February 21-25, 2022
The Roads Ahead
Ontario Family Day weekend often feels like a turn in the road for us educators. You almost hold your breath from January until mid-February, navigating semester wrap-ups, report cards and the dead of winter. Family Day weekend might begin with a wonderful, huge PD Day at the Shaw Centre and Winterlude, and then March break is a few huffs away. Not so much now. For the past two years, educators have not had the chance to hold their breath and then release. Life in a pandemic has been a series of unpredictable twists and turns; you can’t hold your breath because you don’t know when you can pause for the next intake. Instead, we have all been breathing steadily, breathing through the unpredictability.
We would like to assure you of some semi-predictability. Most of you have completed your practicums, you have submitted some excellent S4C inquiry projects, you are waiting for OCT temp. certificates, March break is a few weeks away, and graduation comes soon. The city is quieter after three weeks of noise, stress and occupation. Take a big breath – longer – and release. We thought you might enjoy listening to Etta James’
“At Last” – a pivotal song for its time, and we would offer, for now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qJU8G7gR_g
And, if you are looking for some more inspiration to strengthen resolve (and breathe through) here are some video segments from “The World’s Greatest Showman”:https://www.jethrojones.com/inspirational-videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjxugyZCfuw
Listed below are some resources on critical literacy and citizen-education we thought you should peruse – whatever your subject. All educators are key in developing thinking, discerning and empathetic citizens – now more than ever. Critical thinking and critical literacy always should be an undercurrent – or a loud shout – in your teaching.
It was a pleasure to spend time with you last week and be treated to your questions and three great presentations by Emily, Gabino, and Avery.
Assignments: to confirm – you are no longer required to complete Blog #2 and the AEL reflection. The AEL form still must be filled in by your AEL supervisor and sent to the Faculty.
Digital hub sharing – March 24, 31 – if you have not already, register for an interview time
Take good care – see you on April 7th (but the blog will be weekly and our availability is always there)
Heather and Paul
Course Evaluation
PED 3150/3151 Review: The Faculty will be sending out end-of-year surveys to teacher candidates to get your feedback on courses. Please note that the evaluation of 3151 involves two parts: the general 3151 course headed by Tracy Crowe and your 3151 cohort sessions, facilitated by us.
RESOURCES (art below by Christi Belcourt, In Neither Hope Nor Despair, Birds Fly, 2022)
