Additional Qualifications

First Nation, Métis & Inuit Studies, Part 1 is designed using the Aboriginal Holistic Education Framework to provide candidates with the opportunity to learn about First Nation, Métis and Inuit studies and with First Nation, Métis & Inuit people in order to provide an authentic and rich learning opportunity in which candidates can better inform their teaching practice. Each topic will be explored not as a separate or apart from each other but an interconnectedness model. Each module will consist of an on-line component, in-class component and a mandatory authentic experiential learning opportunity. There will be 4 parts and 7 modules to work through.

First Nation, Métis & Inuit Studies, Part 1 will be co facilitated by Nancy Rowe of the Mississaugas of New Credit and Michelle Evans. Additional guests will join the sessions to connect Indigenous people with educators and to provide context for learning.  Learning will guide educators to an understanding of prioritizing the original rights holders of their regions and upholding the rights of Indigenous students and families.

This course will be offered in a blended, hybrid, format that consists of several, synchronous, online, sessions (see linked schedule below for specific times and dates) with the exception of four (4) learning days that will be hosted on-site and in person at specific locations are also laid out in the schedule linked below.  Attendance at these mandatory, in-person, experiential learning opportunities is required in order to be recommended for the course. 

Please review the schedule provided before registering for this course. 

For the Independent Study portion of this course, participants will be expected to complete reflections and independent inquiry assignments via the D2L Classroom.

The combined number of dedicated working hours for course completion will be 125 hours.

This course is not currently being offered.

First Nation, Métis & Inuit Studies, Part 2 is designed for teachers who have completed Part 1 and who are looking to further enhance their knowledge of First Nation, Métis & Inuit curriculum, and pedagogy. This course will look at the Aboriginal Holistic Education Framework as a teaching guide as we examine First Nation, Métis & Inuit knowledge, and teachings. Teachers will further their understanding and knowledge of First Nation, Métis & Inuit content, and pedagogy to better inform their teaching practice.

Designed using the Aboriginal Holistic Education Framework, this course will provide candidates with the opportunity to learn about First Nation, Métis and Inuit studies, with First Nation, Métis and Inuit people to provide an authentic and rich learning opportunity. Each topic will be explored, using an interconnectedness model, as well as Indigenous epistemological and pedagogical frameworks.

First Nation, Métis & Inuit Studies, Part 2 will be co facilitated by Nancy Rowe of the Mississaugas of New Credit and Michelle Evans. Additional guests will join the sessions to connect Indigenous people with educators and to provide context for learning.  Learning will guide educators to an understanding of prioritizing the original rights holders of their regions and upholding the rights of Indigenous students and families.

The course will be presented in a hybrid format. Each part will consist of an on-line component, in-class component and a mandatory authentic, in-person experiential learning opportunity.

Please note, in addition to the scheduled, virtual sessions there will also be three Saturday in person sessions that will require travel to the Hamilton area (Hagersville). These dates will be determined as a collective. Attendance at both the synchronous, on-line and in person sessions is mandatory for successful completion of this course.  Building a responsive learning community is the priority. 

This is a Part 2 AQ course, and as such, applicants must meet Ontario College of Teachers’ (OCT) criteria of successfully completing at least 1 year (minimum 194 days) of teaching experience – to be confirmed by HR/Superintendent of the applicant’s respective employer.  Access to this form will be made available to you by way of email once your completed registration form has been received.  Please note, your registration in the course will NOT be approved until this form has been received.

DDSB Applicants: please submit form (completed with your own personal information) to employee.records@ddsb.ca  Your teaching days will be verified by Human Resources and signed by a superintendent. Please forward your signed form to aq@ddsb.ca

NON-DDSB Applicants: please email your signed and completed form to aq@ddsb.ca

This course is not currently being offered.

Guidance & Career Education, Part 1 employs a critical, pedagogical lens to explore in a holistic and integrated manner theoretical foundations, development of learners, program planning and implementation, learning preferences, instructional practices, assessment and evaluation, the learning environment and ethical considerations related to teaching and learning across the divisions to support student well-being.

This course is a starting point for the professional practice of Guidance Counsellors and Career Educators in Ontario. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the many aspects of working in a guidance-related role, gather and reflect on resources, begin to develop skills, and grow your capacity. You will apply theoretical understandings in order to assess programs and practices in Guidance and Career Education. You will be able to improve your understanding of various learning environments and diverse learners, while exploring ways to work with various personnel, groups, and entities. We will work to develop a deeper understanding of the role of Guidance and Career educators in students’ pathways through school and beyond. Our technologically infused educational landscape continues to evolve and grow; we will therefore leverage digital tools effectively in our learning pathway.

There will be the opportunity to participate in scheduled, online guest speaker sessions.  These sessions will not be mandatory, alternate assignments will be made available if your schedule does not allow for attendance, however attendance is strongly encouraged.

Weekly office hours will be hosted for participant support.  A schedule for these times and dates will be provided to participants at the outset of the course. 

Within the course, candidates will be required to interview a Guidance Counsellor on 3 separate occasions. If you are registering to take this course, we highly recommend that you start reaching out to a Guidance Counsellor that you know of to check on their willingness and availability to participate throughout the session. You will know these timelines at the beginning of the course.      

This course will be presented ONLINE where all of the instruction will be through the Brightspace / D2L Learning Management System.

Instructor: Jennifer Parrington

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This course is a continuation of the topics, skills, and learning started in Guidance & Career Education Part 1, for the professional practice of Guidance Counsellors and Career Educators in Ontario. You will have the opportunity to further develop many aspects of working in a guidance related role, gather and reflect on resources, enhance skills, and grow your capacity. You will apply theoretical understandings in order to assess programs and practices in Guidance and Career Education. You will be able to deepen your understanding of various learning environments and diverse learners, while enhancing ways to work with various personnel, groups, and entities. We will work towards an enriched understanding of the role of Guidance and Career educators in students’ pathways through school and beyond. Our technologically infused educational landscape continues to evolve and grow; we will therefore leverage digital tools effectively in our learning pathway.

Critical to the implementation of this course is the modeling of a positive learning environment that reflects care, diversity, and equity. This course supports the enhancement of professional knowledge, ethical practice, leadership, and ongoing learning. 

The French language and the English language communities will also need to implement these guidelines to reflect the unique contextual dimensions and needs of each community. Each of these language communities will explore the guideline content from distinct perspectives and areas of emphasis. This flexibility will enable both language communities to implement Guidance and Career Education as understood from a variety of contexts. 

Each module will have three parts. Each part will have an assignment, project, or task. Some tasks are individualistic, others will involve working with others, including OCT Guidance/Careers teachers outside of this course (so plan to make at least one connection to a practicing counsellor at the onset of this course). Each task/assignment/project will have a completion timeline listed at the beginning of the course, in the form of a course timeline.  It is expected that these modules should take approximately 122 hours to complete.  A culminating activity will round out the course requiring approximately 12 hours of dedicated working time to complete. 

Please note: Throughout the presentation of the course, there will be three (3) virtual class meetings, designed as a place for collaboration and debriefing. These evening, virtual meetings will be scheduled to take place on a (single) mutually agreed upon day at 7:00 pm during the weeks of :

• October 2
• October 30
• November 13

Specific dates for these sessions will be decided based on availability of the majority of the group and time will be somewhat flexible based on participant availability.  A conversation will be had at the outset of the course to confirm meeting details. They will be one hour each in duration.

This is a Part 2 AQ course, and as such, applicants must meet Ontario College of Teachers’ (OCT) criteria of successfully completing at least 1 year (minimum 194 days) of teaching experience – to be confirmed by HR/Superintendent of the applicant’s respective employer.  Access to this form will be made available to you by way of email once your completed registration form has been received.  Please note, you will be required to make your payment in full at the time of registration.  Please familiarize yourself with our refund policy prior to registration.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit the completed and signed form to finalize your registration in this course.  

DDSB Applicants: please submit form (completed with your own personal information) to employee.records@ddsb.ca.

Your teaching days will be verified by HR and signed by a Superintendent.  Please forward your SIGNED form to aq@ddsb.ca

NON-DDSB Applicants: please email your signed and completed form to aq@ddsb.ca 

Instructor: Basil Broumeriotis

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Health & Physical Education, Primary & Junior, Part 1will explore how effective Health and Physical Education programs support the development of learners, create a learning environment that engages students for learning and develops knowledge and skills in health and physical literacy. Physical Education programs can provide a gateway for our students to develop lifelong healthy habits that include physical, mental, spiritual and emotional, setting the stage for a better quality of life.

Participants will explore the theoretical foundations of the Health and Physical Education program and learn about the development of primary and junior learners, program planning and implementation, assessment, learning environments that support the delivery of physical education programming and ethical considerations related to teaching and learning in the primary and junior divisions.

“Research has shown a connection between increased levels of physical activity and better academic achievement, better concentration, better classroom behaviour and more focused learning. The expectations that make up this curriculum also provide the opportunity for students to develop social skills and emotional well-being. This practical, balanced approach will help students move successfully through elementary and secondary school and beyond.” Ontario 2015 H&PE Curriculum revised Introduction.

The course will be presented in a BLENDED format with scheduled, synchronous, ONLINE sessions in addition to the approximate 20 hours of independent inquiry and consolidation of information.  The platforms used for course presentation will be Brightspace / D2L Learning Management System and Google. 

This course is not currently being offered.

Health & Physical Education, Primary & Junior, Part 2 will explore how effective Health and Physical Education programs support the development of learners, create a learning environment that engages students for learning and develops knowledge and skills in health and physical literacy. Physical Education programs can provide a gateway for our students to develop lifelong healthy habits that include physical, mental, spiritual and emotional; setting the stage for a better quality of life.

Participants will explore the theoretical foundations of the Health and Physical Education program and learn about the development of primary and junior learners, program planning and implementation, assessment, learning environments that support the delivery of physical education programming and ethical considerations related to teaching and learning in the primary and junior divisions.

“Research has shown a connection between increased levels of physical activity and better academic achievement, better concentration, better classroom behaviour and more focused learning. The expectations that make up this curriculum also provide the opportunity for students to develop social skills and emotional well-being. This practical, balanced approach will help students move successfully through elementary and secondary school and beyond. ” Ontario 2015 H&PE Curriculum revised Introduction.

The course will be presented in a BLENDED format with 10 in-class sessions, 7 hours each (3 hours in class, 4 hours in gymnasium), and 14 online sessions, 2.5 hours using Brightspace / D2L Learning Management System. Additionally, participants will complete assignments that account for 20 hours of independent inquiry and consolidation of information.

Please note, as this is a Part 2 AQ course, applicant must meet Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) criteria of successfully completing at least 1 year (approximately 194 days) of teaching experience - to be confirmed by HR upon the submission of Teaching Verification form.  Please submit this form to employee.records@ddsb.ca  Registration will not be processed until signed verification form is submitted to AQ Secretary. 

This course is not currently being offered.

Integration of Information & Computer Technology in Instruction, Part 1 is open to all teachers with an interest or background in leveraging technology in education. Candidates will have an opportunity to explore, extend and enhance their capacity to integrate technology into program planning, delivery and assessment and evaluation.

This course will explore basic hardware and software available to educators, applications and current trends in computer literacy, ethical and professional judgement in using technology in education and an exploration of resources and materials available to use in your classroom.

This course will be presented ONLINE where all of the instruction will be through the Brightspace / D2L Learning Management System. 

Instructor: Jeff Raymer

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Integration of Information & Computer Technology in Instruction, Part 2 is open to all teachers with an interest or background in leveraging technology in education who have completed AQ – IICTI Part 1 and one year of teaching experience. Candidates will have an opportunity to extend, enhance, and apply their capacity to integrate technology into program planning, delivery and assessment and evaluation. This course will explore models of technology integration in the classroom, applications and current trends in computer literacy, ethical and professional judgement in using technology in education and development and planning of programming leading to a deepening of integration in practice and school leadership.

This is a Part 2 AQ course, and as such, applicants must meet Ontario College of Teachers’ (OCT) criteria of successfully completing at least 1 year (minimum 194 days) of teaching experience – to be confirmed by HR/Superintendent of the applicant’s respective employer.  Access to this form will be made available to you by way of email once your completed registration form has been received.  Please note, you will be required to make your payment in full at the time of registration.  Please familiarize yourself with our refund policy prior to registration.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit the completed and signed form to finalize your registration in this course.

DDSB Applicants: please submit form (completed with your own personal information) to employee.records@ddsb.ca  Your teaching days will be verified by HR and signed by a Superintendent.  Please forward your SIGNED form to aq@ddsb.ca.

NON-DDSB Applicants: please email your signed and completed form to aq@ddsb.ca 

This course will be presented ONLINE where all of the instruction will be through the Brightspace / D2L Learning Management System. 

Instructor:  Danielle Croft 

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Integration of Information & Computer Technology in Instruction, Part 3 Specialist employs a critical lens to explore in a holistic and integrated manner theoretical foundations, the development of learners, program planning and implementation, instructional practices, assessment, the learning environment and ethical considerations related to teaching and learning across the divisions. Critical to the implementation of this course is the modeling of a positive learning environment that reflects care, diversity and equity. This course supports the enhancement of professional knowledge, ethical practice, leadership and ongoing learning. AQ-IICTI Part 2 and two years of teaching experience must be successfully completed before acceptance into this Specialist course.

This is a Part 3 Specialist AQ course, and as such, applicants must meet Ontario College of Teachers’ (OCT) criteria of successfully completing at least 2 years (minimum 388 days) of teaching experience with at least 1 year (minimum 194 days) of experience instructing the subject – to be confirmed by HR/Superintendent of the applicant’s respective employer.  Access to this form will be made available to you by way of email once your completed registration form has been received.  Please note, you will be required to make your payment in full at the time of registration.  Please familiarize yourself with our refund policy prior to registration.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit the completed and signed form to finalize your registration in this course. 

DDSB Applicants: please submit form (completed with your own personal information) to employee.records@ddsb.ca  Your teaching days will be verified by HR and signed by a Superintendent.  Please forward your SIGNED form to aq@ddsb.ca.

NON-DDSB Applicants: please email your signed and completed form to aq@ddsb.ca

This course will be presented ONLINE where all of the instruction will be through the Brightspace / D2L Learning Management System.  

Instructor:  Craig Spencer 

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Mathematics, Primary and Junior, Part 1 is set up to allow participants to engage in critical analysis and reflection on mathematics teaching and learning including various approaches, pedagogical frameworks and the content knowledge that is included in mathematics. Participants will have an opportunity to apply their learning on a regular basis in their current classroom context. The course is organized to allow for professional reflection on practice throughout within an inquiry stance where participants are encouraged to explore areas of professional interest in the area of mathematics deeply.

This course will be presented in a fully ONLINE format using Brightspace/D2L as the online classroom instructional platform.  Office hours may be provided throughout the course, via Google Meet – links will be provided by the course instructor.  There will be an ISU at the end that will require approximately 25 hours of independent work time.  It is expected that it should take approximately 125 hours of dedicated work time in order to successfully complete this course. 

Instructor: Cheryl Hubbard

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Mathematics, Primary and Junior, Part 2 is set up to allow participants to explore current theories, frameworks, and resources developed by the Ministry of Education of Ontario that are pertinent to mathematics teaching and learning. Topics explored include mathematical learning theories and the mathematics learner, mathematics curriculum content and processes, the learning environment, instruction and planning, and assessment and evaluation. A focus on Equity and Inclusive Education has been built into each module, based on the principles of Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy.

The course consists of five modules, 20 hours each, extending on the concepts explored in Mathematics, Primary and Junior, Part 1. Additionally, participants will complete a 25-hour independent learning project, summarizing their learning throughout the course by completing a Mathematics unit plan. 

This is a Part 2 AQ course, and as such, applicants must meet Ontario College of Teachers’ (OCT) criteria of successfully completing at least 1 year (minimum 194 days) of teaching experience – to be confirmed by HR/Superintendent of the applicant’s respective employer.  Access to this form will be made available to you by way of email once your completed registration form has been received.   Please note, you will be required to make your payment in full at the time of registration.  Please familiarize yourself with our refund policy prior to registration.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit the completed and signed form to finalize your registration in this course.

DDSB Applicants: please submit form (completed with your own personal information) to employee.records@ddsb.ca  Your teaching days will be verified by HR and signed by a Superintendent.  Please forward your SIGNED form to aq@ddsb.ca.

NON-DDSB Applicants: please email your signed and completed form to aq@ddsb.ca

The course will be presented ONLINE where all of the instruction will be through Brightspace / D2L Learning Management System. 

 Instructor: Amanda Long

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Mathematics, Primary and Junior, Part 3 Specialist is set up to extend on the concepts explored in Mathematics, Primary and Junior, Part 2 and focus on the educator as a mathematics leader in their role. Participants will complete a 25-hour independent learning project, focusing on identifying a student and teacher learning need in their role, and creating an action plan to address this need. In this online course, participants will explore current theories, frameworks, and resources developed by the Ministry of Education of Ontario that are pertinent to mathematics teaching, learning, and leadership. Topics explored include leadership in the mathematics curriculum, mathematical learning theories and the mathematics learner, the learning environment, assessment and evaluation, and instruction and planning. A focus on Equity and Inclusive Education has been built into each module, based on the principles of Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy.

This is a Part 3 Specialist AQ course, and as such, applicants must meet Ontario College of Teachers’ (OCT) criteria of successfully completing at least 2 years (minimum 388 days) of teaching experience with at least 1 year (minimum 194 days) of experience instructing the subject – to be confirmed by HR/Superintendent of the applicant’s respective employer.  Access to this form will be made available to you by way of email once your completed registration form has been received.  Please note, you will be required to make your payment in full at the time of registration.  Please familiarize yourself with our refund policy prior to registration.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit the completed and signed form to finalize your registration in this course.

DDSB Applicants: please submit form (completed with your own personal information) to employee.records@ddsb.ca  Your teaching days will be verified by HR and signed by a Superintendent.  Please forward your SIGNED form to aq@ddsb.ca

NON-DDSB Applicants: please email your signed and completed form to aq@ddsb.ca

The course will be presented ONLINE where all of the instruction will be through Brightspace / D2L Learning Management System. 

Instructor: Chrystal Marolt

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Special Education, Part 1 is intended to enhance professional practice and extend knowledge and skills of participants. The course supports the enhancement of professional knowledge, ethical practice, and ongoing learning in a holistic and integrated manner. Participants will use experiential and inquiry-based learning opportunities to explore the development of learners, program planning and implementation, instructional practices, assessment and evaluation, and ethical considerations related to teaching and learning.

The course will be presented in an ONLINE format, using Brightspace / D2L Learning Management System and Google Meet. Candidates will participate in interactive learning activities with opportunities for professional dialogue based on current research and practice.  Participants should expect to dedicate 125 working hours towards the completion of this course.  

While there may be some opportunities for guest speakers (presented virtually via google meet) throughout the course, these sessions will not be mandatory, although attendance is highly recommended should your schedule allow.  Alternate assignments will be given to anyone who cannot attend.

Weekly office hours will be hosted for participant support.  A schedule for these times and dates will be provided to participants at the outset of the course.

Instructor: Paul Reed

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Special Education, Part 2 is intended to enhance professional practice and extend knowledge and skills of participants. The course supports the enhancement of professional knowledge, ethical practice, and ongoing learning in a holistic and integrated manner. Participants will use experiential and inquiry-based learning opportunities to further explore theoretical foundations, development of learners, program planning and implementation, instructional practices, assessment and evaluation, the learning environment and ethical considerations related to teaching and learning across the divisions.

This is a Part 2 AQ course, and as such, applicants must meet Ontario College of Teachers’ (OCT) criteria of successfully completing at least 1 year (minimum 194 days) of teaching experience – to be confirmed by HR/Superintendent of the applicant’s respective employer.  Access to this form will be made available to you by way of email once your completed registration form has been received.  Please note, you will be required to make your payment in full at the time of registration.  Please familiarize yourself with our refund policy prior to registration.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit the completed and signed form to finalize your registration in this course.

DDSB Applicants: please submit form (completed with your own personal information) to employee.records@ddsb.ca  Your teaching days will be verified by HR and signed by a Superintendent.  Please forward your SIGNED form to aq@ddsb.ca.

NON-DDSB Applicants: please email your signed and completed form to aq@ddsb.ca

The course will be presented in an ONLINE format using Brightspace / D2L Learning Management System and Google Meet. Candidates will participate in interactive learning activities with opportunities for professional dialogue based on current research and practice.  Participants should expect to dedicate 125 working hours towards the completion of this course.  

While there may be some opportunities for guest speakers (presented virtually via google meet) throughout the course, these sessions will not be mandatory, although attendance is highly recommended should your schedule allow.  Alternate assignments will be given to anyone who cannot attend. 

Weekly office hours will be hosted for participant support.  A schedule for these times and dates will be provided to participants at the outset of the course. 

Instructor: Christie Low

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Special Education, Part 3 Specialist is intended to enhance professional practice and extend knowledge and leadership skills of participants. The course supports the enhancement of professional knowledge and leadership, ethical practice, and ongoing learning in a holistic and integrated manner. Participants will use experiential and inquiry-based learning opportunities to consolidate theoretical foundations, development of learners, program planning and implementation, instructional practices, assessment and evaluation, the learning environment and ethical considerations related to teaching, learning, and leadership in Special Education across the divisions.. 

This is a Part 3 Specialist AQ course, and as such, applicants must meet Ontario College of Teachers’ (OCT) criteria of successfully completing at least 2 years (minimum 388 days) of teaching experience with at least 1 year (minimum 194 days) of experience instructing the subject – to be confirmed by HR/Superintendent of the applicant’s respective employer.  Access to this form will be made available to you by way of email once your completed registration form has been received.  Please note, you will be required to make your payment in full at the time of registration.  Please familiarize yourself with our refund policy prior to registration.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit the completed and signed form to finalize your registration in this course.

DDSB Applicants: please submit form (completed with your own personal information) to employee.records@ddsb.ca  Your teaching days will be verified by HR and signed by a Superintendent.  Please forward your SIGNED form to aq@ddsb.ca.

NON-DDSB Applicants: please email your signed and completed form to aq@ddsb.ca

The course will be presented in an ONLINE format using Brightspace / D2L Learning Management System. Candidates will participate in interactive learning activities with opportunities for professional dialogue based on current research and practice.  Participants should expect to dedicate 125 working hours towards the completion of this course.  

While there may be some opportunities for guest speakers (presented virtually via google meet) throughout the course, these sessions will not be mandatory, although attendance is highly recommended should your schedule allow.  Alternate assignments will be given to anyone who cannot attend.

Instructor:  Kyla McKee

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