We all know that professional development is key to our career advancement as well as personally empowering in any profession and as teachers, are so fortunate to have a plethora of professional development courses to choose from.
To move across the grid:
- ETFO AQ/PQP Calendar 2011 - 2012 - It has been less than a year since ETFO launched ETFO-AQ with its mission to deliver top quality teacher professional learning at the reasonable price of $650 per course. Over the past year, 4000 teachers signed up to take an AQ or PQP course through ETFO. The feedback from our candidates has been phenomenal. Candidates praise the ETFO-AQ instructors for their skill at creating learning environments that are supportive, informative and innovative. They like that the course material is practical, current and relevant. The most significant factor in candidates deciding to take a course from ETFO is the praise they have heard from other teachers; this word of mouth has been critical to our success. ETFO is currently developing many new AQs which will be offered next year, including: Kindergarten - Part 2 & Specialist; Adapting Curriculum for Second-Language Learners; Inclusive Classroom - Specialist; Junior Education - Specialist; Language Arts, Grade 7 and 8; Science and Technology - Part 2 & Specialist; Social Studies - Primary and Junior - Part 2 & Specialist; and Use and knowledge of Assistive Technology.
For your own Professional Development:
- Summer Academy 2011 Advance Notice - These dynamic three-day professional learning courses will be provided in a partnership between locals and the provincial office throughout July and August. The Summer Academy 2011 course catalogue will be available on the ETFO website mid-May. A detailed Summer Academy 2011 flyer will be sent out in the May Stewards' mailing. For more information, please contact Ruth Dawson, extension 2278, rdawson@etfo.org, or Joanne Myers, extension 2279, jmyers@etfo.org, or Jane Bennett, extension 2277, jbennett@etfo.org at the provincial office.
Remember: AQs get you the Interview - PD gets you the Job!
An as an F.Y.I:
- Call for Workshop Presenters - Presenters on the Road offers quality workshops in partnerships with ETFO locals across the province. All workshops are developed by members for members. This program includes a variety of workshops to address subject areas, issues critical to teachers and their work, both as classroom teachers and other specific assignments such as special education, teacher librarians, and occasional teachers. ETFO members are encouraged to submit workshops that they have presented for consideration. Workshops may be suitable for teachers in one division such as kindergarten, primary, junior, or intermediate, or for a cross-divisional audience. Application deadline is May 6, 2011 at 5:00 pm. For more information, please contact Jason Johnston, extension 2246, ljohnston@etfo.org, at the provincial office.
Our next exciting event will be our Spring General Meeting and Banquet which will be held at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn on May 26, 2011 from 4:30 - 7:30 pm. Please register at tvotpd@gmail.com by noon, May 19, 2011. Dinner will be provided at no charge to members. Please remember to contact our office should you have to cancel your spot so that another member can take your place and you will not be charged for the meal. These General Meetings are of great importance to you as a member as we are nominating and electing members for next year's Executive and it gives you the opportunity to become more involved and learn what we are here for.
Look out for our next edition of The Supply Line going out to you within the next few days.
Don't forget to complete the Mandatory on-line training modules which are all set-up and available via the Employee Portal. There are over 20 modules to complete in total. The amount of time required for the modules will be less than a day's time, but you will get paid for a full day! Payment for this PD will be on June 30th, the 1 day you must reserve if you are a retired teacher.
