True Grit JUNE 2021 THE PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO COLLEGE OF TEACHERS
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
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
Shut the front door ! Low Rate Mortgages from 1.89%* DirecTCU™ makes managing your financial needs as an educator easier. 24/7 access to unique products and customized services. Check balances, transfer funds, pay bills, view e-statements, apply for credit and open new accounts – all from your computer or mobile phone. Apply Today Visit directcu.ca or call us at 1.855.598.2893. *1.89 APR assumes the typical example of a new mortgage where there is no cost of borrowing other than interest. Legal fees would increase the APR. Interest is calculated half-yearly, not in advance. Quoted rate is based on new a high ratio mortgage where the borrower places a down payment of less than 20% of the purchase price of the home. Additional rate premiums may apply in cases of a refinance, extended amortizations, non-owner occupied, or other instances where application details may warrant it. Applications are subject to credit approval based on DirecTCU’s normal credit granting criteria. Additional restrictions may apply. Rates are subject to change without notice. DirecTCU is a division of Tandia Financial Credit Union Limited. ™DirecTCU is a trademark of the Canadian Credit Union Association and is used under license.
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 9LETTERS 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 2021LETTERS 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 11PROUD 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.caPS 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 13IN 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 2021IN 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 15IN 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 2021IN 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 17You 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 1920 Professionally Speaking June 2021
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 21GREAT 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 2021GREAT 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 2324 Professionally Speaking June 2021
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 25You can also read
