For teachers, learning never ends. There are always new questions and new answers to those questions. Learning is a part of your commitment to your profession. At Brock, you will have access to numerous professional development (PD) opportunities uniquely available to teacher candidates and others available to wider Brock audiences.
Professional development augments your course work and your practicum experiences. It can help you focus on areas of interest and open your eyes to new ideas. The ideas, skills and connections you make during PD can add to your confidence and your “toolbox” as a beginning teacher. And when it’s time to show off your resume, your PD can be a proof point of your commitment to professional learning. PD can help differentiate you as job candidate.
We encourage you to take advantage of the PD provided by your program, the opportunities available in the wider Brock community, and those provided by education stakeholders outside of Brock. At the same time, we encourage you to pace yourself! The goal is not to accumulate a list of workshops you attended, but to select two or three opportunities each term and enjoy, learn from, and then apply these ideas and skills to your practice.
Your Schedule: What you need to know
On this page are three PD schedules. You will follow the one for your program & year. Your schedule is organized by date and contains basic information. A full description of each event is available just below your schedule. Please read through these descriptions as you select and prepare for events.
1. Unless otherwise stated, you will register via Experience Bu. (See information below.)
2. You must attend events identified as REQUIRED for your program and only students in that program can attend those events. Events not identified as REQUIRED (see above) can be attended at the teacher candidate’s discretion. (Totally your choice which to attend and which not to attend.)
3. Events are scheduled with professionals from across the education field. Often these colleagues cannot confirm their availability until the beginning of each school term. Therefore, times not listed today will be updated as soon as possible.
4. Not all teacher candidates will be available at the time of an optional event. This cannot be avoided.
5. For events requiring fees, refunds are NOT given. Tickets can be sold/given to another teacher candidate.
6. Teacher candidates may attend optional events in which they are not a member of the targeted audience but should be aware that content and the activities will focus on the program listed.
7. Attendance is recorded at all events.
This schedule was last updated March 2023 and is subject to change without notice. All TCs must attend events noted as REQUIRED. Event descriptions are provided in a separate accordion tab on this webpage.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 21
Coaching in Ontario Schools for Non-Physed Majors (OFSAA)
9:00 – 12:00pm OR 1:00 – 4:00pm Virtual
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
Register here for 9:00am – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYod-qoqTItG9dQ5VKHu0VVwPC1Ysa5s8gp
Register here for 1:00pm – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctf-igpjMjE9wJ9YQU9Hdz_sQoGsfS6jjh
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28 (Multiple Events)
REQUIRED EVENT. Ontario College of Teachers Information Session.
10:00 – 11:30 Virtual. Pre-registration not required. Links will be sent directly to your Brock email the week of this event.
Coaching in Ontario Schools for Non-Physed Majors (OFSAA)
12:30 – 3:30pm Virtual
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sd-CurTgjH93qfZcb6c6OVr0d5d1HYmSn
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 5
Arts Matter
Full Day at Hamilton Campus
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
See conference website – https://brocku.ca/education/arts-matter-conference/
TUESDAY OCTOBER 11 & WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 12
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) 2-Day
2 full Days at Brock Campus (must attend both days)
Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/event/208547
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 12
AQs/ABQs Information for Teacher Candidates
Virtual. No Fee
This session provides general information for teacher candidates about AQs and ABQs, as well as information about the timing of registering for and taking your first AQ.
Register Here
TUESDAY OCTOBER 13 & WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 14
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) 2-Day
2 full Days at Brock Campus (must attend both days)
Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/event/208548
THURSDAY OCTOBER 13
Instructional Design for STEAM & Maker Curriculums Part 1, 2 & 3
9:00 – 3:30 pm at the Hamilton IRC
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/instructional-design-for-steam-maker-curriculums-tickets-358539580537
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19
Instructional Design for STEAM & Maker Curriculums Part 1 of 3
1:00 – 3:00 pm at the St Catharines IRC
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/instructional-design-for-steam-maker-curriculums-tickets-418909117447
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19
AQs/ABQs Information for Teacher Candidates
Virtual. No Fee
This session provides general information for teacher candidates about AQs and ABQs, as well as information about the timing of registering for and taking your first AQ.
Register here
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19 & 26
REQUIRED EVENT. Ontario Teachers Federation & Professional Boundaries Information
Oct 19 – St Catharines students, 9:00 – 2:30pm
Oct 26 – Hamilton students, PJ & JI 9:00 – 12:00pm, IS 12:30 – 3:30pm
Pre-registration not required
TUESDAY OCTOBER 25
Developing a Personal Communication Style Through the Lens of Invitational Education
12:00 – 1:30pm Virtual
Register here – https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/event/209204
TUESDAY JANUARY 17
AQs/ABQs Information for Teacher Candidates
Virtual. No Fee
This session provides general information for teacher candidates about AQs and ABQs, as well as information about the timing of registering for and taking your first AQ.
Register here
TUESDAY JANUARY 24
A Conversation about teaching overseas (ECE & K-12)
4:30-5:30pm Virtual
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-conversation-about-teaching-overseas-ece-k-12-tickets-482486047757
THURSDAY JANUARY 26
AQs/ABQs Information for Teacher Candidates
12:00 – 1:00pm Virtual
This session provides general information for teacher candidates about AQs and ABQs, as well as information about the timing of registering for and taking your first AQ.
Register here
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1
Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO)
9:30 – 11:00am Virtual
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/education-quality-and-accountability-office-eqao-tickets-482436519617
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 8
Sexual Violence & Consent for Secondary Teachers (OPHEA)
9:30-11:30am Virtual. Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_y2UpDna7QiKsqlBtauKneA
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 9
safeTALK
9:00-12:30pm Sankey Chambers, St Catharines Campus
Register here https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/safetalk-tickets-489640868017
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 15
A Conversation About….Early Learning & Kindergarten
4:30-5:30pm Virtual
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-conversation-aboutearly-learning-kindergarten-tickets-482478284537
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 23
Instructional Design for STEAM & Maker Curriculums Part 1, 2 & 3
9:00 – 3:30 pm at the St Catharines IRC
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/instructional-design-for-steam-maker-curriculums-tickets-418919257777
WEDNESDAY MARCH 1
Instructional Design for STEAM & Maker Curriculums Part 2 of 3
1:00 – 3:00 pm at the St Catharines IRC
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
Register at link above for October 19
THURSDAY MARCH 9
Environmental Education 101 (Canadian Wildlife Federation)
12:00-1:30pm Virtual
Register here https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/environmental-education-101-tickets-477586793957
TUESDAY MARCH 14
Teaching & Living In Nunavut
March 14, 4:30 – 5:30 PM
An information session with Jonathan Bird, Education Development Department of Education, Government of Nunavut.
With over 20 years of experience teaching, living and working in Nunavut, this former Southern Ontarian can help you explore career options outside of Ontario. Nunavut principals anticipate vacancies in all subject areas and grade levels.
This interactive presentation will cover:
• Overview of the learning communities (a scan of the 25 communities/45 schools)
• Upcoming opportunities for teachers in Nunavut for 2023-2024 and beyond!
• The application process
• Subsidized housing
• Relocation
• Inuit Culture/Inuktut Language
• PD Opportunities
• Community Living
Register using your BROCK email address by email jbird1@gov.nu.ca and a link to the session will be sent in advance of the meeting.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 15
Ministry of Education Workshops
Supporting English Language Learners
11:00-12:00pm Virtual – Register here
French: PIPNPE
11:00-12:00pm Virtual – Register here
THURSDAY MARCH 16 & FRIDAY MARCH 17
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
2-Days F2F at the Hamilton Campus
Register here: https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/event/228534
WEDNESDAY MARCH 22 & MARCH 29
Project Wild
This virtual event will take place over 2 days from 1:00-3:00pm, Part 1 on March 22 and Part 2 on March 29. You must attend both sessions.
Register here
WEDNESDAY APRIL 12
Instructional Design for STEAM & Maker Curriculums Part 3 of 3
1:00 – 3:00 pm at the St Catharines IRC
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
Register at link above for October 19
WEDNESDAY APRIL 19
PD & Career Support Prep For Fall PJ & JI
9:00-10:00am Virtual
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pd-career-support-prep-for-fall-pj-ji-tickets-592515689377
WEDNESDAY APRIL 26
Coding, Computational Modeling and Equity in Math Education
F2F Free – but registration is limited.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pd-day-coding-computational-modeling-and-equity-in-math-education-tickets-502575034457
Conference Website: https://cpmath.ca/ccmeme2023
This schedule was last updated February 2023 and is subject to change without notice. All TCs must attend events noted as REQUIRED. Event descriptions are provided in a separate accordion tab on this webpage.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 21
Coaching in Ontario Schools for Non-Physed Majors (OFSAA)
9:00 – 12:00pm OR 1:00 – 4:00pm Virtual
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
Register here for 9:00am – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYod-qoqTItG9dQ5VKHu0VVwPC1Ysa5s8gp
Register here for 1:00pm – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctf-igpjMjE9wJ9YQU9Hdz_sQoGsfS6jjh
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28 (Multiple Events)
REQUIRED EVENT. Ontario College of Teachers Information Session.
10:00 – 11:30 Virtual. Pre-registration not required. Links will be sent directly to your Brock email the week of this event.
Coaching in Ontario Schools for Non-Physed Majors (OFSAA)
12:30 – 3:30pm Virtual
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sd-CurTgjH93qfZcb6c6OVr0d5d1HYmSn
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 5
Arts Matter
Full Day at Hamilton Campus
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
See conference website – https://brocku.ca/education/arts-matter-conference/
TUESDAY OCTOBER 11 & WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 12
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) 2-Day
2 full Days at Brock Campus (must attend both days)
Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/event/208547
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 12
AQs/ABQs Information for Teacher Candidates
Virtual. No Fee
This session provides general information for teacher candidates about AQs and ABQs, as well as information about the timing of registering for and taking your first AQ.
Register Here
TUESDAY OCTOBER 13 & WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 14
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) 2-Day
2 full Days at Brock Campus (must attend both days)
Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/event/208548
THURSDAY OCTOBER 13
Instructional Design for STEAM & Maker Curriculums Part 1, 2 & 3
9:00 – 3:30 pm at the Hamilton IRC
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/instructional-design-for-steam-maker-curriculums-tickets-358539580537
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19
AQs/ABQs Information for Teacher Candidates
Virtual. No Fee
This session provides general information for teacher candidates about AQs and ABQs, as well as information about the timing of registering for and taking your first AQ.
Register here
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19
Instructional Design for STEAM & Maker Curriculums Part 1 of 3
1:00 – 3:00 pm at the St Catharines IRC
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/instructional-design-for-steam-maker-curriculums-tickets-418909117447
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19 & 26
REQUIRED EVENT. Ontario Teachers Federation & Professional Boundaries Information
Oct 19 – St Catharines students, 9:00 – 2:30pm
Oct 26 – Hamilton students, PJ & JI 9:00 – 12:00pm, IS 12:30 – 3:30pm
No pre-registration required
TUESDAY OCTOBER 25
Developing a Personal Communication Style Through the Lens of Invitational Education
12:00 – 1:30pm Virtual
Register here – https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/event/209204
TUESDAY JANUARY 17
AQs/ABQs Information for Teacher Candidates
Virtual. No Fee
This session provides general information for teacher candidates about AQs and ABQs, as well as information about the timing of registering for and taking your first AQ.
Register here
TUESDAY JANUARY 24
A Conversation about teaching overseas (ECE & K-12)
4:30-5:30pm Virtual
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-conversation-about-teaching-overseas-ece-k-12-tickets-482486047757
THURSDAY JANUARY 26
AQs/ABQs Information for Teacher Candidates
12:00-1:00pm Virtual
This session provides general information for teacher candidates about AQs and ABQs, as well as information about the timing of registering for and taking your first AQ.
Register here
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1
Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO)
9:30 – 11:00am Virtual
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/education-quality-and-accountability-office-eqao-tickets-482436519617
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 8
Sexual Violence & Consent for Secondary Teachers (OPHEA)
9:30-11:30am Virtual. Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_y2UpDna7QiKsqlBtauKneA
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 9
safeTALK
9:00-12:30pm Sankey Chambers, St Catharines Campus
Register here https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/safetalk-tickets-489640868017
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 15
A Conversation About….Early Learning & Kindergarten
4:30-5:30pm Virtual
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-conversation-aboutearly-learning-kindergarten-tickets-482478284537
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 23
Instructional Design for STEAM & Maker Curriculums Part 1, 2 & 3
9:00 – 3:30 pm at the St Catharines IRC
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/instructional-design-for-steam-maker-curriculums-tickets-418919257777
WEDNESDAY MARCH 1
Instructional Design for STEAM & Maker Curriculums Part 2 of 3
1:00 – 3:00 pm at the St Catharines IRC
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
Register at link above for October 19
THURSDAY MARCH 9
Environmental Education 101 (Canadian Wildlife Federation)
12:00-1:30pm Virtual
Register here https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/environmental-education-101-tickets-477586793957
TUESDAY MARCH 14
Teaching & Living In Nunavut
March 14, 4:30 – 5:30 PM
An information session with Jonathan Bird, Education Development Department of Education, Government of Nunavut.
With over 20 years of experience teaching, living and working in Nunavut, this former Southern Ontarian can help you explore career options outside of Ontario. Nunavut principals anticipate vacancies in all subject areas and grade levels.
This interactive presentation will cover:
• Overview of the learning communities (a scan of the 25 communities/45 schools)
• Upcoming opportunities for teachers in Nunavut for 2023-2024 and beyond!
• The application process
• Subsidized housing
• Relocation
• Inuit Culture/Inuktut Language
• PD Opportunities
• Community Living
Register using your BROCK email address by email jbird1@gov.nu.ca and a link to the session will be sent in advance of the meeting.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 15
Ministry of Education Workshops
Supporting English Language Learners
11:00-12:00pm Virtual – Details to come
THURSDAY MARCH 16 & FRIDAY MARCH 17
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
2-Days F2F at the Hamilton Campus
Register here: https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/event/228534
WEDNESDAY MARCH 29
PD & Career Support Prep For Fall IS
9:00-10:00am Virtual
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pd-career-support-prep-for-fall-is-tickets-592541556747
WEDNESDAY APRIL 12
Instructional Design for STEAM & Maker Curriculums Part 3 of 3
1:00 – 3:00 pm at the St Catharines IRC
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
Register at link above for October 19
WEDNESDAY APRIL 26
Coding, Computational Modeling and Equity in Math Education
F2F Free – but registration is limited.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pd-day-coding-computational-modeling-and-equity-in-math-education-tickets-502575034457
Conference Website: https://cpmath.ca/ccmeme2023
This schedule was last updated February 2023 and is subject to change without notice. All TCs must attend events noted as REQUIRED. Event descriptions are provided in a separate accordion tab on this webpage.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28 (Multiple Events)
Coaching in Ontario Schools for Non-Physed Majors (OFSAA)
12:30 – 3:30pm Virtual
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sd-CurTgjH93qfZcb6c6OVr0d5d1HYmSn
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 5
Arts Matter
Full Day at Hamilton Campus
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
See conference website – https://brocku.ca/education/arts-matter-conference/
TUESDAY OCTOBER 11 & WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 12
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) 2-Day
2 full Days at Brock Campus (must attend both days)
Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/event/208547
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 12
AQs/ABQs Information for Teacher Candidates
Virtual. No Fee
This session provides general information for teacher candidates about AQs and ABQs, as well as information about the timing of registering for and taking your first AQ.
Register Here
TUESDAY OCTOBER 13 & WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 14
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) 2-Day
2 full Days at Brock Campus (must attend both days)
Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/event/208548
THURSDAY OCTOBER 13
Instructional Design for STEAM & Maker Curriculums Part 1, 2 & 3
9:00 – 3:30 pm at the Hamilton IRC
Fee charged. Certificate of completion issued
Register here – https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/instructional-design-for-steam-maker-curriculums-tickets-358539580537
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19
AQs/ABQs Information for Teacher Candidates
Virtual. No Fee
This session provides general information for teacher candidates about AQs and ABQs, as well as information about the timing of registering for and taking your first AQ.
Register here
TUESDAY OCTOBER 25
Developing a Personal Communication Style Through the Lens of Invitational Education
12:00 – 1:30pm Virtual
Register here – https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/event/209204
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 11 & 18
School Board Presentations
Registration open in Sakai
TUESDAY JANUARY 17
AQs/ABQs Information for Teacher Candidates
Virtual. No Fee
This session provides general information for teacher candidates about AQs and ABQs, as well as information about the timing of registering for and taking your first AQ.
Register here
TUESDAY JANUARY 24
A Conversation about teaching overseas (ECE & K-12)
4:30-5:30pm Virtual
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-conversation-about-teaching-overseas-ece-k-12-tickets-482486047757
THURSDAY JANUARY 26
AQs/ABQs Information for Teacher Candidates
12:00-1:00pm Virtual
This session provides general information for teacher candidates about AQs and ABQs, as well as information about the timing of registering for and taking your first AQ.
Register here
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1 & 8
Affiliates’ Days
REQUIRED EVENT – hold all day
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 9
safeTALK
9:00-12:30pm Sankey Chambers, St Catharines Campus
Register here https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/safetalk-tickets-489640868017
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 15
A Conversation About….Early Learning & Kindergarten
4:30-5:30pm Virtual
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-conversation-aboutearly-learning-kindergarten-tickets-482478284537
THURSDAY MARCH 9
Environmental Education 101 (Canadian Wildlife Federation)
12:00-1:30pm Virtual
Register here https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/environmental-education-101-tickets-477586793957
TUESDAY MARCH 14
Teaching & Living In Nunavut
March 14, 4:30 – 5:30 PM
An information session with Jonathan Bird, Education Development Department of Education, Government of Nunavut.
With over 20 years of experience teaching, living and working in Nunavut, this former Southern Ontarian can help you explore career options outside of Ontario. Nunavut principals anticipate vacancies in all subject areas and grade levels.
This interactive presentation will cover:
• Overview of the learning communities (a scan of the 25 communities/45 schools)
• Upcoming opportunities for teachers in Nunavut for 2023-2024 and beyond!
• The application process
• Subsidized housing
• Relocation
• Inuit Culture/Inuktut Language
• PD Opportunities
• Community Living
Register using your BROCK email address by email jbird1@gov.nu.ca and a link to the session will be sent in advance of the meeting.
THURSDAY MARCH 16 & FRIDAY MARCH 17
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
2-Days F2F at the Hamilton Campus
Register here: https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/event/228534
WEDNESDAY APRIL 26
Coding, Computational Modeling and Equity in Math Education
F2F Free – but registration is limited.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pd-day-coding-computational-modeling-and-equity-in-math-education-tickets-502575034457
Conference Website: https://cpmath.ca/ccmeme2023
Event descriptions are in alphabetical order and not in the order they appear in your PD schedule. Register through Experience BU unless otherwise stated.
A Conversation about…..Kindergarten – Join this podcast-styled webinar with field professionals exploring topics such as: What does a JK/SK daybook look like? What does assessment look like? Guests will speak parents concerns about their kinders, working with other professionals in schools, creating safe and supportive learning spaces and key information new teachers need to know! This will be an interactive session – so bring your questions to the discussion! Currently scheduled to join the conversation are Cassandra Schultz (recent Brock BEd graduate (’22)) and Michael Clark (an associate teacher) both with the DSBN, and Tamara Chan with the Halton District School Board.
A Conversation about… Teaching Overseas – Each year graduates & students pursue ECE and K-12 teaching experiences outside of Canada. Please join Tiana Bogaert (CHYS/BEd 2013) and current BECE student, Monica Figueiredo, to learn about their experiences. Tiana has taught in South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Japan, China (remotely), and Botswana. Monica earned her ECE in 2004 and has returned to Brock for her BECE degree. She has been working in Recife, Brazil in a Canadian school called Maple Bear as a Junior Kindergarten Teacher since 2011.
Affiliates’ Day – A day of professional development during which you will learn more about the affiliate federation associated with your practice teaching (OSSTF, OECTA, ETFO) and explore workshops on topics of our choice.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) – LivingWorks ASIST is a two-day face-to-face workshop featuring powerful audiovisuals, discussions, and simulations. At a LivingWorks ASIST workshop, you’ll learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, providing a skilled intervention, and developing a safety plan to keep someone alive. Two knowledgeable, supportive trainers will guide you through the course, ensuring your comfort and safety.
Arts Matter: Integrating the Arts Across the Curriculum – A F2F, highly interactive day of Arts Education across all four arts curriculum disciplines: Visual Arts, Drama, Dance, Music. Workshops delivered by professional clinicians. Visit the conference website, open late August, for additional details.
Career Prep: Job Search for Traditional and Non-Traditional Teaching Roles – This workshop will explore searching for school-based teaching positions and unpack several “traditional” Ontario school board websites to find job postings, explore teaching options for independent schools, other provinces and territories and First Nations communities. Additionally, this workshop will explore other types of employment that you might consider when you graduate and where you might look to find job opportunities.
Career Prep: Teaching Resume Basics – Through CareerZone, teacher candidates can access an overview workshop outlining expectations schoolboard personnel have for our resume. We recommend looking at this early in the year so that you can begin to frame your resume as you complete your practicum.
Coding, Computational Modeling and Equity in Math Education – We invite interested members to join us for a free PD day hosted at Brock University in St. Catharines on April 26th, 2023 on Coding, Computational modeling and Equity in Mathematics Education. The event will be of interest to pre-service and in-service teachers. Registration is limited and available via https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pd-day-coding-computational-modeling-and-equity-in-math-education-tickets-502575034457. The PD day event precedes a face-to-face Research Symposium on Coding, Computational Modelling, and Equity in Mathematics Education. Using a working group format, participants will be invited to work together to explore emerging issues and share experiences and perspectives on different timely topics. The event website (https://cpmath.ca/ccmeme2023/) for more details, including our exciting list of invited contributors to the scientific program. This event is sponsored by the Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), Callysto project (through CanCode), and Fields MathEd Forum.
Developing a Personal Communication Style Through the Lens of Invitational Education – As educators, we strive to create safe, supportive, inclusive spaces for all learners. As we do, we appreciate that mental health and academic potential are intertwined. Importantly, we become aware that our communication plays a role in supporting mental wellness and in creating these positive spaces. As a beginning (or seasoned) educator, you may be thinking about how to communicate effectively. This might include your ability to listen empathetically and with curiosity, to respond without judgment in challenging conversations, and to communicate in ways that help students believe that they are valued as a person, able to meet expectations, and responsible for their choices of behavior. Everything you say to others messages them that you believe they are able, valuable, and responsible or they are not. Thousands of messages received every day in school results in students developing a largely positive or negative self-concept, which in turn, influences their choices of behavior and approach to learning. In this workshop, Joan Fretz, School Climate Consultant, author, and former school administrator and teacher, will briefly introduce the theory of Invitational Education (I.E.) and then involve you in simple strategies to craft nonjudgmental, “doing with” messages in order to express your feelings and help others feel heard. In a participatory and practical way, Joan will have you rethinking how you communicate with education stakeholders to create a classroom and school culture in which students (and teachers) thrive. In addition to the workshop, Joan will share a number of resources you can explore immediately and over the years to come.
Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) – The School Support and Outreach Unit at EQAO provides school boards and faculties of education across the Province with specialized presentations and workshops. This presentation is developed to assist educators to:
- Understand the role of large- scale assessment in Ontario
- Understand how educators use data to surface strengths and needs of learners
- Understand the Modernizing of EQAOs assessments
- Be introduced to resources to help them feel prepared for the Mathematics Proficiency Test
Instructional Design for STEAM & Maker Curriculums – Full Day Structure – Develop your instructional design skills while participating in hands-on activities with STEAM-based resources like 3D modelling and printing, coding, robotics, electronics, and engineering. Explore your capacity to put learners at the centre of their own learning with inquiry and project based-learning activities. Re-examine the fundamentally interdisciplinary nature of knowledge with a design approach that assumes subject integration. Discover how your learners can use design processes to independently structure and find purpose in their learning, while developing social responsibility and critical thinking skills. This is a single full-day session experienced in three intervals with a 45-minute break and two 15-minute refreshment breaks.
- Part 1 Button Battery Greeting Card (STEAM focus: electronics and engineering)
- Part 2 Computational Thinking Jigsaw (STEAM focus: coding and robotics emphasis)
- Part 3 Build Stronger Structures (STEAM focus: 3D modelling and printing)
Multi-Session Structure – Explore your capacity to put learners at the centre of their own learning with inquiry and project based-learning activities. Re-examine the fundamentally interdisciplinary nature of knowledge with a design approach that assumes subject integration. Discover how your learners can use design processes to independently structure and find purpose in their learning, while developing social responsibility and critical thinking skills. In this unique multi-session professional development experience, you access the option to engage in a self-directed inquiry project, with support from IRC resources and guidance from IRC instructional design services.
In a jigsaw activity during the first session, on October 19th, learners will participate in hands-on explorations of STEAM-based resources and topics, such as 3D modelling and printing, coding, robotics, electronics, and engineering. Learners will then select a resource or topic that resonated with them to research further by completing a small inquiry assignment, structured by a design process.
Ministry of Education: Professional Development Program for Teacher Candidates – provided by the Ministry of Education generally delivered by teachers seconded to the MOE to share their unique expertise. These workshops provide you with a different perspective on important ministry initiatives in education.
- Equity and Human Rights (K-12) – A starting point to equip educators with the knowledge they must have to promote and uphold human rights as required under the Ontario Human Rights Code and address discriminatory policies and practices. This learning will equip educators to address discrimination based on all Ontario Human Rights Code grounds.
Effectively dismantling systemic barriers requires building capacity to better understand how current structures and systems can violate human rights and perpetuate racism and discrimination.- Supporting Resources: “Call it Out: Racism, racial discrimination and human rights”, Ontario Human Rights Commission (e-Learning); “Human Rights101”, Ontario Human Rights Commission (webinar)
- Webinar Length: 60 minutes
FRENCH: Biais Inconscients (M-12) – Cet atelier portera sur l’introduction aux biais et à leurs effets au travail avec les collègues, les élèves et les familles. Des discussions porteront sur les types de biais, sur les manières de gérer ces biais, conscients et inconscients, dans la vie au quotidien à partir de différentes stratégies. Seront également explorés : les politiques et les lois, soit les fondements.
- ELL – Supporting English Language Learners (P/J/I/S) – An overview of Ontario Ministry of Education policies and resources to support teacher candidates in welcoming and supporting English language learners in Ontario’s publicly funded schools, with a focus on culturally responsive and relevant pedagogy and pedagogical practices that value and center students’ prior learning, experiences, strengths, and interests, and are informed by and build on students’ identities, lived experiences, and linguistic resources.
- Supporting Resource: Program Planning (gov.on.ca)
- Webinar Length: flexible (90 minutes recommended)
FRENCH: PIPNPE – De quelle manière le Programme d’insertion professionnel du nouveau personnel enseignant (PIPNPE) appuie-t-il le personnel enseignant nouvellement embauché? (M-12) – Cet atelier interactif portera sur:
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- l’étendue du PIPNPE
- l’explication du système d’évaluation du rendement du personnel enseignant de l’Ontario
- les compétences essentielles d’une évaluation du rendement du personnel enseignant
- Building Your Digital Toolkit: Exploring Elementary and Secondary Online Resources (P/J/I/S) – This session will provide you with an introduction and opportunity to build your digital toolkit with the elementary and secondary resources available in Ontario’s Virtual Learning Environment.
- Webinar Length: flexible (60 minutes recommended)
OFSAA’s Coaching in Ontario Schools (CIOS) Workshop – CIOS is a program developed by the Coaching Association of Canada and the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations to give teacher-coaches and community volunteers the special skillset they need to coach effectively in the school environment. The three-and-a-half-hour course is NCCP accredited, and participants will also receive an OFSAA Certificate of Completion. The workshop is led by a NCCP trained Learning Facilitator and combines information required by coaches of beginner to intermediate athletes with skills they specifically need to work with student-athletes in the school environment.
Ontario College of Teachers – Year 1 – Teacher Candidates receive a welcome and overview of this organization and learn how to initiate their OCT account.
Ontario College of Teachers – Year 2 – Teacher Candidates learn how to apply to the College for certification and registration, the rights and responsibilities certification brings, services and programming of interest to beginning teachers, and participate in a focused topic (AQ as example) of conversation related to professional issues.
Ontario Teachers’ Federation Welcome – The Ontario Teachers’ Federation is the umbrella federation/union for all teachers working in publicly funded schools in Ontario. As teacher candidates, you become associate members of the OTF while at Brock and in practice teaching. The purpose of this presentation is to welcome you to the federation, help you to understand the history and purpose of the federation, and to ensure that you understand your rights and responsibilities as an associate member.
OPHEA – Sexual Violence & Consent for Secondary Teachers – We all have a role in making sure schools are welcoming, diverse and happy places where everyone in a school community can learn, connect and build healthy, active lives free from violence. However, many people in Canada and around the world continue to face violence every day because of their gender, gender expression, gender identity or perceived gender. In this workshop participants will get the opportunity to:
- Increase the awareness and understanding of how to create safer spaces in classroom discussion about healthy relationships, gender-based violence prevention and consent aligned with the Health & Physical Education curriculum.
- Gain confidence and capacity in building safe and positive spaces in their school communities.
- Learn about Ophea resources for teaching gender-based violence prevention, details on how to use them in the classroom, expert videos, classroom ready activities and student worksheets, and a resource database.
- This webinar is open to elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educators, administrators, staff, and school community partners.
Professional Boundaries – All members of the OTF are required to take training related to professional boundaries. This includes teacher candidates who are associate members. In this context, boundaries refer to an understanding of appropriate and inappropriate communication and contact with students, parents, and professional colleagues. All Ontario teacher candidates receive this training.
Project Wild – Certified training in science/environmental education from the World Wildlife Federation. With the interdisciplinary Project WILD Activity Guide, you’ll explore topics from what types of habitats migrating birds need to make it to their wintering grounds to how new fishing technologies have affected fish populations. The guide features 121 complete lesson plans about wildlife and the environment that can each be adapted for any age, grade or subject.
School Board/Teaching Information Events – Ongoing career support via a Sakai site with links to agency website, career pages, and other information. PLUS live/virtual meetings with school boards and other agencies hiring BEd graduates. Multiple dates and times throughout the year, especially in January.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PROFESSIONAL DELVELOPMENT AT BROCK
Your time is valuable, so make the most of your professional development by preparing for it.
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- Strategically register in the events you want to attend. You don’t have to do everything!
- Review the event description prior to attending. Arrive with questions or set a goal.
- Track the event title date, speaker, key messages/learning/for future use.
- Record participation on your resume.
- Return and reflect. Periodically remind yourself of the PD you invested in. Use what you learned in your practice.
Experience BU is Brock’s portal for events and registration. Teacher candidates will register for many events via Experience BU. Details will be provided as your program begins.
What’s on the site
The site hosts information about organizations employing teaching positions (K-12) requiring OCT certification as well as limited other education roles such as Early Childhood Educators. Think of the site as a series of information booths at a fair. Depending on the organization, you will find links to:
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- the website,
- career information page
- other information such as videos, etc.
- information about upcoming events
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The School Board Information site is where you will learn about, and register for, live information sessions hosted by participating organizations. Use the “Sign-up” feature on the left side of the Sakai site to view and register for upcoming information sessions.
How to Join the “School Board Information” site
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- Log into Sakai
- In Home, from the menu bar, click Membership.
- Click Joinable Sites to see a list of all the available sites that you haven’t joined.
- The list is sorted by name or search as noted below
- IMPORTANT: If you use the search box (found at the top right) you must search using the words “school”. Adding more information blocks the
- Click Search. Simply pressing Enter will not initiate the search.
- Click Join to join the site you were searching for.
- After you click Join the course you have just joined will no longer be listed, however, you will see the site you just joined if you click My Active Sites at the top of the page.
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Here you will find links to professional opportunities of interest to students in the Faculty of Education.
Experiences outside of your program of study can enrich your learning, assist in building a compelling resume, connect you to new people, and simply add fun and diversity to your university experience.
Individuals, organizations and agencies often reach out to the Faculty of Education to connect with students. The opportunities below have not been formally vetted by Brock University or the Faculty of Education and are not endorsed by Brock for the Faculty. Students should use their discretion in participating.