Having enough time is a major concern for teachers. Teaching encompasses their lives, whether talking about students, teaching methods or professional learning.

OTF knows that teachers need to direct their own learning and need to have face-to-face interactions with their colleagues. And they need the time to do it. So, one more time, OTF is bringing you It’s About Time!

Teachers, as self-directed learners, need time to work together to reflect on their teaching needs and to determine what professional learning would best improve their practice. It’s About Time supports teams of up to four teachers with three days of release time per teacher. Using a problem-based learning model, successful applicants have time to work together problem solving and designing their own professional learning program.

Some project examples include:
• develop strategies and activities to implement the recently revised curricula;
• develop classroom management strategies for occasional teachers;
• create FSL resources for Grade 5; and
• develop strategies that integrate the environmental education policy into classroom practice.

It’s About Time allows teams to build on each other’s strengths, experience and knowledge. Together, teachers can research and develop their own relevant strategies or resources for their specific classroom needs. These resources can then be shared with other teachers in their school communities and across the province on the OTF website.

“I just wanted to share with you that being involved in the OTF It’s About Time project has made a huge impact on my teaching.

As I reached my final class of the year I reflected back and felt very proud of all that I had learned and accomplished throughout the year. So much of which would not have been possible without collaboration with my peers. My students have watched me grow throughout the year and have been inspired and challenged to grow as well. Parents, students and colleagues all admired the websites and resources I prepared as a result of my involvement in this PD opportunity. I was even more pleased to know that students at other schools were benefitting from the resources I was providing to my students.

Thanks again for this awesome opportunity.”

Gillian Woodcock-Ashford
Martingrove Collegiate Institute
Toronto District School Board

Please Note: This program is open only to classroom teachers who have not participated in It’s About Time Phase I, II, III or IV.