Algoma Occasional Teachers' Local

Welcome to the new website for the Algoma Occasional Teachers' Local! The Algoma Occasional Teachers' Local is a part of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO), a unionized organization that represents over 70,000 teachers across the province.

As one of 31 Occasional Teacher Locals in Ontario, the Algoma Occasional Teachers' Local represents over 260 qualified and certified Elementary Occasional Teachers employed by the Algoma District School Board.

As the bargaining unit for the Elementary Occasional Teachers of Algoma, we are committed to securing and maintaining the best possible working conditions for our members, protecting the rights of all members, and making certain that the conditions of our Collective Agreement are honoured.

On this website you will find a wide variety of useful information, including our Collective Agreement and Local Constitution, recent issues of our Local newsletter, discussions of relevant issues, upcoming Professional Development opportunities, and much much more!

Occasional Teacher Workshops 2012

All sessions will run from 4:00 - 5:00 pm, and will be held in the Board Room at the Education Centre, unless otherwise indicated.

Note: Registration is required for each workshop. Please register for workshops at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ADSBOTworkshops2012

Registrants will receive a confirmation email one week prior to the workshop.

January 23
Topic: Formative Assessment - Assessment for and as Learning
Facilitator: Elaine DeRosario
Workshop Description: Formative assessment is an active process that involves both teachers and students making adjustments for improvement. This workshop provides an understanding of how success criteria, descriptive feedback, and self-assessment are not separate elements in the formative assessment process but work together to allow teachers to properly monitor progress of achieving specific learning goals.

January 30
Topic: Student Engagement - The Inclusive Classroom
Facilitator: Kris Oliverio
Workshop Description: This workshop will provide teachers with practical tools to build a collaborative classroom climate by fostering positive relationships and empowering students in their learning through inquiry. We will discover opportunities to develop students’ critical literacy skills and sense of resiliency through themes of global citizenship and service learning.

February 6
Topic: Technology in the Classroom
Facilitator: Marty Stilin
Note: This workshop will be held in the GM Johnston Rm. at the Education Centre
Workshop Description: This workshop will provide time to explore a few software applications, discuss technology needs in the classroom and answer your technology questions. For those registering, a short survey will be conducted to determine the software applications of focus for the session.

February 13
Topic: School Effectiveness Framework
Facilitator: Kristen Viita
Workshop Description: Do you want to learn how to increase student success in the classroom and school levels? Then this workshop is for you! The School Effectiveness Framework is the document used when schools participate in the District Review process. Evidence-based indicators, which outline successful practices are: Assessment for, as, and of Learning; School and Classroom Leadership; Student Voice; Curriculum, Teaching and Learning; Programs and Pathways and; Home, School and Community Partnerships. Come and learn together about how this resource shows us how to reach every student.

February 27
Topic: Teaching Mathematics Through Problem-Solving
Facilitator: Kerri Grasley & Kris Oliverio
Workshop Description: This workshop will focus on the difference between teaching through problem-solving and teaching about problem-solving. We will work through a 3-part lesson structure and will take some time to become familiar with professional mathematics resources available in all schools.

March 5
Topic: Running Records
Facilitator: Bev Reid
Workshop Description: Running Records are an important reading assessment tool. The information gathered by the teacher during this assessment provides clear direction in terms of planning precise programming for students. This workshop will introduce participants to conventions, analysis, and determining next steps for instruction using running records.

March 19
Topic: What's New?
Facilitator: Kinda Kirby
Note: This workshop will be held in the GM Johnston Rm. at the Education Centre
Workshop Description: Come and learn about the newest resources that are available from the Student Achievement Division of the Ministry of Education.

March 26
Topic: An Overview of Comprehensive Literacy
Facilitator: Allison Corbett
Workshop Description: This workshop will focus on the components of a comprehensive literacy program. It will address a balance of instructional approaches in all four strands of the Language Curriculum.

April 2
Topic: Early Learning Kindergarten Program
Facilitator: Laurie Bouliane
Workshop Description: This workshop will provide an overview of the Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program.