHEDULE D COURSES
• Two year program offered in the GTA. PART ONE, PART TWO AND SPECIALIST:
Teaching English Language Learners
French as a Second Language
For more information, call 905.294.7260 or visit us online at Integration of Information and Computer Technology in Instruction
www.niagara.edu/ontario. Teacher Librarian
Kindergarten
Mathematics Primary/Junior
Reading
Special Education
PRINCIPAL’S AND SUPERVISORY QUALIFICATIONS:
PQP 1 and 2
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AQ COURSES Supervisory Officer Qualifications Program
GO TO WWW.NIAGARA.EDU/AQ-COURSES
905.294.7260 • www.niagara.edu/ontario
Discover the exciting world of dairy
without leaving your classroom.
Try one of our free curriculum connected programs:
• Live or virtual classroom presentations with a local dairy educator - learn
more at education.milk.org
• Digital learning modules from K to 12 at edu.milk.org
• Dairycraft, a digital dairy farm in Minecraft: Education Edition and
Minecraft Marketplace
• Growing Up Dairy, bi-weekly correspondence between a dairy educator
and your class highlighting the growth of a calf and life on a dairy farm
Dairy Education Program
Dairy Farmers of Ontario
https://education.milk.org
Contact dairyedu@milk.org to learn more.
18 Professionally Speaking September 2021TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Learning, by Design
Design is all around us. Bring your students into the world of graphic design,
web design, engineering design, and more with these resources that are sure
to get them problem-solving, having fun and thinking outside the box.
BY CAELI MAZARA
1) Canva free with option to upgrade to pro 5) The Robot Factory by Tinybop US$2.99
Canva is an online graphic design resource loaded with This design app encourages students to learn through
creative tools. Students can choose from an enormous experimentation as they create their own robots. Once
library of fonts, images, graphics and templates or import made, students move them through different terrains
their own. Canva is intuitive, user-friendly and makes and learn through play what works and what doesn’t.
sharing creations a breeze. Plus, robots can be shared and saved to a gallery.
GRADES 4–12 | VISIT canva.com GRADES K–8 | VISIT tinybop.com
2) KidsThinkDesign free 6) TED-Ed: Design, Engineering & Technology free
This collaborative platform is divided into categories This huge video library can support many lessons. Consider
including graphic design, interior design, animation and engineering: “How one design flaw almost toppled a
architecture. Students can be inspired by a real-life pro skyscraper,” challenge views of our planet: “Why every
or get creative and design a museum, build a bridge or map in the world is wrong,” and dive into fashion design:
engineer a pair of flip-flops. “The wildly complex anatomy of a sneaker.”
GRADES 4–12 | VISIT kidsthinkdesign.org GRADES 3–12 | VISIT ed.ted.com
3) The Noun Project often free with attribution 7) Design Squad Global free
A massive collection of iconography, this app can get your Introduce design concepts, then challenge students
class thinking about communication without words, across to become designers themselves with this site by PBS.
languages, cultures and abilities. Students can download Projects get them building an emergency shelter, a musical
ILLUSTRATION: THOM SEVALRUD/i2iART.COM
many of the icons for free (with attribution) and use them instrument, a lunch box, and more. Students can share
for storytelling, slide presentations and more. creations on the site and explore others’ imaginings, too.
GRADES 4–12 | VISIT thenounproject.com GRADES 3–8 | VISIT pbskids.org/designsquad
4) Tinkercad free 8) 3DBear AR free
Tinkercad is a computer-aided-design (CAD) playground Explore 3D illustration and environmental, interior and
for 3D design, electronics and coding that offers a range architectural design using this augmented reality program.
of teaching tools, including free lesson plans. With a user- Webinars for teachers on the practical uses of the tech
friendly interface, this tool guides students from inspira- include “Entrepreneurship for kids” and “STEM challenges
tion to reality, with options for 3D printing, too. that motivate students.”
GRADES 3–12 | VISIT tinkercad.com GRADES K–12 | VISIT 3dbear.io
September 2021 Professionally Speaking 1920 Professionally Speaking September 2021
GREAT TEACHING
Learning, Unlimited
Professional learning is an expectation for Ontario
Certified Teachers — and AQs play a big part in that.
BY STUART FOXMAN
S
chool is never out for Daniel Hansen, OCT. Since he started teaching in
2012, he has taken 20 Additional Qualifications (AQ) courses — usually,
at least two a year.
“It allows me to be more versatile and valuable,” says Hansen, a teacher-librarian
and special needs teacher at Henry Kelsey Senior Public School in the Toronto
District School Board.
His choices of AQs have varied greatly. Specific subject areas, like Primary and
Junior Mathematics, and Intermediate Dramatic Arts, have been sprinkled with
course selections that can apply more broadly — Special Education, Mentoring,
Guidance and Career Education, E-Learning, and Inclusive Classroom.
The AQs have opened opportunities, yet his career path isn’t top of mind.
Hansen’s master plan is more about the pursuit of knowledge. “My goal is just
to keep learning and to better myself,” he says.
As the College’s advisory on AQs notes, ongoing professional learning is an
integral part of teaching, and AQs play a prime role.
AQs are part of the regulated system of qualifications in a division or subject.
While the College works with experts to develop guidelines (around content,
learning expectations, instructional strategies and assessment), outside
providers conduct the AQs. These are courses designed by teachers for teachers.
WHY TAKE AN AQ?
Maybe to increase your understanding of unique aspects of the teaching and
learning environment. Or expand the range of subjects you can teach at the
intermediate and senior levels. Some AQs provide learning that transcends
READ THE ADVISORY whatever you teach. There are AQs that position you to supervise or co-ordinate a
Additional Qualifications: subject or department, or become a principal. Others can extend your knowledge
Extending Professional of teaching in the French-language system. Still others can illuminate how to
Knowledge support learning for students with special needs.
oct-oeeo.ca/AQAdvisory Each year, thousands of teachers enrol in AQs. Six Ontario Certified Teachers
(OCTs) — who’ve taken almost 50 of these courses between them — share how
AQs have served their professional growth.
September 2021 Professionally Speaking 21GREAT TEACHING
Mary Mahler, OCT, took her first AQ “a solo act.” That knowledge sharing, says. “You have to constantly change
26 years ago, the year she became a and the increased confidence AQs how you teach and maybe what you
teacher, and has added 12 more since. have given her, have been invaluable. teach. Taking an AQ helps you to
“The initial motivation was to Beyond the immediate applications, enrich your career.”
increase my employability and move she says AQs can turn you into “more She compares AQs to going to the
as far across the grid as I could,” says of an all-rounder.” gym. “You’re engaging your teaching
Mahler, a kindergarten teacher at Like Mahler, Verity Thompson, muscles differently,” Thompson says.
St. Christopher Catholic Elementary OCT, was first attracted to AQs for Some AQs can pay dividends if
School in Burlington, Ont., in the job security. Her principal mentioned teaching a specific subject or level
Halton Catholic District School Board. that the school needed more exper- in the future. Others can apply right
Every AQ had its own purpose. As a tise in family studies, so that’s what now, every day, no matter what you’re
new teacher, she took Primary Educa- she pursued. teaching.
tion, Part 2 and Specialist. Her school She has taken six AQs to date: Part 1, Marcie Tellier, OCT, understands
had a high proportion of ESL learners, Part 2 and Specialist in each of Family both possibilities. She teaches Grade
so to gain strategies Mahler took Studies and Special Education. Apart 1 in Sudbury at École publique
English as a Second Language, Part 1, from how the substance of the courses Hélène-Gravel in the Conseil scolaire
Part 2 and Specialist (now known as has strengthened her abilities, she has public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario.
Teaching English Language Learners). been invigorated by the process. Tellier started teaching in 2019, and
Other AQ choices shifted with her “It revitalizes your teaching,” says the same year took the French as a
goals. When she was an itinerant Thompson, who teaches Grade 12 Second Language, Part 1 AQ. That was
teacher, Mahler took the AQ Reading, English and social sciences at Nantyr in case she wanted to go to an English
Part 1. “I wanted to give the teachers Shores Secondary School in Innisfil, board and teach French Immersion.
I was working with proven strategies Ont., part of the Simcoe County She has also taken Special Educa-
to help students grasp reading,” she District School Board. tion, Part 1 and Part 2. One reason
says. Later, to return to the classroom, Thompson has loved being exposed is to prepare her to be a resource
she took Kindergarten, Part 1, Part 2 to new ideas, the latest pedagogical teacher. Tellier wanted to learn much
PHOTOS: iSTOCK
and Specialist. approaches, and a wider community more about Individual Education Plans
Mahler loves the collaboration of peers. “Teaching is a dynamic (IEPs) and how modifications work in
around AQs, especially as she says career. But if you do the same thing the classroom. Other learnings from
being a teacher is in many ways year after year, it can get routine,” she those AQs have helped her immedi-
22 Professionally Speaking September 2021GREAT TEACHING
ately — ensuring readiness to learn She decided to take the AQ during
The not-so-
and creating a welcoming environ- the school year instead of the summer
ment. That applies broadly. “You’re specifically so that she could put
building your resources,” says Tellier.
Melissa Naresh, OCT, has the same
learning into practice while everything
was fresh. She says that as the AQ fringe benefits
attitude about how some AQs have
overall applications.
transformed how she thought about
math, her students were able to
of AQs
She was an early childhood educator change how they looked at math too. Pursuing an AQ can reveal benefits
for almost seven years before returning “The kids were along the ride with me. beyond what you might expect.
OCTs who’ve taken these courses
to school to become a teacher. Naresh I experienced what I learned with my
point to six things you gain.
now teaches Grades 5 and 6 in the students,” says Linnard.
Durham Catholic District School Board. Whether you’ve taken a single AQ 1) A broader perspective. “You’re
When she was hired in 2020, she was like Linnard or 20 like Hansen, the not just learning with people
taking three AQs simultaneously, and learnings from each one add to the from your school or family of
schools, which have same land-
has now taken two more. As with Tellier, teacher’s tool box.
scape. You’re talking to people
her AQ in Special Education has been One year, Hansen took Dramatic Arts,
all over Ontario. That only helps
particularly helpful. Part 2 mainly to get more insight into your own knowledge.”
“That’s a course I think every teacher how to help students express them- – Mary Mahler, OCT, Halton
should take,” says Naresh. “My class selves differently. That can be used in Catholic District School Board
has such a mix. There’s no one-size- any subject, even science. Hansen once
2) Empathy and identification with
fits-all scenario. It’s important to make had students create a dance or drama
your students. “You’re more com-
education inclusive. Throughout my piece to show different types of matter passionate when you’re in that
career I’ll be dealing with students with and how they react with heat or cold. setting, coming across a concept
Special Education needs. But those Another year, he took the AQ Environ- that’s new and saying ‘I’m a learner
strategies can also benefit the entire mental Education, Part 1, which encour- too.’ It grounds you.”
class in providing opportunities for aged him to shake things up by using the – Melissa Naresh, OCT, Durham
each student to be successful.” outdoors more as a classroom. Why has Catholic District School Board
Her other AQs filled different needs. Hansen taken so many AQs? The same 3) An energy boost. “You’re learn-
One on Intermediate Division, Health reason he jumps at any learning oppor- ing the latest and most relevant.
and Physical Education fit with her tunities. “If you don’t keep up, you could Keeping current renewed my
passion for physical activity and mental become obsolete,” he says. vision and sparked an excitement
health. With another AQ, Religious Teachers have an obligation to to try new things.”
Education in Catholic Schools, Part 1, extend their professional knowledge. – Marie-Eve Linnard, OCT,
Naresh absorbed social justice princi- The AQ advisory reminds us why this Conseil des écoles publiques
de l’Est de l’Ontario
ples around the ideas of stewardship, is so fundamental: “A commitment
responsibility, rights and equity. to student learning, one of teaching’s 4) A deep dive. “If I do a weekend
Other courses can be just for your key professional values, presupposes seminar, I get information but don’t
own edification. Naresh feels that way a commitment to teacher learning.” get to talk a lot about it or work
through it. With AQs, you’re in it.
about the AQ First Nations, Métis and That resonates with AQ participants.
You gain a deeper understanding.”
Inuit Studies, Part 1. “I took it to teach “If I want to get my students to
– Daniel Hansen, OCT, Toronto
myself,” she says. “The more I know, learn, I better be a lifelong learner,”
District School Board
the better I can do my part in truth and says Hansen.
reconciliation.” By taking an AQ, Tellier feels that 5) A wider professional network.
“I’ve built connections and
While Naresh has taken several AQs she can better step into her students’
have returned to some of these
from the start of her career, Marie-Eve shoes. “I’ll understand their difficul-
people afterwards to help me to
Linnard, OCT, recently took her first, 10 ties because I’m in the learning mode, find different strategies to use in
years into her career. Linnard teaches too,” she says. my classroom.” – Marcie Tellier,
Grade 2 at École élémentaire publique Hearing that sentence from the OCT, Conseil scolaire public
Cité Jeunesse in Trenton, Ont., part of advisory, Mahler mentions a poster in du Grand Nord de l’Ontario
Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est her classroom. It says: “Everyone in
6) Space to freely share teaching
de l’Ontario. In the past, she has taken here is a learner. And everyone in here challenges with colleagues, be-
workshops routinely, but never an AQ is a teacher.” She tells her students yond the confines of your school.
until she took one in March 2021, that we can all learn from each other, “There’s no judgment attached
Mathematics, Primary and Junior, and that learning never stops. For her, to your professional persona.”
Part 1. Her goal? “Just to be a better taking AQs signifies that. “If you’re in – Verity Thompson, OCT, Simcoe
teacher of math — not to get a better education, you have to believe in the County District School Board
position,” she says. power of learning,” says Mahler. PS
September 2021 Professionally Speaking 23You can also read
