Course Listing: Reading
We offer the following courses related to Reading:
Reading Part 1, French as a Second Language Focus
🌟 Course Summary
The Reading Part 1 – French as a Second Language Focus AQ course is a dynamic course designed for educators working in FSL environments who are passionate about strengthening their literacy instruction. This course blends foundational reading theory with second-language pedagogy, preparing you to confidently support diverse learners in developing strong reading skills in French. You’ll explore strategies for assessment, differentiation, and inclusive literacy practices while building the pedagogical expertise to inspire lifelong readers.
🚀 What You’ll Gain
- Foundational knowledge in reading development and second-language acquisition
- Strategies to implement effective reading instruction across all divisions
- Enhanced professional knowledge, ethical practice, and leadership capacity
- Inquiry-based learning experiences that connect theory to classroom practice
- Led by instructors with FSL and literacy expertise
💡 Why Choose This Course?
- Tailored specifically for educators in FSL settings
- Participate in engaging and collaborative discussions
- Build a network of like-minded educators and share best practices
- Strengthen your ability to plan and teach inclusive, literacy-rich programs
- Develop confidence in delivering reading instruction that meets diverse learner needs
🎯 Who Should Enroll?
- Teachers working in FSL environments
- Educators seeking to build expertise in reading instruction
- Professionals passionate about supporting second-language learners
Prerequisites
- primary division
- junior division
- intermediate division
- senior division.
Documents Required
- NONE
| Course Code | Date | Format / Location | Price | Availability |
|---|
Reading, Part 1
🌟 Course Summary
The Additional Qualification Course: Reading, Part 1 is your first step toward becoming a literacy leader. This course equips you to design comprehensive reading programs that help students become fluent readers who not only comprehend text but also apply and communicate their knowledge in diverse contexts. You’ll gain practical strategies to support reading comprehension across all grade levels—primary, junior, intermediate, and secondary—while fostering critical thinking, perspective-taking, and bias detection in texts. Through this course, you’ll unlock the power of language as a tool for shaping ideas, experiences, and possibilities.
🚀 What You’ll Gain
- Proven strategies to improve reading comprehension and application.
- Tools for assessing reading levels and planning targeted interventions.
- Techniques for fostering critical thinking and detecting bias in texts.
- Structures for effective classroom implementation of reading programs.
💡 Why Choose This Course?
- Builds a strong foundation for literacy instruction across all grade levels.
- Aligns with Ontario curriculum frameworks and OCT guidelines.
- Empowers you to create inclusive, engaging reading environments.
- Focuses on language as a transformative tool for learning and growth.
🎯 Who Should Enroll?
- Ontario-certified teachers passionate about literacy development.
- Educators seeking practical strategies for reading instruction.
- Teachers aiming to strengthen assessment and intervention practices.
- Professionals committed to fostering critical thinking through reading.
Prerequisites
- A Certificate of Qualification and Registration with the OCT
- Qualifications in at least one of the following:
- primary division
- junior division
- intermediate division
- senior division.
- NONE
| Course Code | Date | Format / Location | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YF26REA11 | Oct 06, 2026 - Dec 04, 2026 |
Online - Asynchronous | $685.00 | Register Now... |
| VF26REA11 | Oct 27, 2026 - Dec 04, 2026 |
Online - Synchronous/Live Sessions | $685.00 | Register Now... |
Reading, Part 1 – Intermediate and Senior Focus
🌟 Course Summary
Unlock the power of literacy with Reading, Part 1 – Intermediate and Senior Focus an Additional Qualification (AQ) course designed to equip educators with the tools to meet the complex reading needs of students in Grades 7–12. This course empowers teachers to explicitly and systematically teach reading comprehension and critical literacy skills, helping learners navigate curriculum-based texts and develop deeper engagement with increasingly sophisticated content. Through a focus on skilled reading components, assessment strategies, and instructional techniques, you’ll build the confidence to support diverse learners in today’s classrooms.
🚀 What You’ll Gain
- A clear understanding of the components of skilled reading
- Effective strategies for teaching reading comprehension and critical literacy
- Assessment tools to support emergent and developing readers
- Techniques to help students engage with complex curriculum texts
- A stronger foundation for literacy instruction in Intermediate and Senior divisions
💡 Why Choose This Course?
- Tailored specifically for Grades 7–12 educators
- Builds your capacity to support diverse literacy needs
- Connects theory to practice with real-world classroom strategies
- Strengthens your ability to foster critical thinking through reading
- Recognized AQ that enhances your professional qualifications
🎯 Who Should Enroll?
- Ontario educators teaching Intermediate and Senior divisions
- Teachers seeking to improve reading instruction and student engagement
- Professionals looking to deepen their understanding of literacy development
- Educators committed to fostering critical literacy and comprehension
- Lifelong learners passionate about empowering students through reading
Prerequisites
- A Certificate of Qualification and Registration with the OCT
- Qualifications in at least one of the following:
- intermediate division
- senior division.
Documents Required
- NONE
| Course Code | Date | Format / Location | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YF26REAIS11 | Oct 06, 2026 - Dec 04, 2026 |
Online - Asynchronous | $685.00 | Register Now... |
Reading, Part 2
🌟 Course Summary
The Additional Qualification Course: Reading, Part 2 takes your literacy expertise to the next level. Building on the foundation of Reading Part 1, this course deepens your understanding of the literacy teacher’s role in program design and instructional practices. You’ll explore current research, refine advanced strategies for teaching reading, and learn how to help students construct meaning and think critically about diverse texts. Through collaborative inquiry, you’ll strengthen your ability to connect assessment with effective instruction and design rich reading tasks that engage learners and promote success.
🚀 What You’ll Gain
- Advanced strategies for teaching reading across grade levels.
- Tools to create rich, meaningful reading tasks with co-created goals.
- Deeper understanding of the link between assessment and instruction.
- Confidence to support students in reaching their full potential as readers.
💡 Why Choose This Course?
- Builds on Reading Part 1 for advanced literacy mastery.
- Aligns with Ontario curriculum frameworks and OCT guidelines.
- Equips you to foster critical thinking and comprehension in all learners.
- Prepares you to design engaging, equitable literacy experiences.
🎯 Who Should Enroll?
- Ontario-certified teachers who have completed Reading Part 1.
- Educators seeking advanced skills in literacy instruction and assessment.
- Teachers committed to creating inclusive, student-centered reading programs.
- Leaders passionate about improving literacy outcomes for all students.
Prerequisites
- A Certificate of Qualification and Registration with the OCT
- Part 1 completed
- Minimum of 187 days of successful classroom teaching experience by the first day of the course, verified by the appropriate Supervisory Officer.
Documents Required
- Signed Teaching Experience Form confirming teaching experience submitted to raiseyouraq@edu.yorku.ca
| Course Code | Date | Format / Location | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YF26REA21 | Oct 06, 2026 - Dec 04, 2026 |
Online - Asynchronous | $685.00 | Register Now... |
Reading, Part 3 Specialist
🌟 Course Summary
The Additional Qualification Course: Reading, Part 3 Specialist is designed for educators ready to lead literacy initiatives and drive school-wide change. This advanced program focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to champion literacy learning through the lens of a Lead Teacher. You’ll explore structures that support professional learning, analyze data, and moderate student work—all while building capacity to collaborate with colleagues and close achievement gaps. By engaging with current research and effective practices, you’ll learn how to become an agent of change and inspire both students and educators.
🚀 What You’ll Gain
- Leadership strategies to guide literacy instruction and professional learning.
- Expertise in analyzing and interpreting data to inform decision-making.
- Skills to moderate student work and support equitable assessment practices.
- Confidence to lead school-wide initiatives that boost engagement and achievement.
💡 Why Choose This Course?
- Aligns with Ontario curriculum frameworks and OCT guidelines.
- Focuses on closing achievement gaps through collaborative practices.
- Equips you to use data effectively to drive action and improvement.
- Prepares you to foster a culture of inquiry and continuous growth.
🎯 Who Should Enroll?
- Ontario-certified teachers who have completed Reading Part 1 and Part 2.
- Educators aspiring to leadership roles in literacy and school improvement.
- Teachers committed to building capacity and supporting colleagues.
- Professionals passionate about driving systemic change in literacy education.
- Leaders ready to inspire engagement and achievement across their schools.
Prerequisites
- A Certificate of Qualification and Registration with the OCT
- Part 2 completed
- Minimum of 374 days of successful teaching experience, including at least 187 days teaching in Reading by the first day of the course, verified by the appropriate Supervisory Officer.
Documents Required
- Signed Teaching Experience Form confirming teaching experience submitted to raiseyouraq@edu.yorku.ca
| Course Code | Date | Format / Location | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YF26REA31 | Oct 06, 2026 - Dec 04, 2026 |
Online - Asynchronous | $685.00 | Register Now... |
Course listings are accurate as of Sep. 04 12:17 PM.
"It was an overall great experience. Adam was a delight as an instructional leader. He was enthusiastic, present and encouraging and offered his expertise and feedback in a positive manner. I am walking away with confidence in the the subject area of coop and have transferable skills that will support me in whichever subjects I teach. I can honestly say he's been the most enjoyable prof I've had. Kudos, Adam!! Thank you for your kindness, and for your love of the subject. "
Adrienne's commitment to centering Indigenous Education while supporting student and educator learning is inspiring.
"Thank you, Charlie, for a wonderful experience in Special Education Part 2. "The feedback from the course instructor was useful in understanding and getting a full grasp of expectations. " "Thank you SO much for answering all of my questions, so quickly, and for the rubrics, weblinks and the picture/website instructional sheet that you sent. This is the first time that I have experienced an AQ course where ALL of my questions have been answered, and my individual needs are considered."
"Alicia is an innovator and exceptional educator. Drawing on her extensive experience as a teacher-coach for the TDSB in geography and as a classroom teacher, she creates cutting edge curricular content that is practical for teachers to use and responsive to a wide range of students. She is also an excellent listener and accessible teacher which I have found so helpful when I've needed support learning tools in ArcGIS or working through curricular challenges."
I found this course ro be very engaging and really helped enrich and deepen my understanding of music education. I am thoroughly impressed and will definitely consider taking parts 2 and 3 through York, and preferably with Alkiviadis. He is an excellent instructor and his passion for music shines in his teaching.
“Amanda Jean modelled equity and inclusion in action, creating a learning space that honoured diverse experiences and challenged my thinking with practical strategies I could immediately apply in my school.”
I want to let you know the positive influence that you have had on my math thinking. A lot of my crucial math learning came from you. It is amazing how the skills that I have developed have made me a better math teacher and math lead at my school. It is incredible how often I refer to, and use the resources that I learned with you. You are amazing at what you do.
Andrea went above and beyond as an instructor for Dance, Part 1. She came to each virtual session with enthusiasm and energy, offered fantastic resources, modelled tangible lesson ideas, and built upon our ideas to make them richer for our students. I am most grateful for the mentorship that she extended to us even after the course was over.Her interest and assistance “inside the classroom” and beyond is a testament to the caring and high-quality leadership she provides in dance education.
Thanks Andrea ! I appreciate the way you are presenting our course in a structured way . You made all the modules interesting . And most important thing you respond us back right away whenever we need your assistance .
Ms. Adamkowski has been a catalyst for change by modeling pedagogical innovation and moving our entire school forward towards successfully implementing effective, student-centered, and equitable assessment practices.
"Overall, Ann is an extraordinary educator, and taking this course was one of the best decisions I have made. I feel well-prepared and excited to teach Communication Technology in the future."
About Professional Learning Courses: “It helped me grow both professionally and personally and gave me valuable tools I can carry forward into my practice.” “The content was clearly connected to real classroom needs, and I appreciated how it emphasized collaboration, equity, and inclusive practices”
.
Dr Ghosal is an outstanding educator with valuable expertise in literacy and the arts. Her experience in teaching at the elementary & post-secondary levels illustrates her ability to create engaging curricula that empower learners to strengthen their reading & writing skills. Her Sesaya Arts Magazine is a gem. I recommend it for people looking to learn about the Toronto arts scene. I have had the pleasure of working with her for over a decade. I greatly appreciate her collegiality and expertise.
Passionate about her job, very knowledgeable about autism and really cares about the students
"Brooke's courses are practical and engaging!"
"Bruno brings immense passion, experience, and a conscientious approach to education. He creates spaces that allows for frank and collegial discussions. His commitment and avant-garde approach to student success has challenged me to reimagine equity in the classroom." [Mira Chow, 2025] "A truly impactful educator who played a significant role in shaping my teaching practice, giving me the tools and confidence to support all students. His guidance continues to influence me.[Fabian Matturro, 2018]
The level of personal feedback provided by the instructor was well beyond anything I have experienced before! She was an engaging and informed mentor, with the ability to hone in on my interests and guide me to areas of inquiry I would never have thought to explore! There were many aspects of the course that I found extremely useful. The rich and relevant resources were my favourite because I was able to apply many of them to my current teaching experience. I also enjoyed many of the activities and felt that they were well thought out and properly suited for the course. Carol was a great instructor she was clear and concise and her outlines and instructions were very well thought out and organized. She also provided very detailed feedback in a very timely manner, which helped the flow of dialogue and when it was time to make edits or revisions. Overall this course was a very pleasant and knowledgable experience.
Charlotte’s passion for math and her belief that all students can be strong math learners is contagious! Charlotte shares an incredible depth and breadth of expertise and experience, in teaching and learning math. She is committed to supporting teachers in developing pedagogical knowledge and professional learning - through active learning opportunities that incorporate the effective strategies and resources that teachers can bring back to classrooms . . . We have thrived and gained confidence with Charlotte’s facilitation and support. We are grateful for Charlotte’s positive and encouraging approach, which has helped us to develop rich and engaging math programs for our students to become flexible mathematical thinkers, communicators and sense makers.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for our course instructor, Chris. His passion for teaching, deep knowledge of the subject, and approachable nature made a big difference in my learning experience. He created a supportive and inclusive environment where questions were always welcome, and everyone felt valued. His timely feedback and helpful guidance helped me grow both professionally and personally. It was truly a pleasure to learn from him.
I ENJOYED THE COURSE A LOT. CHRISTINA IS JUST AMAZING IN ALL ASPECTS. RESOURCES I FOUND AS MOST USEFUL IN ADDITION TO THE INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDANCE AND FEEDBACK.
Christine was amazing as an instructor. She is so incredibly knowledgeable and she really tried to stretch our thinking. I think I am now a better / more aware classroom teacher because what I learned from her applies to so many of my students - not just ELLs. This course was uniquely practical.
"(Chris) very effectively learns with and from colleagues and others in the community of learners. He pursues and effectively shares knowledge about current thinking, trends, and practices in education with colleagues."
*
This is the 9th AQ course I’ve taken & it has truly been exceptional. I’ve already begun using the materials to support both colleagues & students. I would happily take another course under Colleen's guidance. I found Colleen to have a great impact on my learning. Her feedback and encouragement was the perfect blend. Obviously, her skills and experience were contributing factors as well. Colleen modelled care and commitment to student success and was a responsive pedagogical leader.
I have known Cécile Robertson for over 10 years. As a colleague, she is passionate about FSL teaching and learning. We presented at several FSL conferences and collaborated on numerous projects together. Her commitment towards equity related issues in FSL is insightful and impactful. She is always excited to share her experiences with her students while also learning from them. As a former administrator, teacher and consultant, she presents important perspectives within the FSL context.
You are awesome. Thanks for being so professional, supportive and resourceful but also being a human! It's nice not to feel so much pressure while learning. / / Thank you for your consistent support, encouragement, and feedback throughout the course. This was one of my most enjoyable AQ experiences, largely due to your guidance and flexible and understanding approach. You provided valuable insight and always shared your experienced perspective while allowing us to feel comfortable.
"Dani brings joy to the learning environment"
Daniele is an outstanding educator whose passion for H&PE is contagious. Learning from him felt like being at a rock concert—he’s the lead singer but ensures everyone gets their moment on stage. He listens, engages, and uses diverse strategies like group work, videos, and guest speakers to make learning meaningful. These three AQs have been the best PD I’ve had in 20 years. Daniele creates an inclusive, dynamic space where every voice is valued—an incredible instructor!
David is very knowledgeable and passionate about the dramatic arts and has a genuine love for arts education.
I had a positive experience with this course. The assignments were practical and encouraged me to think about how I would apply assessment strategies in a real classroom. I also appreciated the timely feedback from the instructor throughout the course, as it helped me reflect on my learning and improve my work. Overall, I feel more confident about using assessment to support student learning.
"Diana Maliszewski, a dedicated facilitator, mentor, researcher, and career teacher-librarian, is a true advocate for school libraries in Canada. I had the privilege of learning from her through all three AQ courses up to my Teacher Librarian Specialist. Her passion for teaching and genuine care for my growth helped me push beyond my comfort zone, leaving a lasting impact. I'm forever grateful for her mentorship, support, and encouragement."
"Diane works in the Developmental Disability classroom at Poplar Road where she serves students with the highest tier of need in our Board. Her love for her students, and her determination to provide access to education, however challenging is truly inspirational" Nicole Miller, Principal at Poplar Road Jr. P.S.
Dom, amazing experience! You have made this learning experience rich, authentic, and engaging. Thank you for taking time out of your summer to lead us and encourage us on our journey. You truly made the course a great experience.
This guy changed my perspective and approach to teaching entirely. Take this course, it will change you too. (Jeff Rosar)
"Big shout out to Elisa. Her leadership of the course was excellent. Her tone was always supportive and encouraging. I really appreciated the efforts she made to respond to my inquiries and all the meaningful assessment feedback she provided. I really hope to take another course with her again." "Elisa was a great instructor. She clearly cared and was involved in the process. She was quick with her feedback and personable and professional in her responses."
.
"Evan was a SERT, teacher and asst. dept. head, always eager to help with assistive technology and programming. He understands the In-School Team and IPRC processes, IEP writing requirements, and, knows and effectively implements differentiated instructional strategies for identified and non-identified students. He works collaboratively with school staff, community partners, and families. He works diligently to discover and access appropriate resources for students, families and educators."
-
"I was very anxious about taking the course in the beginning, however the content covered and the patience of my instructors changed my mindset. I found several opportunities to implement my learnings into my current classroom." "The instructors were absolutely amazing and I would love to take another AQ with them. Part 2 here we come. They did a great job of taking away my math anxiety. I feel so much more confident when teaching math now."
Definitely a course where you will learn everything you'll need to know about Health and Physical Education from one of the most passionate and professional instructors you'll ever encounter
Thank you for a great term! I truly appreciated the timely and thoughtful feedback provided throughout the course. The focus on considering instructional practices and assessments through a leadership lens was thought-provoking and provided some compelling insights for my own teaching at the secondary level.
1) The Journal. Forced me to stop and think critically about my own practice. 2) The dialogue with colleagues during the Tuesday meetings. This is where most of my learning took place. 3) The instructor. Ian was amazing, and his knowledge/guidance/facilitation made the course so valuable.
"I have known Ixchel as a colleague at the TDSB and currently as co-chair for the Faculty of Education Summer Institute. Ixchel is someone who inspires and motivates colleagues and students alike- she is a warm and genuinely caring person who values relationships and relationship building. She is very professional and sets high expectations for herself and those around her. As a colleague, I respect and regard her contributions, insights and strong work ethic."
"I had a great experience. I feel like, as a first time in tech, this was the rigorous course that I needed. There were no gaps that needed filling. The structure of the course made sense. The assignments were purposeful and did not feel like busy work."
It was a pleasure learning with Jennifer and Len (guest speaker)! Their joyful, hands in approach to teaching is refreshing and inspiring. I finished the course feeling ready to take on new challenges and excited try something new in the classroom. They are truly passionate teachers whose love for music education is contagious. By far, my favourite AQ thus far.
Jen has a significant capacity to innovate, to collaborate within a team environment, and to lead with confidence and humility. She has the capacity to navigate the complexities of special education in these times of increasingly complex student and family needs. Jen brings deep understanding to the role of a Special Educator.
Jen Wyatt modelled best practice in adult education and in creating a positive culture of deep rich thinking about complex issues that are foremost in our schools. She was the perfect instructor for our group. She listened and guided us through the modules in a professional manner that was also kind, caring and fun. This kept the group engaged and allowed us to be at our best.
Our program requires a good team teacher and you are that and more. I like making improvements with you to our program so our students have the best chance at success.
I have to say, this course brought me so much joy. Being able to explore and learn more within the Visual Arts Education realm has really empowered me and reassured my teaching in the classroom. Jessica was very helpful, knowledgeable and professional and kind. Her knowledge about equitable and diverse practices in the classroom and within teaching Visual Arts was amazing.
-"Thank you Jill! The class was very engaging and thought provoking." -"Course was engaging and provided many opportunities to grow as an educator. The instructor set the tone and allowed participants to learn in a caring, inclusive and respectful community." -"enjoyed the final ILP presentations, making it more casual and interactive." "-Learning through experience -Excellent workshops -Critical thinking - lots of wondering"
Joana is passionate about professional learning, and works collaboratively to ensure success.
I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Joanne was excellent about giving us useful feedback and guiding us along the way. I learned a lot from her as well as many of the other people taking the course. It had great content and I learned a lot.
Jonathon was very approachable, kind and encouraging. Jonathon cares for the success of all his students and goes above and beyond as an instructor to ensure students meet deadlines and can reach course goals.
I work with Josh Borg....through the I-STEM program. Josh is an outstanding team member who is consistently punctual, focused and proactive in supporting his peers. He is highly regarded by both staff and students alike.
Julie Argouin, a French native speaker, brings many years of experience teaching French as a second language to students in Ontario. Right from the start, I knew I would learn a lot and it would be a course rooted in practicality and not just in theory. Julie took the the time to understand the needs of her audience and was able to tailor some aspects of the course to make the learning experience meaningful and relevant to each panel. Thank you for your sounded advice along the way.
«Karen was an incredible instructor during this course! She acted as a facilitator who sparked many meaningful discussions, provided insightful thoughts and links for further reading, and shared her passion for teaching French as a Second Language Merci Karen!»
Keegan’s academic background in combination with his real-world work experience in Green Industries and an undergrad in Business Studies, gives him a uniquely holistic understanding of what it means to be an educator and how technology is an integrated part of education.
Keiron is always available to spend time discussing what is going on in your room. She listens to where you are struggling and provides you with resources to support what you need to do next. She creates the most engaging and fun learning opportunities for students.
Kelly created opportunities for us to connect and exchange ideas in the course forum which was an excellent tool for sharing and receiving input from colleagues. Kelly provided clear detailed expectations and incorporated engaging case studies that made the course both meaningful and interesting. I love how the instructor is supportive and knowledgeable, provided great feedback and made the content real, providing concrete strategies to use as a future administrator. Phenomenal Instructor!
Our instructor, Kristin, was wonderful. She was extremely knowledgeable, personable and helpful. Our group collaborated well and had a strong sense of community - which I attribute to Kristin. I really enjoyed this course and learned many new things. The "in the VP's chair" day was also very helpful. Overall, an excellent experience and I would highly recommend the York PQP course to any of my colleagues.
Being able to talk to Kristin after every class was invaluable. She was able to bring resources to class that could help me immediately, and I was able to get feedback once I needed it.
This course was extremely thorough, provided ample resources, a variety of assignment styles and had useful content that will change the way I teach for the better. The instructor was absolutely fantastic, helpful, knowledgeable, gave thoughtful and detailed feedback, and responded to queries very quickly. The online component made the course flexible, and the module style helped break up the topics and assignments into easily digestible pieces. I would highly recommend this primary ABQ.
"Leanne brings a lot of experience, insight, and leadership to the table. She also has deeply inspired my special education journey."
Thanks, Lee! You motivated and inspired me to do my best by giving such positive feedback every time. You are an amazing teacher and I would like to thank you for sharing such awesome resources which has helped me to gain immense knowledge…. Please do let me know if you plan to teach any other course as I would love to do it if you are the instructor.”
“You’re an inspiration. I very much appreciate your thoughtfulness and humility.” “I really appreciated Lee’s facilitation, stories, leadership, and knowledge-sharing.” “You’re such an excellent facilitator.”
Leigh obviously holds an optimistic and enthralled view of dance education, extending the idea that we can exchange the medium and effectiveness of how we educate students in school and we can ignite a new passion in our learners (Guest artist for the AQ)
I have worked with Lenna for a number of years and she is a very knowledgeable about Special Education. She has always been kind and understanding with not only her students but also her colleagues.
I really enjoyed this course and very much appreciate the instructor's consistent support and vast knowledge. She not only provided useful feedback, but also shared additional resources to help deepen understanding and support questions/concerns I had. I found this course to be useful because the instructor provided articles and videos that aligned with the research-based information that were quite helpful for ongoing learning.
"Working with Leyla helped me make connections in Math to the whole child learner. We had fun and it wasn't intimidating. I never felt judged and learned so much with each coaching session. I use strategies she worked on with me and my students in all subjects. It was really eye opening to myself as a teacher and how I observed my students."
"This course has been an eye-opener in understanding the depth and possibilities of nontraditional learning and alternative education. It offered a strong balance between theory and application, which made the learning meaningful and directly transferable to classroom practice. The focus on equity, inclusion, and learner-centered strategies helped reshape my approach to teaching and planning..."
Linda engages adult learners by understanding their knowledge base, keeping the content relevant and encouraging them to explore by asking questions, collaborating and finding solutions on their own. She is an active listener and provides a safe and welcoming environment where each participant is not afraid to take risks. Linda offers immediate feedback and positive reinforcement. She will make subject matter interesting by using a variety of tools and strategies to engage all learners.
I want to give a heartfelt thank you for facilitating the Math PJ AQ through York. I have always loved math, and love teaching it, but needed to get stronger with facilitating math conversations, asking those probing questions and assessments. The course was very well structured. It was not too overwhelming, I was excited to log on to learn more, and there was a lot of suggested resources that I could peruse further. I would absolutely recommend this course with you. It was extra work for me
Working with Mandisa has been truly collaborative as we have been able to engage in critical self-reflection to inspire professional growth. Additionally, Mandisa advocates tirelessly to ensure that all learners and families are able to work and learn in communities of belonging that are inclusive.
"Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback and kind words for my ILP assignment. Thank you again for your support throughout the course. It’s been a valuable learning experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow through it".
"Mark always has our backs and supports us as we determine our philosophy of education in the scope of the science department. His efforts inspire our efforts. His passion for teaching and learning inspires students' passion for school and strengthens their engagement. Definitely something to take pride in!"
The Kindergarten course was a very positive experience. I had the opportunity to explore and delve deeper into topics such as play-based learning, inclusive and responsive teaching strategies, as well as creating meaningful learning invitations. Terie was supportive and responsive. Thanks for a great AQ experience!
"Oldridge does a fantastic job of challenging our thinking in regard to math education!"
I want to sincerely thank you for the impact you had on my leadership journey. You encouraged me to pursue the VP process at a time when I didn’t fully believe in myself, and your guidance during PQP Part 2 continues to stay with me. I still find myself quoting you, "Did you tell them not to do that?"—and it always makes me smile. Over the past four years as a Vice Principal, I’ve been fortunate to learn from many strong mentors, but I often return to the lessons I learned in your class
"As a teacher and SERT, she prioritizes problematizing pedagogy rather than students. When learners face challenges, she systematically examines instructional design and systemic barriers, resisting deficit-based interpretations of performance. She is skilled in facilitating courageous, practice-shifting conversations with colleagues, particularly in advancing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to ensure that students with special education needs are supported through inclusive design."
Chelle Martindale is an incredible Instructional Leader who has a genuine and heartfelt passion for Dance. She goes above and beyond, and is committed to helping candidates to develop both personally and professionally. She gives valuable feedback that challenges you to reflect, diversify, include, modify and to make Dance accessible, engaging and meaningful for your students. Meghan
I would highly recommend this course to others as the instructor is absolutely amazing and very knowledgeable. The course content is engaging and relevant and it encourages reflection of our teaching and assessment practices. This course has strengthened my confidence in supporting all students and has definitely been a valuable and enriching professional learning experience. I am excited to take the next two courses in Special Education soon!
1. “Real examples and stories shared by the instructor - that were honest, genuine and relevant. Opportunity for inquiry learning and classmates to construct learning together. Presentations on key topics were extremely comprehensive and provided excellent resources.” 2. “It was a wonderful professional learning experience. Mirella Rossi was inspiring in her coaching and directing. Again, I will state that the guest speakers were phenomenal and the simulation process was a fantastic "authentic" opportunity. My colleagues in the course each brought areas of expertise and everyone worked VERY VERY hard. I've gained so very much from the experience. Thank you!” 3. “Loved the balance of guest speakers, peer presentations and practical experiences. The instructor was inspiring!!!!” 4. “Instructor Mirella Rossi truly cares and was an accessible mentor. She was honest, reflective and challenged our thinking and statements. She always helped to frame the concepts into actionable steps.” 5. “There were multiple opportunities for professional dialogue and to learn from the expertise of the group through collaborative projects and presentations.”
"Very enjoyable course experience. The work was insightful and the instructor was a pleasure to work with as she was very knowledgeable and helpful." (Winter Session, 2024-Candidate) "I really enjoyed this course and will recommend continuing education courses through York to my colleagues. I believe I learned a lot and walked out a better teacher. Thank you to Natasha for an enjoyable learning experience!" (Summer Session, 2025-Senior History Candidate)
"You've helped me think differently about how to teach reading...how to teach literacy skills in all subjects."
~"Overall I had a great learning experience and would love to continue to learn with Dr. Rawlins." - Pt 2 Candidate ~"I really liked the guidance of my [instructor]. She has done a great job in directing and teaching the course." - Specialist Candidate ~"I am glad I had a great instructor who was approachable and I learned a lot from her." - Specialist Candidate ~"The instructor was knowledgeable & thorough in her assessments. Her ongoing feedback was helpful and fair." - Specialist Candidate
Without mathematics, there's nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers.
Rick’s ability to connect strategies, legislation, resources to personal experiences and then allowed us to speak about ours was very valuable. Fall 2022 ---- Rick was an exceptional guide to our learning; he provided insight and organized some very engaging speakers to provide a fresh perspective of leadership in our schools. Further, he was very flexible and willing to adjust the topics of the course and adapt to the needs, requests, and interests of the candidates. Winter 2022
Robert's patience and commitment to student and teacher learning is inspirational.
Instructor was excellent and responded with feedback in a timely manner. The instructor was extremely flexible and understanding, he made the online learning space more engaging by giving the students the power to interact with one another freely.
"Robyn Weinberg was absolutely amazing, she provided timely and encouraging feedback. She was very accommodating and supportive. She gave everyone an equal opportunity and valued teaching in a positive and inclusive environment." "I have taken my Part 2 and Specialist with Robyn and it has been the best learning experience of my career. Truly grateful for her efforts and expertise in this field"
"Rocchina excels at establishing a welcoming, accepting learning environment that provides ample opportunity for risk-taking among her students. Her continual encouragement and support, combined with her willingness to lead by example, allows the adult learner the confidence to explore new strategies. Her students benefit from exposure to a diverse range of new approaches to leading and learning which serves to propel them out of their comfort zone and opens up their potential for future growth and challenges."
"Ross is a wonderful teacher and professor. He has been kind, patient, and fast in replying to students and grading assignments. He is also very easy to approach and work around if scheduling conflicts and questions arose throughout the class. The course was enjoyable and a good pace thanks to his clear communication skills and supportive nature. It was easy to juggle a busy course load because of his genuine care for his students' success and the material."
"Ryan is an enthusiastic, creative and supportive educator who brings leadership experience as an assistant curriculum leader, a coach and an AQ instructor of 10 years."
NA
"Exceptionally deliberate and purposeful. Sara's work is founded in a clear sense of the curriculum and in instructional strategies that benefit students." / "Progressive, forward thinking, and inclusive. Tirelessly committed to innovation and disruption of barriers to learning."
"Honestly, I really enjoyed the course. I don't think that I would change anything about it! Plus, Sera was an unbelievable teacher! I would definitely love to take another course offered by her!"
"Shamsi's passion for fitness is unparalleled. She brings a wealth of theoretical and practical knowledge from both an educational, and health and wellness perspectives. She is a rising star within the TDSB Health and Physical Education department. She has a unique ability to bring the best out of her students in a fun and engaging manner. This is evidenced by the waitlists to get into her courses, and the overwhelming student and staff support for her school-wide wellness initiatives."
"Sheri is an exemplary educator who is highly committed to student success. She is a skilled instructional leader who collaborates effectively to make meaningful impact on the educators with whom she works. She is committed to ongoing professional learning and serves as a strong facilitator in a variety of contexts on diverse topics. She is knowledgeable, a reliable team member, and consistently keeps students at the centre of her daily work."
Sonal’s passion for leadership in education is evident in her daily communications with her colleagues and staff. As a Vice Principal, I was afforded the opportunity to be mentored by Sonal; the learning is on-going due to her abundance of energy and knowledge. Sonal is respected for being innovative, caring and motivational to her teams. A true asset to education in Ontario.
One of the most useful parts of this course was learning about First Nations and Inuit perspectives, which helped me see the importance of community, land, and balance in new ways. I also found it powerful to study the history of colonization and its lasting impact, as it gave me a deeper understanding of why reconciliation matters today. Finally, I appreciated the strategies which will help me integrate Indigenous voices and stories into my teaching in a respectful and meaningful way.
I am grateful I enrolled in this course and look forward to implementing new ideas in my teaching. I hope to use what I have learned to better support my future students of diverse needs and abilities. Thank you so much for helping me grow and develop my capabilities as an educator. I look forward to what is hopefully a long career as an educator with plenty of learning and success experiences (for both my students and myself) along the way! Thank you again!
"I really enjoyed your friendly and open approach" "you were always so flexible, accommodating and willing to help"
Instructionally this was probably the best AQ course I’ve taken. The content was well-organized, and the strategies shared were practical and easily adaptable to a variety of teaching contexts. The course not only provided solid theoretical foundations but also connected these to real-world classroom applications, which was extremely helpful. The course provided ample opportunities to immediately apply new concepts into my own teaching practice.
As the Head of Guidance and Career Education at James Cardinal McGuigan, Mr. Di Girolamo has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills, a deep commitment to student success, and an unwavering dedication to the school community.
Your expertise was greatly appreciated, and as we continue to focus on success for all students, we look forward to opportunities to collaborate again in the future.
"This course provided me with new perspectives as well as a plethora of resources to use. You are an inspirational instructor and this was a great learning experience."
Most of what I learned in Special Education I learned through working with Victoria Goodwin-Duncan.
"Wendy was an excellent instructor who explained everything very clearly and provided such great resources and tutorials on how this area of technology should be taught. She gave me a really good exprience and I'm leaving with such a strong tool kit!"
This course was incredibly helpful and featured a strong variety of current topics. The guest speakers were excellent, providing immediately usable strategies and materials that I could apply in my teaching right away.
Perhaps what I admire most about Wendy is her ability to quickly establish trust and lead with the importance of relationships at the forefront. As a result, Wendy leads with both compassion and conviction. She is fierce in her resolve and humble in her approach which results in positive outcomes for students and families, even in the most challenging of situations. I have benefitted from her wisdom and counsel in so many situations, and marvel at her ability to get to the heart of any matter.
