Summer Learning

OTF’s exceptional summer learning opportunities provide time for you to learn, reflect on your classroom practice, network, and collaborate with peers.

The focus of the professional learning institutes is to reflect on the journey of hope you will be embarking on in the school year.

All institutes are facilitated by Ontario teachers and are typically offered during the month of August.

Registration is free! Powerful learning is a guarantee!

In the summer of 2022, here are the programs that OTF offered:

Full STE(A)M Ahead: Inclusive, Innovative and Interactive Teaching and Learning about STEM

Join us this summer for a one-and-a-half-day immersive professional learning event at the k2i academy (Lassonde School of Engineering, York University). Together, we’ll explore hands-on, practical activities that you can adapt and adopt in your own teaching practice. Come learn how to interconnect engineering design, computational thinking, coding and electronics to engage students in creative problem solving focused on social and environmental justice issues. Experience how we can create inclusive spaces that inspire our students to be future creators, innovators, thought leaders, and problem solvers!

 

Exploring the Power & Potential of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Education

In this interactive three-day summer learning opportunity, participants will have the opportunity to learn from the land and alongside Indigenous community members to explore the connection between Indigenous Knowledge Systems, the natural environment and how this can create powerful learning experiences. Participants will be guided through numerous ready-made, curriculum-connected activities and lesson plans as examples on how to effectively embed appropriate First Nations, Métis and Inuit education into a variety of subject areas.   Strategies on how to avoid mis-steps leading to appropriation and harmful, unintentional practices will be shared as well as numerous examples of transformative classroom practices that embrace a healing-informed approach to teaching and learning.

Learning Goals:

  • Build an understanding of Indigenous worldviews and protocols, including the importance of local relationships
  • Highlight the relationship between Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the land through a variety of experiences
  • Develop an understanding of the historical and contemporary policies that continue to impact First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples
  • Recognize that reconciliation involves the collective efforts from all peoples to revitalize the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canadian society.
  • Create a network of resources and contacts