Online teaching and learning is something we have been diligently working on for the past five years, and this pandemic has certainly highlighted our areas of success and places we still need to grow.

Part of our Digital Learning Initiative has been providing training to our educators in the area of online and blended learning. In the past, we have worked with EdTech and Better Lesson to provide professional learning targeted at building the capacity of teacher leaders while also creating a systemic framework that provides ongoing learning for all new and tenured staff.  Since 2014, each building has had Digital Learning Leaders who receive intense training on best practices in online and blended learning who then work with all building-based staff through institute days, team planning, staff meetings and one-on-one coaching.

This summer, we relaunched an online Career203 professional development course to provide staff an opportunity to focus on best practices in online teaching and learning. Between May and August, more than 130 staff members completed this course.

In addition, prior to the start of the school year, all educators engaged in three days of onsite professional learning focused on the District’s Return to Learn Plan 2.0, best practices in eLearning, health and safety protocols, and professional collaboration. Administrators ensured our buildings were safe and the building set-up followed all our safety guidelines. Staff continues to receive job-embedded training from Learning Support coaches and Student Support Coordinators.