Professional Programs

Reading, Part I is designed for the professional development of teachers in reading education. A study of the cognitive and linguistic process involved in reading comprehension and word identification will serve as the basis for the examination of the developmental continuum in reading acquisition, development, and refinement. Application of basic principles to diagnostic classroom instruction will be made through practical activities.

Special Education for Administrators prepares school and board system leaders to understand, address and support the needs of exceptional learners, with particular emphasis on anti-oppression, equity, and inclusion. While examining local, provincial, and federal policy, candidates will build a comprehensive understanding of the needs of exceptional learners so that they can foster an empowering special education program and system. A strong connection between the school-level special education program and board-level policy is essential for ensuring the success of all students, and in particular exceptional learners.

Special Education, Part I provides an overview of the characteristics and needs of exceptional children and adolescents, as well as an introduction to special education legislation and service-delivery in Ontario. Methods of identifying and assisting exceptional students are surveyed. The course will include practical activities for the identification, programming and reporting of exceptional students.

The Student Assessment and Evaluation Additional Qualification course will allow teachers to build on their current assessment and evaluation practices through exploration of current assessment theories and practices, Ontario education policies and principles, and critical reflection.

The Teacher Leadership, Part I course consists of a critical exploration of professional practices, critical pedagogies, knowledge and skills as outlined in the Teacher Leadership course. Through developing successful leader profiles, candidates will learn the applications of management strategies, growth mindsets, and conflict resolution.

The Teaching and Learning through E-Learning course offers a critical examination of the theoretical foundations of e-learning, instructional design strategies, assessment and evaluation of e-learning, best practices in synchronous and asynchronous online teaching, and ethical considerations related to e-learning. Participation in sandbox exercises and co-construct success criteria as a framework for creating an online mini-unit of study for a grade/subject of choice.

The Teaching English Language Learners, Part I course emphasizes the various aspects of the teaching of English as a second language: comprehension, conversation, pronunciation, structure of the language, reading, writing and Canadiana. It does so in the context of socio-cultural objectives including appreciation of the value of students' native cultural heritage; cultural and emotional adjustment to Canada; awareness of the cultural sensibilities of the different ethnic groupings in the ESL classroom; and knowledge of community resources available to non-English speaking students. The practical activities form an integral part of this course.

The Teaching Students with Communication Needs (Autism Spectrum Disorders) course offers an in-depth examination of the needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder including instructional approaches, development of individual education plans, and professional learning plans.

The purpose of Technological Education Additional Basic Qualification (ABQ) courses is to expand your knowledge of program development, delivery, and assessment in a specific technological education area at either the grade 9/10 or 11/12 level.

The Artist Certificate in Performance and Pedagogy involves selective, intensive, and advanced professional piano studies designed to enhance the performance skills of talented musicians. The program consists of a balance of applied music, masterclasses, collaborative performance, a public recital, and selected academic courses.