Teaching Students with Communication Needs (Autism Spectrum Disorders)

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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.

"Shannon's online presence was always positive and encouraging while at the same time she asked questions and challenged us to think critically about the topics and issues in guidance. "

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.

"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!"

"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."

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.

Brian empowers educators to achieve more in the classroom using modern teaching tools and technology.

"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.

It was such a refreshing experience to learn from someone who openly shared her expertise, wisdom and experiences from such a multidimensional perspective. She is such a driven, flexible, passionate and organized instructor who has a unique way of developing inspiring relationships with her students. Her positive attitude, sense of humour and approachable disposition plays an integral part in her ability to create a classroom culture that supports meaningful learning, fun engagement and an open space for vulnerability in order to grow. I have taken several AQ courses over the years including all three of Darlene’s Kindergarten AQ classes. I can confidently say that she is exceptional in her leadership role as a facilitator . She is extremely effective in her ability to motivate her students and to help build confidence by empowering them as lifelong learners with current and relevant pedagogy.

It all began in August 2016, when I was thinking about which AQ course to take. I have been following Joanne Babalis’ blog for a few years now and was always inspired by her teaching style, inquires and documentation. I was aware that Joanne taught the Kindergarten AQ and began to search if she was teaching in the 2016/17 year. Well to my advantage she was! So I decided to take her course. She taught a course that was hands-on and practical. The format of the course allowed you to really be a part of the learning and direct the learning towards your interests and wants (for example, as a PLC group you were given a choice to do a book study or plan various readings per week), just like you would do with your own students. The blended course was great because you were able to network with teachers from across Ontario in person and through social media (Twitter). It gives you an opportunity to connect with other teachers and share your thoughts, ideas and take them back to your own classroom. Joanne inspired me to grow in my journey and move away from the old and jump right into the new ways of delivering the FDK program. I have become more knowledgeable and confident to deliver a program that reflects the new Kindergarten document (4 frames, play based learning). Joanne really allowed us to think outside the box. She gave us many opportunities to share provocations, visit other classrooms and listen to many guest speakers. She really made sure that we were given a variety and always kept us thinking and wondering. After taking Kindergarten part 1, I made a decision to take part 2 and the specialist. I can now say that I have transformed my teaching style and incorporated many new philosophies into my classroom. I am more confident in delivering the Kindergarten program. Joanne has inspired me to be the teacher I am today. I am able to take risks and try new things in the classroom and not feel like it's not the right thing to do! I recommend my colleagues to take any course or workshops that joanne Bablis teaches because they will come out feeling inspired and ready to take on new challenges!

A quote that resonates with me is "When we say we don’t serve families, we only serve students, suggests that students come from nowhere/nothing”.

Barry Bedford, the course instructor, facilitated great conversations that allowed us to consider our beliefs and values in an honest, critical way. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in perusing administration. They would be fortunate to have Mr. Bedford as their instructor. Thanks Barry for sharing your stories and insights with us! Also, for challenging me to think about equity, my next steps and for helping to develop stronger personal leadership philosophy. Barry's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion -- and how these were covered in the course -- was inspiring for my professional practice. This was the best part of the course.

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 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."

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.

"Alberto Bernardi is a champion for all students and families. He gives everyone a voice."

I have the privilege of working with Jennifer on many FSL initiatives. Her interest in deepening her understanding of culturally responsive & relevant pedagogy underlines everything she does. She is passionate about empowering educators in creating learning that is relevant to the social identities and lived experiences of students. She is very friendly and approachable and forms strong professional relationships. I am fortunate to work with such a knowlegeable and passionate FSL educator!

"Ray is a very helpful and resourceful instructor. He put a lot of time, thought and care into his feedback. I was allowed to use my real courses to design activities for next year's teaching that helped me grow both as a teacher and as a learner."

"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."

Personally, I wanted to thank you once more for a great AQ course, I learned a lot from you. The resources you gave us are very practical and useful and I know I will use them this coming year. - Summer 2018 participant Thanks again for all your patience, generosity in sharing of resources, wealth of knowledge, and sense of humour. - Summer 2018 participant

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.

Having you as my first mentor at YCDSB, sharing the same passion for teaching and the love of the French culture, made my first year of teaching memorable. No matter what your role (Teacher, Department Head or Consultant), you tirelessly serve others and build relationships and communities. Thank you for always having time to listen, encourage and value my own ideas and expertise.

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 thoroughly enjoyed coming to class each and every day, and engaging in the learning opportunities you created. You created a safe space to learn, question and collaborate. I have gained so much from you, the guest speakers and my colleagues. I look forward to implementing this one day in a Kindergarten classroom".

"A hard working student and passionate, aspiring teacher."

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!

"Jennifer's communication was always positive, constructive, and inclusive." "Jennifer provided timely and meaningful feedback on my progress updates and submitted assignments."

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.

"Brooke's courses are practical and engaging!"

David approaches student learning through building an inclusive environment that encourages student participation and interaction. His warm manner and enthusiasm for learning is infectious and motivating. After decades as an instructor he openly and conscientiously shares his wisdom and experience in a gentle , kind and informative way.

"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."

The instructors provided authentic and relevant activities that our students will be doing in the classroom. That was very valuable. Instructors were extremely knowledgeable and were available whenever I needed assistance. This was an A+ experience!! Thank you for the thorough and interesting course. It has made me feel confident that I could teach math tomorrow and plan an effective program.

"Will brings a ton of real life experience to his teaching".

"Thank you for allowing me to learn and grow as a teacher. I will miss you sense of humour and your integrity in always putting the students first. I am so glad I had the opportunity to learn from you."

"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. "

"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."

"Leanne brings a lot of experience, insight, and leadership to the table.  She also has deeply inspired my special education journey."

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.

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 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.

“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.”

"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 DeLuca is incredible. She comes from a background of great knowledge and passion. Her feedback and positivity radiate through the screen."

«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!»

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.

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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.

Passionate about her job, very knowledgeable about autism and really cares about the students

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.

Robert's patience and commitment to student and teacher learning is inspirational.

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.

Erin is a focused, caring, and supportive leader who is a strong advocate for students. She has an open and welcoming presence with parents and staff. Erin remains student-oriented and works with staff to consider numerous and varied opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning.

Greg’s professional and conscientious attitude permeates all that he does. Greg proved that not only can he work well independently but he is an excellent team member as well. His friendly disposition, professional approach, organizational skills and more importantly his compassion make him an excellent educator in a classroom.

David is very knowledgeable and passionate about the dramatic arts and has a genuine love for arts education.

According to candidates enrolled in my courses, the course delivery format is engaging, flexible and formative. Adults are actively engaged through dialogue, discussions, debates, presentations, role playing - from topics and readings taken from Moodle and from other relevant academic literature.

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.

Peter is a creative and innovative thinker who is an inspiration to his students, and fellow colleagues.

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.

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.

"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)

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.

"I really enjoyed your friendly and open approach" "you were always so flexible, accommodating and willing to help"

Most of what I learned in Special Education I learned through working with Victoria Goodwin-Duncan.

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.

"Thank you for showing us that there is so much more to health and physical education (HPE) than rolling out a ball. My experience in HPE both at elementary school and high schools was not good. You have showed us and taught us how easy it is to create a includes physical education experience that promotes, safety, inclusive and authentic experiences for our students. I feel completely comfortable Teaching HPE now and am excited to do so. Thanks so much for your wisdom and passion and passing it on to us. I wish my HPE experience, as a student, was like what you taught us.

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)

David, you were one of the finest. I have learned so much from you!

"Dani brings joy to the learning environment"

"Innovative content, interactive presentation, and non-judgmental. Great resources" "Continue making it a safe environment --> it helps all to have a learning stance."

Coming soon....

"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."

"The curriculum is well-organized and easy to follow, making learning both engaging and effective. The professor brings a deep understanding and enthusiasm to the course, delivering clear explanations and thoughtfully designed assessments that truly support student learning. The way the content is structured and developed makes the learning experience smooth and highly valuable"

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for opening up a new world of possibilities that will make me a more effective and better teacher.

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.

Laurie was a phenomenal instructor. She is not only incredibly knowledgeable and current on trends and issues in education; she did an excellent job modelling the instructional strategies she was teaching us. She was always accessible at any time of the day to answer questions and provide feedback. It was obvious that she was passionate about this course and wanted us to gain as much as we could from our time together. I cannot wait to take another course with her.

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.”

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”

"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."

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.

"Ross is a thoughtful and collaborative leader who brings clarity, creativity, and integrity to every project. Whether supporting system-wide initiatives or mentoring individual educators, he brings a steady presence and deep understanding of inclusive education. He’s the kind of colleague who lifts others up and makes complex work feel purposeful and possible."

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

"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."

Overall, this course has been a fantastic experience. Honestly this was the best AQ I have taken. The emphasis on practical teaching resources was amazing.

"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."

"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 enjoyed this online course in that it provided a significant amount of relevant information, practices and strategies that I will use as a primary teacher. It covered valuable curriculum content and assessment strategies that I had not come across in the past and that I will certainly incorporate in my classroom. I have taken a few online courses before. By far this has been the best one. I am also thankful for the instructor's ongoing feedback and positive remarks.”

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.

Thanks again for everything during the HPE course over the summer. You pushed me out of my comfort zone, in a safe environment. Had an absolute blast and was sorry it was over!!

"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."

"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".

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.

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

This past year, I took two online courses at York relating to English Language Learners. The coursework was interesting, challenging and rewarding. I was exposed to and became more familiar with the various MOE documents as well as other fantastic resources to support ELLs in our classrooms and schools. Coursework was relevant and flexible; I was able to customize my assignments to reflect the unique needs that I have in my classroom. I have been able to implement and use what I learned through the readings, coursework and online dialogue to my classroom. I feel more confident in my ability to include, plan for, assess, and advocate for the ELLs in my classroom and school as I now better understand the theories around language acquisition and what strategies to use to support ELLs. I prefered the online component of the course as it allowed me the flexibility to continue to work full time. I liked the fact that the instructor provided us with timely feedback on posts and assignments and offered multiple opportunities to “meet” with others through video conferencing. I would recommend this course to anyone who teaches or supports ELLs. Tanya Kranc Elementary Teacher

The course has been incredibly enriching and informative, and I've greatly appreciated Michelle's continuous support. What stood out the most was Michelle's creative feedback, which provided me with valuable encouragement throughout the course.

I wanted to acknowledge our outstanding instructor, Kimberly Maybury. She facilitated this course exceptionally well, balancing the theoretical work with practical work, and supported all of the members of the class with consistent, relevant, and very useful feedback. It is clear that Kimberly has a great passion for her work and her passion was very motivational for me as a PQP candidate. Kimberly is an asset to the York University PQP team, and I sincerely hope that I will have another opportunity to work with her again, perhaps in a PQP Part 2 course in the summer of 2019.

"She was very professional and engaged throughout the course, providing constructive and timely feedback; raising pertinent questions and sharing helpful resources"

Without mathematics, there's nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers.

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.

OCT: I just wanted to thank you again. I loved this course and learned so much. I am inspired. OCT: I wanted to thank you for the Reading Part 1 course that I was lucky enough to take with you this spring. The truth is, I’ve never taken an AQ before, and never thought I would want to take one online rather than in person. Thank you for making this meaningful, and an enjoyable challenge, and for your support throughout this course.

Hello Rob I just wanted to say that I am extremely grateful to you. Your constructive feedback, helped me gain a good understanding of the course material, but more importantly, it helped me become more confident. A few weeks ago I had an interview and I walked in knowing what to expect. This is only because I took the two History courses that you led. Yesterday I got my answer, and I'm very happy to say that after years of trying, I finally managed to get on the supply list. I truly enjoyed my learning experience and I hope I will have the opportunity to learn with you again.

Laurie is a dedicated educational professional with years of experience in leading learning and professional development system wide. As a knowledgeable math expert, Laurie’s support in school wide math initiatives was invaluable to our schools and to myself as a school principal. Her gentle guidance, collaborative nature, and ability to know ‘just when to push forward‘ with staff and students alike was greatly appreciated as we we worked to meet our goal of improving math instruction.

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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!"

"You've helped me think differently about how to teach reading...how to teach literacy skills in all subjects."

"It was very comprehensive and I enjoyed the layout of the course. Instructors were excellent mentors and were very responsive. Content had a lot of resources to support the course work. Thank you for a well designed and interactive on-line course experience."

"I had Lana Parker for this course and credit her with coming up with sensible and well thought out assignments that were useful. She also taught wonderfully and engagingly, making this my favourite course by far. ... Lana stimulated interesting class and group discussions and interactions, while providing us with useful resources and information."

This was a great course that provided lots of learning and inquiry into the Library Learning Commons. I found the course engaging. The course blocks were spaced out well and I appreciated that I could work on the blocks in various order. The ILP was a great way to reinforce and develop how I collaborate with teachers. I also liked that we focused on current ideas and innovative practices. Thank you, Sue, for a great course!

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.

"Most notably, in all that she does, and with everyone she helps, Jennifer does so in a humble and selfless manner. She does not look for recognition or praise from others for all the extra work that she does. Jennifer helps others because she has a big heart and passion for her profession. I only hope that one day I can become half as good a teacher and colleague as Jennifer Pescador. She inspires me to do my best everyday, in every way. "

... never thought I would laugh in math class ... Dan challenged my thinking about teaching from day 1 ... I was terrified of math. I am now much more confident and understand that I can do math ... course is classroom practical and Dan gives tons of possible lessons ...

"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]

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

Adrienne's commitment to centering Indigenous Education while supporting student and educator learning is inspiring.

Joana is passionate about professional learning, and works collaboratively to ensure success.

This was shared after last year's class: "I also found that the A.Q. course touched on all aspects of the Physical Education program, which allowed us to learn how to be successful in all areas. We also learned a vast amount of hands on games and activities that we could do with our students which was so important. Not only did we leave with a tool bag of important information and resources, but also tons of physical activities that can be down anywhere that keep our kids at any age moving and having fun. We also had great speakers and presenters come, which was a bonus too. I found this course to be so influential to me and I am actually sad it is done. I have learned so much and have gained so much insight into the role that I am craving more. I feel lucky that I had the opportunity to learn from both Joe and Andy".​

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.

~"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

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.

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.

This guy changed my perspective and approach to teaching entirely. Take this course, it will change you too. (Jeff Rosar)

"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 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.

"I have never taken an AQ like this before. Liam has changed how I see my work.... This course gave me permission to be better as a teacher and for the students I work and learn with."

Joe engaged candidates within the course to push their learning and strive for innovation. He always ensured that information and expectations were clear and contextual, and often would extend our learning by offering valuable resources and feedback.

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.”

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Shannon is a passionate educator who has a deep understanding of special education and its legalities. More importantly, Shannon effectively removes barriers for students and families as she makes deep connections with them.

"One of the best courses I have taken. Very hands on, lots of fun and lots of practical information"

"Hi Stefania, I would like to thank you once again for your guidance, support and encouraging words. Completing the course under your instructions has truly added so much value to my learning. I appreciate your time, effort, expertise and sincere heart.

"(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."

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.

1) The instructor was extremely responsive, always replying within 24 hours and he was supportive of issues that came up while completing the course. I appreciated his flexibility, which helped me to finish the course. 2) The course structure is logical and predictable, making it easier to gauge how much time would be required for each component. 3) I valued the resources that were shared, by the instructor, by other students in the course, and by me having to locate resources as part of an activity. These are valuable course 'take-aways'.

“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.”

“Steven Silva is an incredible leader and educator. The way he ran the course made each day engaging, relevant, and allowed for us to reflect upon our strengths and needs as teachers. Not only did I learn how to be a leader in FSL but I re-learned all the aspects of strong teaching just through watching him lead the course. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity!”

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.

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.

-"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"

"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."

I did not know what to expect for this course as it was my first ABQ. The course director was great and I had "a great experience, as well as making amazing relationships with other teachers. I always looked forward to coming to class and working out, playing games, and learning ways to incorporate it into my teachings."

“Jennifer is an experienced and passionate educator who places the needs and strengths of her students first and programs for optimal student well-being and success.”

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.

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 .

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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.

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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!

"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."

"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."

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.

(From most recent course) Course instructor did a great job. Burns was very involved and always at the forefront of everything we did. He supported us through our learning and led us in the proper directions we needed. I am appreciative for the work that he did with us and how much we accomplished in a short but packed month! Thank you very much! Participant feedback was great and course instructor very helpful (I appreciated) The expertise of the course instructor The instructor; easy to contact, provided feedback, and was very fair and understanding. I liked that I could ask the Prof any questions I had... (I liked) Instructors immediate feedback

Loved the design of the course, the presenters in the synchronous learning were excellent and coincided with the learning module which consolidated the information being learned. The course ran efficiently and on time for the synchronous sessions Instructors, Renee and Matthew are knowledgeable. - Summer 2021 "I enjoyed learning from Matthew when I took Guidance and Career Education, Part 2 (via the TDSB) in the summer of 2021!"

"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"

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.

"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!"

Marcell has been known to provoke lively debates, speak from passion and laugh gregariously with students. He believes in fostering strong relationships with all of his students, whether they are new to education, or have years of service experience.

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

The best AQ course I've taken so far! Thanks to the wonderful instructors who did a great job running the course, providing feedback and being very knowledgeable.

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.