Summer Teach Abroad is a unique, three stage program that blends English language teacher training with an English language camp for elementary and secondary students in a host city. Ontario-certified, experienced teachers provide participating local teachers an opportunity to increase their repertoire of teaching and classroom management strategies in real classroom settings with face-to-face instruction.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience for local students enriches their English skills and opens a window into Canadian culture in a wholly new learning environment.

There are three partners involved in the preparation and implementation of this event – (1) York Region District School Board providing Ontario certified teachers and a quality curriculum (2) the local education authority recruiting student and teacher candidates and (3) a host school providing on-site logistic support and administration.

Full cost recovery is possible for this program.

 

This exciting opportunity is designed for school principals and educators who want to learn proven methods of creating more successful schools.

The importance of the principal, as a leader and a manager, in orchestrating sustained school and student success has been widely demonstrated in international research and practice. It is essential that well-qualified and well-trained principals are readily available to fulfill the requirements, expectations and responsibilities of the role.

Courses for English teachers can take one of two paths:

(1) Enhancing English language proficiency via a variety of contemporary instructional strategies

(2) Enriching the foreign educators’ instructional skills as teachers of English as a Foreign Language

Both paths develop a shared belief and understanding about English language learners by engaging in an examination of the following components which are based upon current research:

• cultural proficiency
• the learning environment
• theoretical foundations for language learning and acquisition
• assessment and evaluation
• program development, planning and implementation

Successful candidates of intensive training courses may be recommended for the Mentorship Program.

 

This program is specifically designed to allow principals and teachers to study and work together in a spirit of mutual learning and understanding which will lead to a school culture of support and sustainable student success.

Teachers are most effective when their teaching methodologies are understood and endorsed by their colleagues, their principal and the students’ parents.
Students benefit most when teachers and principals develop a synergy based on enlightened administrative and classroom practice. The purpose of this program is to develop such synergy.

Principals gain by building close collaborative relationships with their staff through shared ownership, increased motivation and the development of leadership potential.

Participants will gain new professional and cultural experiences, as well as the concepts, skills and strategies, applicable to enhance classroom and school performance.

 

Many school districts are seeking to broaden teachers’ repertoire of instructional strategies. Some school districts want to extend English language instruction into content or subject area classes. These objectives can be met through training courses designed to address specific topics, such as:

• Language and Cultural Proficiency
• Contemporary Theory
• Interactive Instruction

Whether it is Chemistry or Business Studies, a course’s content and mode of delivery can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the participants.

International Educators who are seeking an in-depth knowledge of Canadian education theory and practice and an opportunity to develop skills to provide training leadership in their home school and/or education authority will find the Mentorship Program the key to their success. In addition to a customized program meeting their specific objectives, candidates are directed by a research focus agreed to by both their education authority and the York Region District School Board.

Program highlights are as follows:

• a York Region District School Board (YRDSB) staff member as a mentor access to YRDSB Curriculum and Leadership resources

• participation in the YRDSB Teacher Professional Development Program appropriate school site placement

It is required that candidates be fluent in their use of English, provide four months notification, expressing their interest in the program, and spend a minimum of three months during the YRDSB instructional year in Ontario.

These programs are specifically custom designed to provide senior administrators with a window into their areas of expertise in a Canadian context. Designed for persons in a variety of fields, such as Human Resources, Health Care, Educational Administration, participants can hear from their counterparts in business, industry and the public sector. Lectures can be combined with site visits and/or include visiting Ontario universities. The academic portion of a program can be enriched through cultural tours which enable participants to more clearly understand Ontario’s history and geography.