TDSB Scarborough Cohort @ Winston Churchill C.I. (I/S)
About the TDSB Scarborough Cohort @ Winston Churchill C.I.
The MT program is partnering with TDSB’s Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute (WCCI) to offer a school-based teacher education option for MT candidates in the I/S division. School-based teacher education experiences offer extended experiential learning opportunities through observation and engagement in the daily life of the school. The focus of the MT-Scarborough cohort is to provide teacher candidates with an opportunity to be part of a school community over two semesters and learn how school staff and students work intentionally to enact commitments to access, inclusion and high expectations for all. Located at Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute (Kennedy Road and Lawrence Ave. East) within the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), the school site offers parking and is accessible by TTC.
About Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute
Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute prides its ability of sustaining the culture of community as well as introducing new programs and initiatives that continue to promote high expectations. A full composite of programs for a wide range of learners and interests are offered, providing beginning teachers with a rich diversity of programs to experience. These include the Leonard Braithwaite Program (offers students curriculum and instruction through an Africentric approach), a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Transportation, and an Autism Spectrum (ASD) Program.
Located within the same building is the TDSB’s Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement. It is the first of its kind in public education in Canada. The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement is dedicated to improving the experiences and outcomes for Black students and aims to be responsive to the voices of Black communities who continue to advocate for systemic change within educational institutions. Guided by nine (9) mandates, the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement strives to dismantle anti-Black racism at the TDSB.
TDSB Scarborough Cohort Information
- One day on-site at Winston Churchill CI and three days on site at OISE
- The timetable allows teacher candidates in Black Future Educators’ Pathway (BFEP) to also participate in the Scarborough Cohort
- This cohort has the same number of required courses, electives, and practicum blocks as other I/S students in the MT program, with the key difference being that two of the courses typically held at OISE are held at Winston Churchill CI.
- The school-based courses include classroom observations (integrated into course assignments) and provide an opportunity to connect theory to practice.
- These days will also have workshops and presentations led by WCCI and TDSB teachers, staff, students, and administrators.
- One of the cohort’s school-based courses, CTL5701: Theory & Practice of Community-Engaged Learning, requires OISE teacher candidates to contribute to school life through active involvement in school and/or community initiatives – thus being a reciprocal experiential learning opportunity. This course fulfills one of the two MT electives.
- Option to request a practicum placement at WCCI (note: entry into this cohort does not guarantee a practicum placement at WCCI as this depends on Associate Teacher availability each year).
- Scarborough cohort teacher candidates also receive a signed letter of recognition from the school principal, highlighting the special professional learning experiences that were undertaken.
School-Based Programs provide I/S teacher candidates the opportunity to:
- Engage in school-based experiential learning beyond their practicum placements. Be a part of a school with a diverse student body and a staff that centres racial justice, equity, and enlivening educational commitments to all within their community.
- Experience the adaptable, responsive, and reflective practice required to work in a school community that puts student learning at the centre of pedagogical and pedagogical commitments.
There will be an information session held as part of the “MT June Jump-Start” event where I/S candidates can learn more about the cohort and ask questions. Following this session, all Incoming I/S teacher candidates will receive a link to a form to rank their preferences for I/S cohorts.
Applicants will hear in August about their cohort assignment
Questions?
Questions about the Scarborough Cohort can be sent to David Montemurro d.montemurro@utoronto.ca
Questions about MT Admissions can be sent to: ctladmissions.oise@utoronto.ca
