Continuing Teacher Education

The Centre for Continuing Teacher Education in the Faculty of Education at Brock University has been providing Additional Qualification courses for K-12 teachers since 1978.

The centre’s AQ courses have been accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers and recognized by participants and school boards as excellent components of teacher professional development. More than 60 AQ and ABQ courses are now available in an online format with more online course offerings in the planning and development stage.

New & featured courses

  • Teaching Students with Communication Needs (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
  • Teaching and Learning through E-Learning
  • Intermediate: Health & Physical Education ABQ
  • PQP Part 1 (Now online)
  • PQP Part 2 (Now online)
  • Mathematics P/J, Part 1
  • Mathematics P/J, Part 2
  • Mathematics P/J, Specialist

Additional Qualifications (AQ)

  • Additional Qualifications are offered in a wide variety of subject and topic areas. These courses deepen practitioners’ knowledge and skills in design and delivery of specific programs. They also support professional practice by preparing teachers for specific roles.
  • For Information about Additional Qualification courses at Brock University, visit the Office of the Registrar’s website.

Additional Basic Qualifications (ABQ)

  • Teachers certified in Ontario are usually qualified to teach in two consecutive divisions: Primary/Junior, Junior/Intermediate or Intermediate/Senior.
  • The underlying purpose of an additional basic qualification course is to extend the skills and knowledge of teachers in the design, delivery and assessment of a program within a particular division.
  • For Information about Additional Basic Qualification courses in Brock University’s Faculty of Education, visit the Office of the Registrar’s website.

Honour Specialist

  • Teachers who enroll in a Honour Specialist Additional Qualification course possess a strong knowledge base in a particular subject area(s).
  • For Information about Honour Specialist courses, please visit the Office of the Registrar’s website.

Technological Education (AQ)

Principal’s Qualification Program (PQP)

The Ontario College of Teachers tells us:

  • Members earn principal qualifications by taking the Principal’s Qualification Program (PQP), Parts I and II. The program is designed to educate future principals to lead and manage efficiently in contexts characterized by change and complexity.
  • Part I is an introductory program that includes course work and the development of a practicum proposal. It is intended for any teacher interested in becoming a school principal and serves as an introduction to the fundamental aspects of leading and managing a school.
  • Part II candidates explore, in more depth, the theoretical and operational aspects of the principal ship. Concepts and issues such as leadership and program planning are the focus of Part II.
  • The Centre’s Principal’s Qualification program has been designed specifically to provide world-class leadership learning opportunities derived from school board and school cases and situations from across the province.

The Principal’s Qualifications Program is open to teachers with five (5) years teaching experience AND qualifications in three divisions including intermediate and a master’s degree OR two specialists OR one specialist and half a master’s degree.

Upcoming PQP offerings:

  • PQP Part 1 – September 26 to December 2, 2022. Registration deadline: September 21, 2022.
  • PQP Part 2 – September 26 to December 2, 2022. Registration deadline: September 21, 2022.
  • PQP Part 1 – January 16 to March 10, 2023
  • PQP Part 2 – January 16 to March 10, 2023

Please contact Jody Boone, Administrative Coordinator Continuing Teacher Education, at jboone@brocku.ca for further online offerings, dates and application.  

International Additional Qualifications (AQ) Courses

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the following International Additional Qualification courses for 2021 are cancelled:

  • EDUC 9F67 (D5, IFT – International Field Experience) Course title: Teaching English Language Learner Part I
  • EDUC 9F68 (D5,  IFT – International Field Experience) Course title: Teaching English Language Learner Part II
  • EDUC 9F69 (D5,  IFT – International Field Experience) Course title: Teaching English Language Learner Part III

The Centre for Continuing Teacher Education offers teachers the opportunity to enhance the practicum component of Additional Qualification courses by partnering with schools in other countries.

Teaching English Language Learners (formerly English as A Second Language) Part 1, 2 and Specialist are offered in China! The Teach and Travel program combines an Additional Qualifications course in Teaching English Language Learners with the opportunity to spend three weeks in China with your instructor and fellow participants. The online course component takes place in April-June followed by three weeks of teaching practicum with your own class in China.

For almost 20 years, the FOE has maintained a successful working relationship with our hosts and schools in China. Based on this experience, we will work with you to ensure that you are prepared for your trip.  The professional advisors and curriculum experts who will be travelling with you will be there throughout your trip to assist you in all areas of your professional development and cultural experience.

The $2,300 total cost includes air, accommodation, meals, local tours, and course fee. $1590 payable at application; course fee of $710 payable before departure. Flights must be booked early, usually by March when ticket prices are within our budget and seats are available.  The whole group will fly together from Toronto to China

NOTE:  Once travel cost is paid, a ticket is booked and issued in your name and arrangements and permissions are booked in China in your name.  This travel cost is non-refundable. The program is heavily subsidized by our Chinese hosts who expect you to follow through with the teaching program.

Your extra fees:

  • Chinese visa (approx.$200): will be arranged for you after ticket booking
  • Spending money for souvenirs, personal items, drinks, and the odd meal or individual local travel on free days when you are out and about on your own.
  • Out of country health insurance arranged by each participant.
  • Immunizations as deemed necessary by each individual participant.
  • Please note that it is strongly recommended that participants purchase a travel/flight cancellation insurance policy.

Fees include accommodations, flight, meals, group ground transportation to and from airport,daily transportation to and from the school, and some local touring and cultural events depending on location and availability.

China 2021 AQ Application Form
Certificate of Teaching Experience

Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Early sign-up is essential as air tickets need to be arranged. Contact 905-688-5550 x6636 or aqinternational@brocku.ca for more information and next steps. Please note you must have 6 months remaining on your passport from the completion of program date (July 2021). Proof of validity will be required during the application process.

Note that applications will be numbered, spots are very limited and registrations are being taken now.  However, the needs of the Chinese schools in terms of division, experience take priority.

  • Once your application has been received, you will be contacted by the International Project Coordinator from the Continuing Education program at Faculty of Education who will work with you directly to arrange flights and Chinese visas.
  • Pay as directed, and at that point your spot is confirmed.  If you fail to follow through in a timely manner, you will be placed on the wait list.
  • Course cost of $685 plus $25 material fee is due when registration opens, usually in May/June for summer courses, or by departure.
  • Your spot is NOT CONFIRMED until payment has been made and all paperwork is complete.

NOTE:  Course instructor will continue to connect with you by email until Sakai is open in April. At that point, all updates will be posted in Sakai and communication among teaching teams will begin.

Group 1:  Depart July 2, 2021, and return July 25, 2021.
Group 2:  Depart July 9, 2021, and return August 1, 2021.

Preservice grads or current teachers who want:

  • An intensive, hands-on PD experience that will prepare you to teach in the classroom of the future where your students will undoubtedly include newcomers whose first language is not English. You will acquire additional foundational knowledge and a unique skillset that will add immeasurably to the richness of your own teaching – for all students.
  • A qualification to broaden teaching opportunities at home and abroad.
  • An exciting travel opportunity.
  • Your commitment in China involves 3 weeks of teaching which you are expected to fulfill. Brock enters into a contract with our Chinese hosts who will make all arrangements regarding your stay.  Their expectation is that you come prepared, and that your priority during the 3 weeks is lesson preparation and teaching.
  • Cost to participants is subsidized by China and based on each participant having taught a full program.  Any additional cost incurred by failure to complete the teaching (e.g. medical emergency at home, cancellation after flights are booked) are borne by the participants themselves.
  • Every participant must arrange for, and provide proof of, out-of-country medical coverage and be aware of the terms of its use.
  • Every participant must have a current passport with at least 6 months validity remaining from the completion of program date in order to obtain a visa to enter China. Proof of validity will be required during the application process.
  • Please note that it is strongly recommended that participants purchase a travel/flight cancellation insurance policy.

Please note that there is no knowledge of or accommodation for peanut allergies in China.

  • Compulsory pre-departure, FULL DAY course meeting with teaching team and instructor on Saturday, May 30, 2021 (tentative).
  • Online course modules April-June: This is your chance to complete some of the coursework, meet your teaching team and instructor online and begin planning for your teaching and travel.  The coursework prepares you for the reality of your classroom in China, and you will return to Canada well prepared for eventual Canadian classroom.  There is lots of flexibility with time here so that you can work at your own pace.
  • Practicum in China * 3 weeks in July, Monday – Friday, 5 hours teaching per day.  Each participant has his/her own class with a Chinese bilingual teacher in class to assist.
  • Each teacher has his/her own class of students to teach for 5 hr per day in China with breaks and lunch.
  • Breakfast, lunch, and a stipend for dinner are provided at the school, hotel, or local restaurants.
  • 5 days per week are teaching days followed by 2 free days for free time and local tours; one compulsory tour day per weekend, usually the Saturday, is hosted at no cost and one free day remains for you to enjoy.
  • Evenings – Meetings,  Reflection, Planning Time, Free Time
  • If you wish to extend your stay at your own expense at the end of the program, you must indicate your flight return date at the time of travel payment. Return flights to Canada are the most difficult to nail down, since many international students return to Canada in July and August and seats are limited.
  • You are responsible for any extra fee involved in extending your ticket, which the travel agent will indicate to you before booking. The program officially ends on July 20 and July 28, 2021, respectively for different groups.
  • If family members or friends are joining you, they may do so at the conclusion of the program.  Persons outside of our group are not allowed on site during the program.
  • All participants are expected to travel with and arrive with the group.

NOTE:  The teaching and professional development are the priority for the duration of the 3 weeks.  Free time is limited. However, you may still be able to enjoy Chinese food and culture as much as you can in the local area where your hosting school is located.

  • The teaching arrangements, hotels and food are organized by the Chinese education officials. The schools and the ages and grades of the students who participate are sometimes subject to change depending on local circumstances, so exact information regarding age and grade is sometimes unavailable until close to departure.  This is a summer program for them and they recruit and organize in June.  However, our experience in China has always included students who have just finished K, 1, 2, or 3 (PJ ages 7 – 10).
  • Our hosts are not expected to accommodate for special diets. There is no knowledge of or accommodation for peanut allergies in China, for example.
  • Last minute changes in teaching assignment in terms of age group or exact school are sometimes possible due to fluctuating numbers of students, since students are signing up for the program up until our arrival.
  • Schools are air-conditioned, but not always to the same standard of classrooms you may be accustomed to.
  • Shared accommodation is the norm for the program. It is up to you to select a compatible roommate from among your team members – single accommodation may be available at a surcharge.
  • Roommates are same sex, except for married couples.

Frequently asked questions

Pre-tests/ Equivalencies

A: AQs/ABQs do not have transfer credits or equivalency credits. A student must take a course offered by Brock in order for it to appear on the Brock transcript.

Registration

A: For a part 2 course only for the 1st one (part 2) any further part 2 courses it is not necessary.  However every time for a part 3 since the superintendent verifies that the student has one year in the area of specialization being sought.

A: The student will need to show proof of registration and if possible completion of the course. An email confirming registration or proof from the provider showing that they were registered in the course (or screen shot) is acceptable.

A: A Brock University teacher- candidate in their graduating year, may take courses in a special Spring duration at Brock University.

Completion of Course/ OCT recommendations

A: No, the CCTE does not provide any documentation following completion of the course. You can find your certificate on the OCT website, or you can contact the registrar’s office for an official transcript.

A: The CCTE can provide a letter stating that you are registered in the course, and the duration. The CCTE will not speculate as to whether you will successfully complete the course.

A: Brock University will send a recommendation to the OCT only if you have successfully completed the course, do not owe any fees, and do not owe any required documents.

Frequently Used Terms

  • In Service — people who are already teachers and are taking an AQ/ABQ with Brock
  • Pre-Service — undergraduate students in Brock’s teacher education program that are currently taking undergraduate courses at Brock
  • AQ (Additional Qualification) — a one or three-part course designed to provide you with professional development in a specific subject
  • ABQ (Additional Basic Qualification) — is a course designed to certify a teacher to teach in another division

For academic advising please contact:

Jody Boone
Administrative Coordinator
x3342
aq@brocku.ca

Dr. Tony DiPetta
Director
x4729
tdipetta@brocku.ca

Zoe Branigan-Pipe
AQ/ABQ Accreditation Coordinator
zbraniganpipe@brocku.ca