Ongoing Professional Learning is a crucial aspect of the teaching profession, as declared by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and the Ministry of Education in 2023. The principle emphasizes continuous learning throughout teachers’ careers, aiming to enhance student outcomes. Relevant courses such as Additional Basic Qualifications (ABQs) and Additional Qualification courses (AQs) are designed by teachers for teachers, reflecting their pedagogical experience and continuously evolving knowledge. These courses emphasize equity, diversity, and inclusion and are recorded on teaching certificates upon completion. The content aligns with AQ guidelines issued by the College, encompassing theoretical foundations, learning approaches, teaching strategies, assessment methodologies, and collaborative practices. 

The College regularly reviews AQ guidelines, involving the teaching profession, the public, and educational partners. The process encompasses literature reviews, surveys, writing teams, and more.

Teachers need to meet certain prerequisites to enrol in AQ courses, and it’s their responsibility to ascertain these prerequisites. Admission requires a Certificate of Qualification and Registration. Brock University provides a variety of AQ, ABQ, and PQP courses, continually updated and taught by qualified teachers. They invite potential students to reach out if they’re seeking specific courses not currently listed. 

Types of Courses offered at Brock: 

1. Schedule A: One-Session Additional Basic Qualifications Teachers certified in Ontario can earn an Additional Basic Qualification by completing a respective course offered at Brock University. These courses are intended to enhance teachers’ skills and knowledge in designing, delivering, and assessing a program within a specific division. Brock offers Schedule A courses for Primary, Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Divisions. Check the course list at Brock University. 

2. Schedule B: One-Session Technological Education Additional Basic Qualifications These qualifications are offered in initial Technological Education programs and serve to further proficiency in Technological Education. Starting in Summer 2023, Brock University will offer courses in Construction Technology, Hospitality and Tourism, and Technological Design. 

3. Schedule C: One-Session Additional Qualifications Schedule C offers one-session courses to members in various subject and topic areas. They aim to deepen teachers’ knowledge and skills in specific programs and prepare teachers for particular roles. Check the current courses at Brock University. 

4. Three-Session Additional Qualification Programs These are offered as Part I, Part II, and Specialist courses, developing and expanding teachers’ skills and knowledge in a specific discipline or division. Specialist courses focus on leadership skills. Brock currently offers courses in Teaching English Language Learners, Mathematics Primary/Junior, and Special Education. Check the course list at Brock University. 

5. Schedule E: One-Session Honour Specialist Qualification These courses focus on developing curriculum leadership. Candidates include teachers interested in leadership roles and ongoing professional learning in a specific subject area. 

Brock Offers:  

6. Principal’s Qualifications Members can earn principal qualifications by taking the Principal’s Qualifications, Parts I and II. The program prepares future principals to lead and manage efficiently in environments characterized by change and complexity. 

• PQP Part 1 (Now online – recently reaccredited to align with new Ministry guidelines)
• PQP Part 2 (Now online – recently reaccredited to align with new Ministry guidelines)
• First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Studies, Part 1
• Health & Physical Education, Primary/Junior, Part 1
• Visual Arts, Part 1 (coming soon)
• Construction Technology, grades 9 & 10
• Hospitality & Tourism, grades 9 & 10
• Technological Design, grades 9 & 10

The Instructors teaching the Continuing Teacher Education have Ontario teaching experience relevant to the program and are certified by the Ontario College of Teachers.

Instructor names are listed in the timetable found at this link:  https://brocku.ca/guides-and-timetables/dates/#in-service

Many instructors are practicing teachers, school leaders and are current and expert in their knowledge of curriculum, current pedagogies and adult learning modals. All instructors are  committed to continuous improvement and quality assurance and have opportunity to collaborate, meet and attend professional development.

Course Developers (Educators who write courses) and Instructors are required to meet strict standards set by the Ontario College of Teachers and are provided support and guidance by the Accreditation Coordinator at Brock University.

Send cover letter and resume to aq@brocku.ca if interested in joining the Continuing Teacher Education Team.

All courses will take place in Brightspace.

All students will have access three days prior to the first day of class.

To find Brightspace click here.

For academic accommodations please contact the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre.

More information can be found on their website https://oct.ca/

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