Course Details - Additional Qualifications

Course Name: Teaching English Language Learners, Part 1
Part: 1
Description: This program equips educators to champion inclusive practices for Multilingual Language Learners (MLLs) in Ontario. Using a UDL approach, the course will prepare educators to foster culturally responsive and relevant teaching strategies and technology integration. Participants will gain practical tools to create equitable and supportive learning environments for MLLs.  There will be opportunities to learn from guest speakers during specific modules.  While attendance at these sessions is not mandatory, it is highly recommended that participants attend.  Alternative assignments will be made available to those who cannot attend.  Additionally, there will be opportunities to attend optional virtual face-to-face sessions. These will be offered periodically throughout the course with different times and dates to accommodate varying schedules. Who Should Take The Course: Educators and professionals seeking comprehensive insights and practical strategies to support Multilingual Language Learners across Ontario's diverse educational settings. Key Topics Covered: <ul> <li dir="" aria-level=""> Cultural Responsiveness & Diversity: Embrace cultural diversity among MLLs and understand its significance in teaching practices. </li> <li dir="" aria-level=""> Collaboration & Community Engagement: Strategies to engage educators, families, and communities for MLL success. </li> <li dir="" aria-level=""> Language Proficiency & Assessment: Methods to assess and place MLLs effectively on language proficiency continuums. </li> <li dir="" aria-level=""> Effective Instruction & Technology: Implement differentiated instruction, UDL strategies, and technology for enhanced learning. </li> <li dir="" aria-level=""> Inclusive Curriculum Design: Adapt curriculum expectations and/or activities for diverse language proficiency levels. </li> <li dir="" aria-level=""> Equity & Inclusion Practices: Address equitable practices for MLLs in diverse contexts, including special needs and trauma experiences. </li> </ul> Participants will gain a deep understanding of ministry tools such as STEP, culturally responsive practices, inclusive teaching methodologies, and technological integration, empowering them to foster an inclusive, equitable, and supportive learning environment for MLLs in Ontario schools. This HYBRID course (online with scheduled, synchronous sessions) will use the Brightspace / D2L Management System as our virtual classroom platform.  Google meet links will be sent separately to participants for all guest speakers and any other virtual sessions throughout the course.  Per the OCT regulations, participants should expect to dedicate approximately 125 hours of working time towards completing this course.   It is expected that all participants will attend the synchronous sessions on the following dates: Thursday, February 20, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Thursday, March 20, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Links for the virtual sessions will be shared with participants via the course instructor.  Access to the virtual classroom space will not be available until February 10, 2025.
Instructors for the current Session: Spring 2025: Megan Taylor