Professional Learning for ECEs

ETFO is dedicated to the development, promotion and protection of quality education for every student. Professional development plays a key role in achieving this vision. ETFO is the foremost provider of professional learning activities in Ontario. A wide range of professional learning activities are provided that are developed by members for members. In feedback forms and surveys, members consistently tell us that these activities are among the federation services they value most highly:

“ETFO is committed to professional learning. The talent pool is deep, the resources wide and varied, and there are opportunities for us as members to grow and lead beyond our schools.” ETFO member

What follows is a sample of existing ETFO professional learning opportunities that currently apply to early learning educators, or can easily be adapted to include ECE members.

Thinking it Through – Teaching and Learning in the Kindergarten Classroom: Soon to be released, this comprehensive resource will explore appropriate programming for young children, cross-curricular planning, learning through play, and how to set up an effective kindergarten program.

A Thousand Moments of Learning: Located at http://1000moments.net, this website and blog explores professional practice in the play-based kindergarten classroom.

The Body Image Project: An integrated, research-based resource to help elementary school students develop positive body image and self-esteem. Winner of the CMA’s ’Award for Excellence in Health Promotion.’ > Learn more

Classroom Management Workshop: Deals with communication, behavioural issues and effective classroom management. Originally designed for occasional teachers, this workshop can be adapted for ECEs.

ETFO Credit Courses: Offered in partnership with Drake University. Some courses are directly applicable to ECEs, especially ‘BASIC’ which deals with behavioural, social and academic interventions in the classroom; and ‘Building Communication and Teamwork in the Classroom.’

Financial Management Conference for Women Members: Offered every fall, this conference will be open to female ECE members.

ICT Programs: ETFO has a number of information and communication technology programs that are available to locals.

ICT Conference for Women: A forum to achieve an increased comfort level with various aspects of information and communication technology.

Instant RECALL: Coaching Institute: A two-day workshop to build coaching skills. This program would be expanded to include ECE members.

Leadership Event: A yearly conference to train local federation officers, including ECE local leaders.

Presenters on the Road (POTR): A workshop series offered in partnership with ETFO locals. These workshops are developed by members for members. ECE members would have the opportunity to not only attend POTR workshops, but also to become a presenter on the road.

Reflections on Practice - A Women’s Leadership Institute: A year-long program in which women members become part of a professional learning community, engage in reflective practice, and produce an Action Research Report.

Special Needs in the Regular Classroom: A workshop focused on the behaviour of special needs students.

Strategies for Surviving While Smiling: A workshop for educators in their first five years of practice.

Summer Academy: A summer workshop series offered in locals throughout the province. Again, this is professional learning developed by members, for members.

Union School: A year-long institute designed to train the next generation of union leadership.

ETFO Book Clubs: Locals have access to online resources that support the formation of book clubs that explore some aspect of professional practice.