Have you ever watched a show called Undercover Boss? An average episode of the hour long program shows a CEO or top tier exec going incognito to better understand the work flow, flaws, and family of an organization. The show makes sure that the top dog is put alongside some pre-selected employees(often outspoken) who, fearlessly […]
Advocacy for change
Class Size and Composition Matters
Class Size and Composition Matters As a teacher of 19 years, I’ve seen many changes to classroom composition. When I first started teaching, students with behaviour needs where either supported through Educational Assistants (EAs) or in separate contained classes. In addition, students with significant special education needs had additional supports and/or placement options for contained […]
Violence in Ontario Schools
Violence in the classroom is emerging as a significant issue for teachers’ working conditions and students’ learning conditions. In the United States, a national survey of 2998 teachers from 48 states noted that 80% of teachers reported at least one incidence of violence with 94% of respondents stating students as the source (McMahon, Martinez, Espelage, […]
The Gender Gap in Technology
According to a recent report* by ICTC (the Information and Technology Information Council) Canadian women represent about 50% of the overall workforce but represent only 25% of the technology industry workforce. Of the 100 major tech companies in Canada only 5 have female CEOs and 1 Co-CEO. 26% of the tech companies have no women in senior leadership at […]
Remember to breathe (as you continue to inspire others)
I checked in on a few of my former student teachers today. Each of whom are shining examples of professionalism, commitment, and creativity in their classrooms. They have been on my mind alot lately, as daily news of the government sponsored attrition games occupy headlines and conversations across the province. I am sure they represent the hundreds, […]
Smaller Class Sizes Matter for Kids
As I started researching smaller class sizes, my Google search made it evident that smaller class sizes are significantly better … for students in private schools. Private schools use small class sizes to sell their product. They also get to pick who will be in their classes and who will be in their schools. With […]
Why students walked out today – April 4th, 2019
Several students at schools participated in the Ontario-wide, student-organized, school walkouts to protest the provincial government’s recent changes to education. Here are some of the students’ words … “I walked out today because special school programs are amazing to help kids, just like me, with special education problems.” Grade 3 student “Why I walked out […]
Support each other
This is a much needed time for everyone. The sunlight is increasing. The snow is melting. The temperatures are increasing. What a time to celebrate? During this much needed break our government has decided to make announcements of change. This is quite the political tactic. Distraction from what they want us to know. Politicians have […]
Inclusive Education for All Students Including Those With Special Education Needs
As Ontario teachers, we know that there is a current challenge in addressing the learning needs of special education students with significant behaviour issues including violence against school staff. The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario has developed a multi-year strategy to address violence in schools. This states specific goals and includes resources such as videos […]