Teacher education

OECD report

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development released an international report on the state of teacher education at the conference Teacher Education for the Schools We Need, organized by OISE/UT, the Ontario College of Teachers and TV Ontario in May.

Teachers Matter: Attracting, Developing and Retaining Effective Teachers draws on the organization's examination of teacher-education reforms in 25 countries. The study looks at more flexible pathways into teaching programs, how to give teacher candidates more contact with schools and how to provide support to teachers throughout their careers.

Don Fallon, Carnegie Corporation Director, addresses the audience in Richmond Hill.

Three broad conclusions emerge from research on student learning:

• The largest source of variation in student learning is attributable to differences in what students bring to schools, such as their abilities and attitudes and their family and community background.
• Teacher quality is the single most important school variable influencing student achievement.
• It is difficult to predict who is going to be a good teacher just by considering measurable characteristics such as qualifications and teaching experience. Other important factors are the ability to convey ideas in clear and convincing ways, to be enthusiastic and creative and to work effectively with colleagues and parents.

To read the executive summary, visit www.oecd.org. You can borrow a copy of the full report from the College's Margaret Wilson Library.

College Registrar Doug Wilson speaks at the Teacher Education for the Schools We Need conference held May 13.

ocufa

Ian Crawford of the University of Windsor's Faculty of Education was honoured in June with the 2004 Teaching Award presented by the Teaching and Academic Committee of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA).

During Crawford's distinguished 30-year career of teaching teachers, many have learned from his "genuine and contagious passion for teaching and the supportive and nurturing role he has played in mentoring students and colleagues," says OCUFA President Michael Doucet.

Michael Doucet, President of OCUFA, presents one of six prestigious 2004 Teaching Awards to Ian Crawford at the Toronto awards ceremony, June 10.

Teachers' qualifications review

The College continued its work in reviewing teacher qualifications with provincial education stakeholders session and French- and English-language Phase Two focus groups at the College in June.

Maha Wilson of QECO and Education Officer Jacques Théorêt of the Ministry of Education at Phase Two French-language focus group session.

College Chair Marilyn Laframboise welcomes participants to Phase Two English-language focus group session.

Donna Lacavera, Executive Assistant at OECTA and Donna Marie Kennedy, the current OECTA President and former College Chair

Teachers' e-network

A new online service allows College members in good standing to communicate with other members - at school, at home, at any time.

This network has been created to help internationally trained teachers (ITTs) develop teaching contacts within Ontario, find jobs, learn about classroom management and locate educational resources. All members, however, can participate. For ITTs and other new members this is a great opportunity to network with experienced members of the profession from across the province.

Volunteers

As Teachers' Network volunteers, experienced members can decide the terms of their availability to others.

For example, initially you will provide an e-mail address and may decide later whether to continue via e-mail, by phone or in person. If or when you provide a phone number, you can stipulate the hours that you are willing to accept calls. You can also indicate whether you want to help teachers trained outside Ontario only or if you are willing to connect with any new teacher.

Volunteers also decide how many people they are willing to have contact with - from one to five. The system automatically tracks the number of matches. For example, if you pick three people, your name won't be offered once three candidates are part of your networking list. You can also add or delete contacts.

Collegial connections

Whether you're a new teacher or a veteran, the Teachers' Network can provide connections with colleagues from across the province. It offers a great opportunity for sharing experiences, support and advice.

Whether you're looking for help or offering it, you are matched according to the following criteria:

• subject area
• location
• school board.

To join, simply visit the Members' Area on the College web site and click on Teachers' Network. To opt in as a contact, fill out the form on the Teachers' Network Volunteer page. To contact other members, use the network's search feature - province-wide collegial contacts, with just a click of the mouse.

Student winners

Essay contest

Katija Bonin, Caryn Ceolin and Maria Anillo gained top ranking in the 2005 PREP WRITET Essay Contest, winning $250 each with an equal donation awarded to their participating schools.

Elementary and secondary students across the GTA drew on personal experiences, current events, history and literature to reflect on the statement, "Your attitude almost always determines your altitude in life."

One winner and two honourable mentions were selected in each grade category.

GRADE 5/6 - Katija Bonin, a home-schooled student in Mississauga, exemplified the faith of holocaust survivors. Honourable mentions were awarded to Samantha Alessi of St. John Bosco Catholic School in Oshawa and Sona Rai of Darcel Avenue Senior Public School in Mississauga.

GRADE 7/8 - Caryn Ceolin of Our Lady of Peace Catholic School in Maple reflected on the positive attitudes of Canadian settlers, gun-control activist Louise Russo and children's rights advocate Craig Kielburger. Honourable mentions went to William McMillan of Hillfield-Strathallan College in Hamilton and Michele Speyer of United Synagogue Day School (Bayview Campus) in Toronto.

GRADE 9/10 - Maria Anillo of Bishop Allen Academy in Toronto used Terry Fox's survival, Steve Nash's selfless nature and Ebenezer Scrooge's coldness to highlight her feelings. Honourable mentions went to Lisa Indris of Bishop Allen Academy and Heliya Ziai of La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science in Toronto.

This year marks the first of what is to be an annual event. For information or to view winning essays, visit www.prepskills.com.

CA Challenge

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario announced winners in its annual Ontario CA Challenge in June. Awards were presented to the top 20 students and their respective teachers.

This year Clara Sze-Man of Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy in Markham took first place, while Rokeni Anantharajah of Woburn Collegiate Institute in Scarborough placed second and Edward Lucarelli of De La Salle College in Toronto came third - receiving $1,500, $1,000 and $500 respectively.

Prizes are awarded to top students in 19 districts and to all who finish in the top 20 provincially.

For more information visit www.icao.on.ca.

Certification

Alternate US strategies

Nearly a third of newly certified school teachers who taught in the United States for the first time this year did not graduate from education colleges but were licensed through alternate routes, the National Center for Education Information reports. About 35,000 new teachers are former professionals or military personnel, mostly over 30, who switched careers.

VISITORS: SPAIN, NEW ZEALAND, CHINA

Delegations visit the College to share and gather information on a range of education issues, including accreditation, qualifications and standards of practice.

From left, rear: College External Relations Officer Kathy Anstett, Standards of Practice and Education Unit Program Officers Jerry Wheeler and James Moloney with Manurewa Central School Principal Laurie Thew and Auckland Primary Principals' Association President Anne Malcolm of New Zealand RIGHT: Representatives from the Basque region of Spain visited in April.

Character study conference

International experts - including Avis Glaze, Phillip Fitch Vincent and Thomas Lickona - gather November 1-2 for the National Character Education Conference at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville. The conference, organized by Trillium Lakelands DSB and Huntsville High School, will address the importance of character education in our schools, including its contribution to academic achievement.

For information visit www.ncec.ca.

CREDENTIAL ASSESSMENT

The World Education Services Workshop for regulatory bodies on emerging trends in documentation for credential assessment was held at the College June 13.

WES Area Specialist Arjun Vinodrai and WES Deputy Executive Director Margarita Sianou

Web site's new look

You will have noticed changes in the College's publications recently. The transformation is part of a College-wide project ensuring that materials have a consistent, high-quality and professional look.

As part of this initiative, the College launches its redesigned web site this September. The firm responsible for the College's new look is Hahn-Smith Design, whose other clients include the Art Gallery of Ontario, Harvard University and New York's Museum of Modern Art.

In conjunction with the visual shift, the web site has been restructured to better reflect our users' needs. You can quickly locate information on:

• College services
• what you need to become a teacher
• continuing professional development.

One section of the site has been created specifically for internationally trained teachers, and there's a new section for the media. The library now has its own navigation system, which will make it easier to locate library materials. And if you are looking for articles from Professionally Speaking, you'll find them under Publications.

The Investigations and Hearings section has a few minor adjustments while the Standards section is virtually unchanged.

Visit soon. If you haven't already done so, sign up in the Members' Area. Then drop in regularly to check out new services to be added this fall.

Your feedback and suggestions for improvements are welcome. Contact Lynda Scarrow, lscarrow@oct.ca.

Notable Dates

September

1-30 - SADS Awareness Month teaches families, educators and medical professionals about Sudden Arrythmia Death Syndromes. www.sads.ca

8 - International Literacy Day renews efforts to combat illiteracy and demonstrate commitment to providing education worldwide. www.un.org/depts/dhl/literacy

September 10 - October 8 Breakfast for Learning Month - Try Google.ca or other search engines to browse for ideas.

16 - International Day of Tolerance - Ten ideas for observing the day are found at www.unesco.org/tolerance/teneng.htm.

18 - Terry Fox National School Run Day marks the 25th anniversary of Fox's Marathon of Hope, in which he ran a marathon-a-day for 143 consecutive days in 1980 to raise funds for cancer research. www.terryfoxrun.org

21 - International Day of Peace invites us to create practical acts of Peace as part of the Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World, 2001 to 2010. www.internationaldayofpeace.org

25 - AIDS Walk Canada - Canada's largest HIV/AIDS fundraising and awareness campaign for direct community services. www.aidswalkcanada.ca

October

Eye Health Canada Month highlights eye health and routine eye examinations. www.opto.ca/ehcc/month.asp

Women's History Month encourages learning more about women's accomplishments and contributions to society. www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/whm/index_e.html

1 - International Music Day - Promotes youth participation in the arts and encourages exploration of music's many facets. www.pch.gc.ca

3 - World Habitat Day invites us to r eflect on the basic right to shelter and our collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat. 2005 theme is the Millennium Development Goals and the City. www.unchs.org/whd/2005/default.asp

3-7 - International Walk to School Week inspires healthier habits and raising awareness of community safety and environmental responsibility. For information or activities ideas visit www.iwalketoschool.org.

3-9 - National Family Week - This year's focus is Nurturing the Spirit of Family in Our Communities. www.familyservicecanada.org/nfw/2005/index_e.html

4-10 - World Space Week celebrates space science and technology. www.oosa.unvienna.org

5 - World Teachers Day honours teachers' role worldwide. portal.unesco.org

9-15 - Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 with learning about safety. www.nfpa.org

14-23 - National Science and Technology Week c elebrates science and technology that affect our everyday lives. www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/nstw-snst/intro_e.html

16 - World Food Day heightens awareness of world hunger to strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty. www.un.org/depts/dhl/food/

16-22 - National Dental Hygiene Week raises awareness of preventative oral health care. www.cdha.ca/content/events&conferences/events.asp

16-22 - YWCA Week Without Violence strives for realistic and sustainable alternatives to violence. www.weekwithoutviolence.ca

17 - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty recognizes the need to eradicate poverty through sustained and concerted effort - with a goal of halving the number of people living in poverty by 2015. www.un.org/esa/socdev/poverty/poverty_link3.htm

17-23 - Citizenship Week r ecognizes the value of citizenship and immigration - focusing on privileges, rights and responsibilities. www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizen/celebrate.html

17-23 - la Semaine de la coopération promotes the many benefits of taking part in the Canadian co-operative movement. www.ccc.coop/francais/evenements/semaine_cooperation.asp (French site)

17-23 - National School Safety Week is designed to help primary-grade students become more conscious of traffic safety. This year's campaign is See and Be Seen. www.safety-council.org/resource.html

17-23 - Waste Reduction Week focuses on how to make a difference in the amount of waste produced across Canada. www.wrwcanada.com

18 - Persons Day reminds us the five Alberta women of the landmark "Persons Case" in Canadian women's struggle for equality. The case achieved the right for women to serve in the Senate - paving the way for women to participate in other aspects of public life. www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/persons/index_e.html

24 - School Library Day celebrates the special contribution of school-based librarians to the education of children throughout the world. www.iasl-slo.org/isld.html; www.nsld.ca

24 - United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the UN's founding in 1945. www.unac.org/en/news_events/un_days/un_day1.asp

24 - World Development Information Day draws the attention to the need to strengthen international co-operation. Coinciding with United Nations Day, it is intended to stress the central role of development in the work of the UN. www.un.org

30 - Daylight Saving Time Ends - turn your clocks forward one hour.

November

2 - Take Our Kids to Work Day connects Grade 9 students with the world of work and their own futures. thelearningpartnership.ca.

5-11 - Veterans Week and Remembrance Day honour those who serve during war, armed conflict and peace. www.vac-acc.gc.ca.

15 - International PEN Day of the Imprisoned Writer - Writers commemorate colleagues persecuted for expressing their thoughts. www.pen.org

16 - International Day of Tolerance - Advances human welfare, freedom and progress and encourages tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation among different cultures, civilizations and peoples. www.un.org

Ten ideas for observing the day are found at www.unesco.org

20 – Children's Day promotes understanding among children and the welfare of the children – with national and international incarnations.

25 - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women marks the brutal 1961 assassination of the Mirabal sisters in the Dominican Republic, on orders of Rafael Trujillo.

Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month - The purple ribbon campaign informs the public and professionals of the devastating effects of child abuse and neglect - reminding us that reporting it is everyone's duty.www.oacas.org

December

1 - World AIDS Day is an international day of action on HIV and AIDS. www.worldaidsday.org/default.asp

2 - International Day for the Abolition of Slavery marks the anniversary of the UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others. Last year's site at www.un.org/depts/dhl/slavery includes titles of interest and related sites.

5 - International Volunteer Day celebrates those who give their time as volunteers. The United Nations volunteer site is www.unv.org.

10 - Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the General Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. www.un.org/events/humanrights/2004/

Amnesty International Canada site also invites participation in the day through a write-a-thon. www.amnesty.ca/writeathon.

11 - International Children's Day of Broadcasting - when broadcasters around the world are supposed to "Tune in to Kids" by airing quality programming for and about children and allowing them to be part of the programming process. www.unicef.org/videoaudio/video_icdb.html

For other international special days, observances and events, visit www.un.org and click on Conferences & Events, to the left of the UN's 60th anniversary logo.