The TDSB has developed a strong partnership with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto that offers educators many opportunities for professional development in ecological literacy. OISE offers Additional Qualifications Courses in Environmental Education each year (Part 1, Part 2, and Specialist). The TDSB Sustainability Office offers a 60% subsidy for educators to take these courses.

For information about the Environmental Education Additional Qualification courses and subsidies, contact Pam.Miller@tdsb.on.ca.

Environmental Education Additional Qualifications Part 1:

This course provides an engaging introduction to teaching and learning in environmental education for Early Childhood Educators, elementary, and secondary teachers through a combination of lectures, workshops, outdoor and experiential learning, field trips and guest speakers. Using a place-based, interdisciplinary approach, educators will build their confidence and repertoire of instructional strategies for teaching and learning about, for, and in the environment.

OCT: Environmental Education Part 1
Non-OCT: Foundations of Programming for Environmental Education

Environmental Education Additional Qualifications Part 2:

Take your learning of environmental education to the next level with this part 2 course. Collaborate with other Early Childhood Educators, elementary, and secondary teachers to explore the connections between systems-thinking, eco-justice, and eco-identity in relation to environmental education. A combination of lectures, workshops, outdoor and experiential learning, field trips and guest speakers will be utilized to further develop participants' knowledge, skills and expertise in designing instructional and assessment plans in relation to environmentally-based teaching and learning.

OCT: Environmental Education Part 2
Non-OCT: Implementation of Programming for Environmental Education

Environmental Education Additional Qualifications Part 3: Specialist

This course is designed to enhance participants’ professional practices, and extend and apply their knowledge and skills in the curriculum leadership of Environmental Education. Participants will use a critical lens to explore transformational teaching and learning strategies that promote ecological literacy relevant to their own work. A combination of small group interactions, action research, inquiry, presentations, collaborative learning, field trips, and guest speakers will be utilized to enhance professional knowledge, communication skills, pedagogy, ethical practices, and instructional leadership in environmental education.

OCT: contact Pam.Miller@tdsb.on.ca
Non-OCT: Leadership of Programming for Environmental Education