True Grit JUNE 2021 THE PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO COLLEGE OF TEACHERS
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JUNE 2021 THE PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO COLLEGE OF TEACHERS T True Grit Three Olympic hopefuls bring Thre lessons of perseverance, patience and a resilience into their classrooms. p. 28 Lyndsay Tessier, OCT, marathon runner
Learn. Lead. Inspire. Learn. Lead. Inspire. Learn. 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 has 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: ▪ Special Education ▪ Teaching English Language Learners ▪ Teacher Leadership ▪ Technology in Teaching ▪ Reading & Literacy ▪ First Nations, Metis and Inuit Studies ▪ Teaching Mathematics ▪ Principal’s Qualification Program 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 completion 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 effect 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 on the SAGE program, visit educ.queensu.ca/sage
.nspire. Learn. Lead. Inspire. . 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 Technology in ▪ French as a Second Language 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 Needs (Autism) ▪ Science - General ▪ Teaching Students with Communication Needs ▪ Visual Arts (Learning Disability) ▪ Student Assessment & Evaluation HONOUR SPECIALIST ▪ Teaching & Learning Through e-Learning ▪ Biology ▪ Teaching Combined Grades ▪ Business Studies ▪ Teaching First Nations, Métis and Inuit Children ▪ Chemistry ▪ Teaching LGBTQ Students ▪ Dramatic Arts ▪ Teaching Students with Intellectual Needs (Mild ▪ English Intellectual Disability) ▪ French as a Second Language ▪ Use and Knowledge of Assistive Technology ▪ Geography PRINCIPAL'S QUALIFICATION PROGRAM ▪ Health & Physical Education ▪ Principal's Qualifications ▪ History ▪ Mathematics TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION ▪ Music ▪ Communications Tech Grades 9/10 & 11/12 ▪ Physics ▪ Computer Tech Grades 9/10 ▪ Science - General ▪ Green Industries Grades 9/10 ▪ Social Sciences ▪ Tech Design Grades 9/10 & 11/12 ▪ Technological Education ▪ Visual Arts We now offer Educational Support Staff courses! Visit pros.educ.queensu.ca for more information. Next Session: Summer 2021 | June 28 – August 13 For more details about CTE courses, visit coursesforteachers.ca facebook.com/QueensCTE twitter.com/QueensCTE instagram.com/QueensCTE
A Modernized College Recently passed legislation applicants ways to highlight their replaces the College’s traditional skills, training and willingness to Council election model with a new and progressive, competency- serve the public interest. $1,333,300 based selection process. The The competency-based selection Cost of the last four selection process will take into process will help ensure Council, elections combined consideration the knowledge, skills committees and roster members and expertise of College members. more accurately reflect the 2.9% diversity of Ontario. All College members will have an opportunity to participate in the By comparison, the election Average governance of their profession. process was costly and voter voter turnout Members will sit on a smaller turnout was low. Only a small Council and different College number of College members members will sit on statutory participated in the regulation $52 and regulatory committees. of your profession. The application process will Visit oct.ca for Average be quick and efficient, offering more information. cost per vote LOOK FOR THESE STORIES AND MORE IN THE NEXT EDITION OF Professionally Speaking: • Outdoor and experiential learning • Tech tools for the classroom • Spotlight on professional learning • Olympic medallist Patrick Chan’s remarkable teacher 2 Professionally Speaking June 2021
Contents Upfront From the Transition Supervisory Officer 7 Registrar’s Report 9 Letters to the Editor 10 24 Connections PS Poll; In Your Profession; In Your Classroom; 13 Tools of the Trade Departments Great Teaching 20 OCTs put into practice the advice from the College’s professional advisory Safety in Learning Environments. Remarkable Teacher 24 PHOTOS: (TOP) IAN WATSON/CBC; (MIDDLE) RAINA+WILSON; ILLUSTRATION: NATHAN HACKETT/ANNA GOODSON Actress Karen Robinson on the teacher whose kindness made all the difference. Features True Grit 28 28 Three Olympic hopefuls bring lessons of perseverence, patience and resilience into their classrooms. Teaching Through a Pandemic 34 What Ontario Certified Teachers have discovered 34 about their students, themselves and teaching. Resources New at the Library 38 Tech Class 41 Governing Ourselves College News; Roster Appointees; 42 Investigation Committee Case Study; Hearings Final Exam Olympian, broadcaster and author Perdita Felicien 52 on finally achieving her childhood dream. June 2021 Professionally Speaking 3
TRANSITION SUPERVISORY OFFICER Paul Boniferro REGISTRAR & CEO Dr. Derek Haime, OCT DEPUTY REGISTRAR Chantal Bélisle, OCT Set yourself DIRECTORS Linda Lacroix, OCT, Investigations and Hearings; Richard Lewko, Corporate and Council Services; Demetra Saldaris, OCT, apart! 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 CONTRIBUTORS Gabrielle Barkany, OCT; Richard Bercuson (Reviews); Paul Boniferro; Andrew Fifield; Dr. Derek Haime, OCT; Saran Ragunathan; David Tallo; Olivia Yu Professional Development for Educators CIRCULATION Kerry Walford Additional QualificationCourses and ART DIRECTION, DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Studio 141 Inc. International Baccalaureate Program Dave Curcio (President and Creative Director); Hannah Browne (Art Director); IX DU MAGAZINE CA IX DU MAGAZINE CA IX DU MAGAZINE CA IX DU MAGAZINE CA IX DU MAGAZINE CA IX DU MAGAZINE CA IX DU MAGAZINE CA N N N N N PR PR N PR PR N PR PR REGISTER NOW PR AD AD AD AD AD AD AD Studio 141 Inc. contributor: Trevor T. Stewart 39ES 39ES 39ES 39ES 39ES 39ES 39ES IEN IEN IEN IEN IEN IEN IEN More than 80 AQ Courses to choose from 39TH 39TH 39TH 39TH 39TH 39TH DS 39TH DS DS DS DS DS DS AR AR AR AR AR AR Visit: uwindsor.ca/aq AR NA AW NA NA AW AW NA NA AW AW NA AW NA AW TI TI TI TI TI TI TI All 100% online – access from anywhere ON E ON E ON E ON E ON E ON E ON E AL MAGAZIN AL MAGAZIN AL MAGAZIN AL MAGAZIN AL MAGAZIN AL MAGAZIN COVER Raina+Wilson AL MAGAZIN E: aq@uwindsor.ca E: ib@uwindsor.ca TI ON AL MAGAZIN E TI ON AL MAGAZIN E TI ON AL MAGAZIN E TI ON AL MAGAZIN E TI ON AL MAGAZIN E TI ON AL MAGAZIN E TI ON AL MAGAZIN E AW AW NA NA AW AW NA NA AW NA AW NA AW NA AR AR AR AR AR AR AR 39TH 39TH 39TH 39TH 39TH 39TH 39TH DS DS DS DS DS DS DS 39ES 39ES 39ES 39ES 39ES IEN IEN 39ES IEN IEN 39ES IEN IEN IEN AD AD AD AD AD AD AD PR PR PR PR PR PR PR N N N N X X N X X N X I I X N I I I X I I DU A DU A DU A DU A DU A DU A DU A MAGAZINE C MAGAZINE C MAGAZINE C MAGAZINE C MAGAZINE C MAGAZINE C MAGAZINE C 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 June 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 Canada). Please contact oct-oeeo.ca/ PRINTING subscribe. For College members, Printed with vegetable-based Professionally Speaking is included inks on PEFC-certified stock in the annual membership fee. at Transcontinental Printing, ISSN 1206-8799 Owen Sound, ON. jointphd@lakeheadu.ca Professionally Speaking is proud to participate in Ontario’s Blue Box Recycling Program through Stewardship Ontario. jointphdined.org 4 Professionally Speaking June 2021
All Online. All On Your Time. Experience the Lakehead difference: • Innovative courses which are offered fully online, including our Principal’s Qualification Program and Supervisory Officer’s Qualification Program • Our courses focus on contemporary issues and trends in education • Flexible timings built for your schedule as an educator AQ | ABQ | HSQ | PQP | SOQP VISIT LakeheadU.ca/pde EMAIL AQ@LakeheadU.ca CALL (807) 343-8178 Half Page Ad - PS June 2020.indd 1 2020-04-15 8:41 PM Advance 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 June 2021 Professionally Speaking 5
Special Discounts Online and Nearby Whether you’re shopping online, See what’s new at curbside or in-store, be sure to check MemberPerks today. your perks to save. ontarioteachers.venngo.com EXPAND 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 • Equivalency courses for completion of PQP Part 1 and Part 2. Student Assessment and Evaluation 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 PART ONE, PART TWO AND SPECIALIST: • Two year program offered in the GTA. Teaching English Language Learners French as a Second Language For more information, call 905.294.7260 or visit us online at Guidance and Career Education www.niagara.edu/ontario. Integration of Information and Computer Technology in Instruction Teacher Librarian Kindergarten Mathematics Primary/Junior Reading Special Education FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AQ COURSES PRINCIPAL’S QUALIFICATIONS COURSES: GO TO WWW.NIAGARA.EDU/AQ-COURSES PQP 1 and 2 905.294.7260 • www.niagara.edu/ontario 6 Professionally Speaking June 2021
FROM THE TRANSITION SUPERVISORY OFFICER A New Era Get involved in serving the public interest. BY PAUL BONIFERRO Y ou will agree that COVID-19 has turned our world Fitness to Practise, Investigation and Registration Appeals, upside down. We have been glued to the news and and Standards of Practice and Education committees, as concerned for our loved ones as we adapt to the well as to our adjudicative rosters. changes the global pandemic has brought to our homes, What’s changing and what it means for the profession: schools, workplaces, and to learning itself. • a competency-based selection process for all Council, What’s changing too is legislation that governs the way committee and roster members; we protect the public interest, the students’ interest, which • committee membership distinct from Council is the College’s main mandate. membership; and The College is in a period of transition that will result in • the overall size and composition of Council will be a new governance model by the end of this year. Once the reduced with equal representation of College members changes are complete, the College will be able to operate and members of the public. more nimbly, more efficiently and more effectively. The changes will increase student protection and Most importantly, it will allow an even greater level of improve how the teaching profession is governed in Ontario. member and public engagement in the critical role we They also support what’s happening around the world in play in student well-being and safety. board governance. Phase 1 of our recruitment process for the College’s We are looking for people with sound judgment and transitional rosters of panellists is complete. We were the ability to listen well, to be objective and to make fair pleased to see that hundreds of members of the profession decisions for the good of the public. Is that you? and the public applied to continue the work of the College. I encourage you to get involved in serving the public In this issue, you’ll meet the professionals who have been interest and to help shape the future of student safety PHOTO: MATTHEW PLEXMAN appointed to adjudicate matters until a new Council, and well-being. PS committees and rosters are established. Phase 2 of our recruitment process will be underway in the fall. We invite you to keep an eye on notices about how to apply. The College will welcome applications from members of the College and the public to join our governing Council, the Accreditation, Accreditation Appeals, Discipline, June 2021 Professionally Speaking 7
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REGISTRAR’S REPORT The What and the Why The College’s role in protecting the public interest. BY DR. DEREK HAIME, OCT @DerekHaime T he Ontario College of Teachers is Canada’s largest required to report to the Registrar regarding offences, self-regulatory body, yet many don’t fully understand charges and bail conditions. what the College does or why it exists. 2) Funding for Therapy and Counselling Program: The What the College does is license, govern and regulate College has introduced a program to help defray the the teaching profession. It sets standards of practice and costs of therapy and counselling borne by students ethical standards, conducts disciplinary hearings, and who have made an allegation of sexual abuse, an act accredits teacher education programs affecting more than of child pornography, or a prescribed sexual act, 232,000 licensed educators in publicly funded schools and against a member. institutions across Ontario. 3) Professional Boundaries advisory video (oct-oeeo.ca/ Why the College does this is to protect the public interest ProfessionalBoundaries) and the launch of the online — a term that has been characterized in many ways. The “tour”: Last year the College released its advisory on public interest we are charged with protecting is that of professional boundaries. While the vast majority of continual improvement of student safety and well-being College members maintain professional relationships through enhancing teacher professionalism. To this end, with their students in and out of the classroom, even PHOTO: KENORA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD the College has undertaken, and will continue to undertake, one case of impropriety is one too many. Throughout a number of initiatives that will further protect Ontario the pandemic, Ontario Certified Teachers have worked students. Here are a few: tirelessly to help keep students safe. They should be 1) Bill 229 student protections: With the proclamation of proud of how well they serve the profession. Bill 229, the Protect, Support and Recover from COVID-19 The work highlighted above illustrates our ongoing commit- Act, amendments were made to the Ontario College of ment to student safety and well-being. We will build on that Teachers Act (OCTA) that retroactively revoked a mem- success by continually evolving our approach to keep in step ber’s licence if the member was previously found guilty with a changing society. PS of an act of professional misconduct relating to sexual abuse or child pornography. Further amendments to the OCTA require the implementation of a sexual abuse prevention program by the College, the development of which is now well underway. College members are also June 2021 Professionally Speaking 9
LETTERS 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. Responding to bullying Thank you for publishing the article “Responding to Bullying” (March 2021). Real examples of how teachers create positive learning environments and empower their students to confront bullying behaviour serve as a great resource. The article points out the power of educators and schools in creating a just society by engaging students through purposeful learning opportunities. The author also talks about the importance of building healthy relationships within the class community, engaging students in creating the class norms, and providing tools for discussions without being disrespectful of others’ ideas. It was surprising to read that when peers intervene, bullying incidents stop within 10 seconds. I am sure readers would like to know more about these strategies to support peers and bystanders in stopping bullying incidents. Thank you for sharing this timely article with educators as they engage in online and in-school learning and strive to create healthy classroom com- munities during the pandemic. Gurmeet Gill, OCT, is the principal of Fernforest Public School in Brampton, Ont. Write to Us! Professionally Speaking welcomes letters to the editor. Please address your thoughts about content in the magazine to ps@oct.ca, and be sure to include your phone number and registration number. We look forward to hearing from you! 10 Professionally Speaking June 2021
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The College is the self-regulating professional body for Ontario REGISTRAR’S REPORT Warm welcome teachers. Continued Excellence in Teaching The College places students’ College Registrar and CEO, Dr. Derek Membership is Haime, OCT, rightly describes himself open to anyone well-being and interests first. as a teacher, first and foremost. qualified to teach BY DR. DEREK HAIME, OCT @DerekHaime A few years back, I learned — and unlearned — plenty in a collaborative in the province and transformative First Nations, Métis and Inuit Studies AQ with Dr. and required Haime. “A rising tide lifts all boats,” to maintain an he writes in the Registrar’s Report in T Ontario teaching he Ontario College of Teachers is rightfully trusted I believe that education in Ontario, and around the world, to regulate our esteemed profession to ensure is refocusing. In their book The Devil Is in the Details: System excellence in teaching by placing students’ well- Solutions for Equity, Excellence, and Student Well-Being, being and interests first. I am honoured to begin this work as a servant leader. In harmony with the roles and Michael Fullan and Mary Jean Gallagher argue that educa- tion must be devoted to engaging the world to change the the March 2021 issue of the magazine. certificate. responsibilities I have been entrusted with as the College world. “For us, education founded on equity, excellence and Extending his metaphor, it is great to Registrar and CEO, I am a teacher first and foremost. well-being is the way forward toward this end,” they write. Our publicly funded education system is among the The College is well-positioned to meet this challenge of best in the world. This is supported by institutions like the solidifying the promotion of equity, excellence and well- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development being in Ontario schools. The work has already begun have him aboard. PHOTO: KENORA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD (OECD), which measures school systems internationally and will continue throughout my tenure. A rising tide lifts through initiatives such as the Programme for International all boats, and I am proud of the College’s considerable Student Assessment (PISA). contribution to that tide. “[PISA’s] high performer Canada does even better on global As your Registrar and CEO, I will ensure the College competence than what the high performance of its students remains dedicated to the mission/mandate of regulating in reading, math and science predicts,” writes Andreas our profession with honesty, transparency, accountability Schleicher, director for the OECD’s Directorate for Education and sustainability. Student achievement and well-being and Skills in his blog post “Are students ready to thrive in an interconnected world?” (oct-oeeo.ca/oecdedutoday). The article examines results of the first 2018 PISA assessment of is paramount to our work. I will always be your partner in working toward that goal. PS Brian Pastoor, OCT, teaches at TMS (Upper School) in Richmond Hill, Ont. The College is trusted global competence to survey students’ strength in reading, mathematics and science, and how that knowledge can be used to gain a better understanding of global perspectives. March 2021 Professionally Speaking 7 to regulate the teaching profession by setting standards of practice and accrediting teacher Support in building education programs. resilience The College also sets I wanted to thank Stuart Foxman for the requirements for his articles: “Building Resilience” in entry into the profession, the June 2020 issue and “Communi- cating Online” in the December 2020 investigates complaints issue. I find myself often reading his involving members articles with a highlighter. I liked the and takes appropriate emphasis on self-care and practical disciplinary action. ways to do that in “Building Resili- ence.” I needed the reminder about empathy as [it can be challenging] with all the self-isolation. It’s good to consider what others are going through as well. I appreciated the timely message about maintaining professionalism and the term “digital citizenship” in “Communicating Online.” I will definitely be adding that to my vocabulary. Hetti-Marie Manu is a Special Education resource teacher at Broadlands Public School with the Toronto District School Board. June 2021 Professionally Speaking 11
PROUD TO BE AN Ontario Certified Teacher Only qualified, certified teachers who are members of the Ontario College of Teachers can use the professional designation OCT: Ontario Certified Teacher. You can promote your designation by displaying your Certificate of Professional Designation in your classroom and using OCT after your name in your correspondence with parents. OCT: The Mark of Professionalism in Teaching. Caroline Cantin, OCT To learn more, visit oct.ca
PS POLL ILLUSTRATION: JEANNIE PHAN Growth Chart Here are the Top 10 steps taken by Ontario Certified Teachers to continue professional learning, courtesy of our latest poll. 1. Collaborate with teacher colleagues. 6. etwork with mentors and N other leaders. 2. earn from my students and reflect L on classroom experiences. 7. ssume leadership roles within A my school or district. 3. ake part in online courses (other T than Additional Qualifications). 8. Coach or mentor a colleague. 4. ake Additional Qualification T 9. isten to podcasts about L courses. the profession. 5. ead professional journals R 10. T ake leadership roles in and publications. my community. June 2021 Professionally Speaking 13
IN YOUR PROFESSION Pop Quiz with Lindsay Dobson BY LAURA BICKLE Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness and adolescents are at high risk. What’s more, during the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the number of people suffering and seeking support. “Research shows if we are trying to prevent eating disorders, we should use evidence-based programming with a focus on two things; risk factors and protective factors,” says Lindsay Dobson, prevention and outreach co-ordinator for Ottawa-based Hopewell Eating Disorder Support Centre (hopewell.ca). “We have to consider risk factors such as weight stigma and diet culture, body dissatisfaction, and media influence, as well as protective factors like body appreciation, media literacy, and effective coping and self-care practices.” That’s the philosophy behind the centre’s programs for students and teachers, now available online. We asked Dobson to share how educators can help. Why are programs such as Describe Hopewell’s programs. yours important? Our “Celebrate EveryBody” program Eating disorders are serious mental is for students aged 12 and up. We illnesses that can affect anyone. They cover navigating relationships, media are never a choice. They are caused by literacy, mental health, self-esteem a variety of biological, psychological and body image, self-care and coping. and socio-cultural issues. Eating In our “Talking About Eating Disor- disorders are on the rise, especially now ders” workshops for teachers, parents WORKING FROM during this pandemic, when youth are more isolated from their communities and caregivers, we review types of eating disorders, myths, prevention HOME OR and supports, and when there has been principles and how to offer support. DRIVING LESS? an increase in media consumption, particularly on social media platforms. How can teachers support students and Save BIG on auto insurance! families dealing with eating disorders? How can teachers ensure that they Learn about warning signs and find out Call for a quote on car or home are reinforcing positive body image? how to talk to someone who may be insurance from Economical Often, people have biases around food, struggling. The American organization and you could win one of weight or bodies. These biases can National Eating Disorders Association 36 cash prizes of $5000! cause them to unintentionally pass on (NEDA) offers an Educator Toolkit, their beliefs, especially to children and which includes policies for schools and Just for getting a quote, adolescents. It’s important to do your modified learning plans. And the you will be sent a own work for your well-being and to Toronto-based National Eating $5 Tim Hortons card! ensure you convey a weight-inclusive and Disorders Information Centre (NEDIC) PHOTO: JESSIE BENHAIM accepting message. I also recommend offers workshops for educators and learning about the effects of weight and other resources. Most importantly, fat stigma, bullying and discrimination, take the issue seriously and approach Email your quotation request to: the principles of the Health at Every Size it with empathy and compassion. If a SALES@CYINS.COM movement, neutral language regarding student is reaching out to you, then food,and the effects of media messages. they trust you and want your support. 14 Professionally Speaking June 2021
IN YOUR PROFESSION By the Numbers: TWEET SHEET Read All About It Follow what's trending in the education Twitterverse. How members made the most of resources Follow us on Twitter @OCT_OEEO from the Margaret Wilson Library in 2020. BY STEVE BREARTON Canada’s History With a mission to make the discovery of our nation’s past relevant, engaging, READING LIST empowering and accessible. 13,230 Total number of print and electronic 16.7K @CanadasHistory resources in the Margaret Wilson Library FOLLOWERS collection in 2020. In this activity, students will compare the design and content of newspapers in 26% the past to today. #histedu #historicalthinking oct-oeeo.ca/r7mt7y Percentage increase in the number of ebooks in circulation in 2020. Ontario Science Centre Where visitors of all ages can learn through play and discover ways to think like a scientist every day. SEARCH AND DISCOVER 30.7K @OntScienceCtr FOLLOWERS Learn about hyperbolic #geometry by creating your 1,240,874 own coral-inspired structure! Member searches of library databases Cut out colourful heptagons, performed in 2020, including abstracts, then use them to build a research reports and proceedings, hyperbolic model inspired academic periodicals, newswires, by the round shapes and newspapers, magazines and journals. curves found in nature. oct-oeeo.ca/rabxw2 Canadian Space BOOK REPORT Agency The Canadian Space Agency 227 co-ordinates all civil, space- related programs on behalf of the Government of Canada. Books reviewed in Professionally Speaking that are in the library collection, including @csa_asc 309.4K in-demand titles such as We are all ... Treaty FOLLOWERS People by Maurice Switzer, The Graphic Novel Classroom by Maureen Bakis, Raising Dextre is a great help on the Boys in a New Kind of World by Michael International Space Station! Reist, and World Peace and Other 4th-Grade Learn more about the space Achievements by John Hunter. robot’s essential work: oct-oeeo.ca/c3q7wu … #ISS Source: Ontario College of Teachers June 2021 Professionally Speaking 15
IN YOUR CLASSROOM Professional Practice As someone whose second language is English and whose third language is French — and who teaches in a French- language school board — I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on how language is learned and how we expand our vocabularies. Last December, I created a personal dictionary and my students use it every day to jot down new words they heard at school or at home. Once they’d recorded them and understood their meanings, I encouraged them to make an effort to include those words in their everyday lives. I also encouraged my co-workers to use the personal dictionary approach in their classrooms, too. Consistency of the activity across many subjects makes it more likely that students will participate, stay interested and keep learning. As a language teacher, I think this is an effective way to encourage students to expand their vocabularies, and one they can continue using their whole lives. FRANCESCA MARTÍNEZ HERNANDO, OCT, TEACHES GRADES 7 AND 8 WITH CONSEIL DES ÉCOLES CATHOLIQUES DU CENTRE-EST. 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. Virtual Art Classes BY STEFAN DUBOWSKI If you’re looking for remote-friendly art education options, At the Art Gallery of Ontario’s site, teachers can have the province’s biggest galleries have plenty to offer. their classrooms attend free live conversations with art For starters, there’s Ottawa’s Musée des beaux-arts du educators, running every Monday to Friday via Zoom. Canada (National Gallery of Canada) (gallery.ca/learn/ Go to ago.ca and search for “virtual school programs” for-teachers). The museum has curated a deep well of resour- to see the full slate of classes. For example, Art and the ces for teachers, spanning an array of activities and interests. Senses (“… about how our brain processes the world Distance Learning programs let classrooms connect around us,” the site explains) ties in with the kindergarten ILLUSTRATION: MARIAH LLANES for grade-specific lessons. The live webinars encourage program, as well as science, language, health and physical students to discuss a range of artworks while exploring education, and of course the arts. Indigenous Art and curriculum-based themes. Artists speaks to social studies, history, and First Nations, Click on “Resources for Teachers” and you’ll find a Métis and Inuit Studies. The gallery offers three versions growing list of on-demand videos on such topics as Lawren of each conversation daily: one for students in JK to S. Harris’s Snow II or a tour of the collection’s most famous Grade 3, one for Grades 4 to 8, and another for Grades 9 to works. There are also downloadable activity guides for 12. Most are in English but there are also French sessions photography, crafts and colouring. about once a month for each grade range. 16 Professionally Speaking June 2021
IN YOUR CLASSROOM Apps Analysis BY STEFAN DUBOWSKI Cut the Rope 2 WeatherCAN Florence Meet Om Nom, a character whose love of Calling all weather watchers: This app’s This interactive story has lots to say, candy may match that of your students like a sunny day in June. Developed by yet few words. It’s a love tale focused — and they even get to help him attain the federal government’s Environment on 25-year-old Florence Yeoh as she those sweets. Players have to think and and Climate Change Canada, it’s a rich balances career, family and romance. persevere as the candy is suspended by repository of information on everything The way it’s told is sophisticated, ropes attached to pulleys, balloons and climate including current local condi- unfolding through music, images and other contraptions. Cut the ropes, pop tions and an hourly forecast. There’s miniature games to move the narrative the balloons and get the apparatus a zoomable precipitation radar map. along. It’s an excellent example of art and pointed toward Om Nom’s mouth to Open the inbox for messages on technology working together. It’s also score points. It’s all problem-solving, weather-related facts, such as Fata proof positive for high school students part of the early elementary science Morgana — a mirage that can make it who may struggle to find the words, that curriculum. Note the game is free or look as if something is floating in the they don’t necessarily have to rely on text close to it, but ads for pricey “premium” air. Recommended for Grade 7 geog- to tell their own stories. The app is a good bundles appear often, so parents and raphy students to support their lessons complement to storytelling in Grade 11 teachers should be nearby, just in case. on weather. Presentation and Speaking Skills. DEVICE Apple, Android DEVICE Apple, Android DEVICE Apple, Android SOURCE Apple App Store SOURCE Apple App Store SOURCE Apple App Store (free), Google Play ($1.19) (free), Google Play (free) ($2.99), Google Play ($3.69) RATING 4+, Everyone RATING 4+, Everyone RATING 4+, Everyone 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting of Members Wednesday, September 29, 2021 | 5–6:30 p.m. OUR PANEL OF REGULATORY EXPERTS WILL PROVIDE ENGAGE WITH US INSIGHT ON MODERNIZING GOVERNANCE AND ITS Have questions? BENEFITS TO STUDENTS, EDUCATORS AND PARENTS. Send them in advance or during the event via email • DAVID BROWN Executive Vice-President, to outreach@oct.ca. Governance Solutions Inc. • CORRINE DE BRUIN Executive Director, LIVE STREAMING College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia We’re live streaming the meeting. • ANDRÉ GARIÉPY Commissioner for Admission to Professions Visit oct-oeeo.ca/amm2021. Office of the Professions, Government of Quebec Please ensure your computer • DEANNA WILLIAMS President, or device has the minimum Dundee Consulting requirements to livestream. Register at oct-oeeo.ca/register June 2021 Professionally Speaking 17
You are Entitled. There are thousands of titles at your fingertips, available for free! The Margaret Wilson Library is a goldmine of free resources for College members. And accessing them is EASY. Simply go to oct.ca Members, and click the “Library” link on the right side of the page. Log in using your College credentials to browse our collections of books, ebooks, databases, and more! Library staff are happy to assist with your research needs and questions. Check out what other OCTs are reading. Happy browsing!
TOOLS OF THE TRADE Page Turners Whether your class is reading Shakespeare or Robert Munsch, resources abound for making your students’ experiences more accessible, exciting and engaging. Let them watch, listen and read their way through the year, and ignite a passion for words that will last them forever. BY CAELI MAZARA 1) Shakespeare in Bits free demos, US$14.99 5) LitCharts US$9.95/month or $59.40/year This multimedia experience brings Shakespeare into your What’s an allegory? Or the first line of Bob Dylan’s classroom in a brand-new way, unwrapping challenging “Blowin’ in the Wind?” This literary compendium of material and bringing the timeless plays to life with guides, quotes and terms has a special teaching edition animation and analysis. Bonus: quizzes and lesson for the classroom, a dedicated section for Shakespeare plans are available, too. and another for poetry. GRADES 9–12 | VISIT siblive.shakespeareinbits.com GRADES 8–12 | VISIT litcharts.com 2) Bookshare US$24–$50/year 6) Novel Effect free This robust resource for students with reading differ- Using voice-recognition tech, this app adds sound effects ences— including dyslexia and blindness — offers nearly to your oral reading sessions. Imagine suspenseful music, one million online titles. Students can customize their the sound of a glass breaking, or a sneeze at just the right reading with ebooks in audio, audio plus highlighted text, moment, the next time your class reads together! braille, large print and other formats. GRADES K–3 | VISIT noveleffect.com GRADES K–12 | VISIT bookshare.org 7) Google Books free 3) Audible $14.95/month Google Books is a specialized search engine — just for This massive listening library has special sections for such books. Students can read the classics (anything no longer ILLUSTRATION: BOMBOLAND/COLAGENE.COM groups as “Littlest Listeners,” “Elementary,” “Teens,” and under copyright is available), create their own digital more. A membership opens a world of titles, including thou- libraries, and add their own thoughts and reviews to the sands of podcasts, too, and nearly any book you can think of. books they’ve read. GRADES K–12 | VISIT audible.ca GRADES 5–12 | VISIT books.google.ca 4) Bookly free for limited version, subscriptions available 8) Start with a Book free Students can track reading hours, make notes on their Do your students love stories about dragons? Or sports? Or reading experience, view statistics, participate in seasonal sea creatures? Or travel? Whatever you’re looking for, Start readathons, and more. For students who like setting goals and with a Book finds titles to suit nearly anyone, and includes tracking progress, Bookly is a motivating reading assistant. reading games, and tips for developing early literacy skills. GRADES 3–12 | VISIT getbookly.com GRADES K–6 | VISIT startwithabook.org June 2021 Professionally Speaking 19
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GREAT TEACHING Safety First The College’s professional advisory Safety in Learning Environments guides OCTs when it comes to supporting students’ physical, social and emotional well-being. BY STUART FOXMAN T he pole was 20 feet high. Even though her student was harnessed and seemed to have followed the instructions, Faiza Fahim, OCT, wanted to do one more check. Just to be safe. Fahim, an ESL teacher at Toronto’s Albert Campbell Collegiate Institute, had taken students to an outdoor centre for some team building and fun. Staff there had explained the rules and taken all precautions. For more peace of mind, Fahim had brought along a former ESL student to help translate. She knows you can never be too careful about student well-being. Now, before this one student was ready to climb the pole, Fahim asked if he was nervous. No, he assured, he could handle this. Then he admitted something else: what really made him nervous was presenting in class. New to Canada, the school system, the language and his classmates, he worried about how he’d come across. Whenever a presentation is coming, he told Fahim, he can’t sleep for days. The conversation reminded her that safety means different things at different times. Sometimes fear and embarrassment can be as damaging in their own way as an injury. Physical safety is paramount. But safety for students encompasses the social and emotional as well. “Are students seen and heard? Is there an atmosphere of trust? For me, safety is having an inclusive environment,” says Fahim. For teachers, it’s critical to identify an unsafe learning situation, respond when you see one, and minimize risks in the first place. The College’s professional advisory Safety in Learning Environments: A Shared Responsibility outlines the expectations. Questions of safety infuse conversations in education daily and touch every setting. Think of just some of the threats: bullying in the schoolyard; broken bones on the playground; food allergies in the cafeteria; fires in the science lab; concussions on the sports field; accidents with equipment; intruders in the school; mishaps on field trips; and unsupportive classrooms. There are more, and teachers are essential safeguards. “Recognizing student vulnerability and acting to mitigate it is your professional responsibility,” states the advisory. It helps to look at safety in the broadest sense. Take COVID, obviously a major safety concern this past year — and not only in the most apparent ways. June 2021 Professionally Speaking 21
GREAT TEACHING Teachers have played a key role in Finn. “That lowers the anxiety level for “It’s all about prevention,” says modelling best practices, ensuring the students.” Does anxiety pose a Andrea McCullagh, OCT, a Grade 1 students maintain masking and safety risk? “Absolutely,” she says. teacher at École élémentaire publique keeping cohorts apart. Those are Reducing that risk needn’t be Cité Jeunesse in Trenton, Ont. the basics, says Isabelle Boulerice- complex. Consider the ESL student Fire drills and lockdown drills are Leblanc, OCT. She’s just as focused who was apprehensive about a pres- part of it, but so is everyday diligence. on other COVID-related safety needs. entation. To support students feeling What could pose a danger? Scissors, “A lot of kids are struggling with anxious, Fahim teaches students how a folding step stool, the hot water tap anxiety,” says Boulerice-Leblanc, a to be good audience members: sup- — just about anything depending on resource teacher at École élémentaire portive, attentive and aware of how the circumstances, says McCullagh. publique De la Riviere Castor in Embrun, their behaviour can affect someone. She scans her room through a child’s Ont., 30 minutes southeast of Ottawa. She also encourages strategies that eyes and knows her students well Students hear about people dying, can alleviate stress. If a student has enough to glean who’s at higher risk. know the virus is invisible, and have seen trouble making eye contact, Fahim That includes sensing tension in the their routines upended. To Boulerice- might suggest they give classmates classroom, or when some students are Leblanc, safety means helping students pictures or props to look at during a having a more challenging time. In those cope and offering tips to relieve stress. presentation. Just so all eyes aren’t instances, she might have everyone take Another requirement is creating an on them. And instead of having a breathing or body movement break. environment where students feel safe presenters answer queries on the “The atmosphere is a huge factor. If to make mistakes. “We should have a spot, nerve-wracking for some, Fahim the children think of your classroom as judgment-free zone,” she says. asks the class to write down questions a safe space, physically and emotion- Michelle Finn, OCT, agrees. She or comments; then the presenter can ally, you’ve succeeded as a teacher,” teaches religion, humanities and think them over and address them says McCullagh. social sciences at Bishop Reding the next day. It’s also vital to understand whom to Catholic Secondary School in Milton, “While we may not be able to alleviate call if a student is injured, ill or endan- Ont. After marking assignments and stress altogether for students, we can gered, says Boulerice-Leblanc. For providing feedback, Finn gives her give them strategies to make a learning example, she knows of a six-year-old PHOTOS: iSTOCK Grade 12 students the chance to task more approachable,” says Fahim. student who said they wanted to die. A resubmit the work. Knowing health and safety proto- social worker was contacted, the “It’s a growth mindset; you can make cols is fundamental too, as is grasping parents were notified, and the student mistakes and learn from them,” says the wide range of hazards. received professional help. 22 Professionally Speaking June 2021
GREAT TEACHING Other physical threats are easily camping, a canoe trip, a mountain defined. For instance, as a high school expedition and multiple day trips. science teacher Leila Knetsch, OCT, knows the hazards of chemicals and Parents understandably focus on whether their children will be safe Learn more flammability. “I put lots of thought into during the program. That’s where • Considerations for setting up the lab,” says Knetsch, who respect comes in, says Gaynik. Program Planning, teaches Grades 9–12 at Albert Camp- He trains his students to respect Ministry of Education: bell Collegiate Institute in Toronto. the environment and understand oct-oeeo.ca/r556dg She runs through mandatory safety the precautions to take. They learn rules with her students at the beginning to respect themselves and be honest • Health and Safety: Scope and of a class, and ensures they follow some about their limitations. They also Sequence of Expectations, preventative procedures; like keeping respect their classmates and know Ministry of Education: stoppers on test tubes, and turning that everyone’s skill and confidence oct-oeeo.ca/hhrqv4 Bunsen burners off between uses. levels are different, and that they • Caring and Safe Schools in Knetsch is also attuned to the relative must all support each other. Ontario, Ministry of Education: skills and knowledge of different grade “Safety isn’t a one-dimensional oct-oeeo.ca/trzdg7 levels. She says accidents can happen term,” says Gaynik. when teachers overestimate the If something goes wrong, Gaynik • Resources on Safe abilities or the amount of common does have first aid and wilderness first and Accepting Schools, sense students possess. responder credentials. To some extent, Ministry of Education: Many substances in a lab can pose a physical safety is about training and oct-oeeo.ca/azp9wg danger. The way students are grouped a checklist. How to foster emotional • Leading Safe and Accepting can be a volatile mix too. In dividing her safety? That doesn’t come with a Schools, Institute for class of 30 into groups, Finn tries for a manual but is equally important. Education Leadership: healthy balance to create a safe space “We have a health and safety commit- oct-oeeo.ca/3z63dg for sharing. She asks students to tee walking around looking for physical privately list three classmates they’d hazards. We don’t have a committee • Resources for educators, want, and ensures one is grouped with checking for socio-emotional hazards, School Mental Health Ontario: them. She also asks them who but to a be good teacher you have to oct-oeeo.ca/5bdx4q wouldn’t be a good fit. consider that,” says Finn. Finn assembles the groups like a So what makes an all-around safe • Health and Safety in Schools jigsaw puzzle. That exercise is essen- learning environment, anyway? Project, Council of Ontario tial, she says. You want to avoid a For Fahim, it’s one where the Directors of Education: situation where a student might be students feel comfortable to reach out oct-oeeo.ca/pknrrm shut down or teased by a classmate, to the teacher for help and guidance. • Safety training resources, or where personality clashes could Adds Knetsch, “It’s a place where Science Teachers’ of Ontario derail co-operation. students can be themselves, and form Association: Knetsch, too, knows mental healthy relationships.” oct-oeeo.ca/r2k6yt well-being is a big aspect of safety. Finn says no type of safety should “That part is harder. You don’t always be overlooked, be it the risk of broken • Physical activity safety know what students are thinking and bones or emotional scarring. standards, Ophea (Ontario feeling,” she says. Gaynik talks about creating an Physical and Health She is intentional about creating a informal “safety contract.” “That’s Education Association): considerate and co-operative atmos- where we have real experiences that safety.ophea.net phere. During group activities, she’ll lend themselves to emotional and set a timer so students can take turns social safety, which allows students talking. That eliminates certain to be able to lean on each other for place in the school and with peers. students dominating the air space, support and encouragement,” he says. Still others can feel lost, and look to and sends a message. “It allows for All of the safety considerations matter. their teacher for direction. respect, and shows that everybody When Gaynik is doing expeditions, there Outdoors, Gaynik and his students has something to say,” she says. can be dangers from students stumbling assess the risks. His advice there is Respect is a safety cornerstone on hazardous terrain, being exposed to applicable to any educational setting. too for Mark Gaynik, OCT, an outdoor the elements, or facing the unknown. “Observe and assess your surroundings educator at Nantyr Shores Secondary That can happen inside a classroom and the potential dangers. See what in School in Innisfil, Ont. Gaynik runs the too. Think of how students can stumble the environment might make you safe or Enviroventure program for Grades 11 in their progress. Or feel the proverbial safer, and realize you have the support and 12. The program includes winter ground shifting as they try to find their of leaders and classmates.” PS June 2021 Professionally Speaking 23
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REMARKABLE TEACHER Setting the Stage Actress Karen Robinson reflects on the teacher whose kindness made all the difference. BY RICHARD OUZOUNIAN I f you’re a fan of CBC-TV comedy, then you’re bound to be a fan of Karen Robinson. The award-winning performer spent six seasons on Schitt’s Creek as the sardonic town councillor Ronnie Lee, throwing shade wherever she glanced. Now, she’s holding down the fort on Pretty Hard Cases as the take-no-prisoners boss, Inspector Edwina Shanks. “It’s a gas of a show,” she says, with a trademark booming laugh. “Great cast. Great scripts. All I have to do is show up and wear good suits.” Robinson is having her moment in the sun right now, the result of a lengthy and successful career. She’s been hard at work for decades, collecting honours for her theatre performances from coast-to-coast, as well as a Canadian Screen Award in 2019 for her performance in the TV series Mary Kills People. The actress radiates confidence, but she’ll tell you it doesn’t come from her long list of screen credits or the trophy shelf full of awards. Instead, Robinson says her self-assurance can be traced back to the influence of Phyllis Jones, her Grade 9 geography teacher who also taught her in Grades 10 and 11 preparing her for her final CXC (Caribbean Examination Council) at Meadowbrook High School in Kingston, Jamaica. “All it takes to change your life is to have someone look you in the eye, smile at you and accept you for who you are,” says Robinson. It’s not that the actress was a shrinking violet as a student. Far from it. Robinson, the youngest of four children, says she always knew she wanted to perform. She laughs as she recalls her stage debut at a Christmas concert at the age of four singing “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” “I was so short they had to put me on a stool so people could see me.” Despite all the exterior bravado, though, by the time Robinson reached the age of 13, she says she was going through teenage angst and didn’t know where she fit in the world. “She was the kind of student you couldn’t ignore,” Jones recalls, “with a loud voice and a big smile on her face. But I thought to myself, ‘Inside, she’s a lonely girl.’” Robinson describes herself back then as “a rabidly pubescent, strange young child. It’s such a difficult time. You can’t control the rate at which your body is June 2021 Professionally Speaking 25
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