Crosstown Option, 2012 – 2013

Primary/Junior

The Crosstown Primary/Junior Option is in partnership with the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board.  We share a special relationship with the TDSB Early Years Department and selected kindergarten teachers and their classrooms.

Program Description

Classes will take place at OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education) from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  We have a focus on Early Years Learning and creating an understanding of the importance of building a community of learners within the classroom.  This will be reflected in all Crosstown Option teaching and learning experiences.  The use of cooperative learning strategies will be modeled throughout the course of the year with explicit teaching of how to assist groups of learners to move through the stages of inclusion, influence, and community.  Throughout the program, candidates will develop the attitudes, knowledge and strategies necessary for implementing an inclusive program that meets the needs of all students in diverse classrooms.

Special Focus 

While committed to Primary and Junior certification, teacher candidates in this option will also have the opportunity to investigate the developmental stages of early learners and instructional strategies suited for young children.  Topics such as intentional play, the arts, integrated curriculum, family inclusion, and school as the hub of the community will be addressed.

Major Projects

The research by Dr. Charles Pascal has prompted changes in school structures to support early childhood education and beyond.  To complement this new vision, teacher candidates will have the opportunity to spend time in a kindergarten classroom in order to learn more about students at this developmental stage.  Teacher candidates will complete an inquiry project based on observations of how students learn in a kindergarten setting.  Teacher candidates in the Crosstown Option are required to spend an additional 21 hours in selected kindergarten classroom settings for ongoing observation and learning about young children.

Practicum Experiences

One practicum placement will be in a primary classroom setting and the other practicum will be in a junior classroom setting.  If you are enrolling in the Religious Education Learning and Believing in Catholic Schools course offered at OISE, one of your placements will be in a Catholic School.

Principles

The Crosstown Option has a focus on and commitment to:

1. Understanding the importance of the Early Years within a larger context of Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior learning;
2. School communities, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and collaboration;
3. Learning about the importance of play, arts, integrated curricula, and culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy, and observation to inform developing teaching practices;
4. High expectations at all levels, for teacher candidates, for instructors, for all students in schools;
5. Developing teacher candidates skills to be able to program for all students to ensure that the needs and interest of all students are met;
6. Anti-oppression education and inclusive practices;
7. Lifelong learning as a professional responsibility.

Further Info

Contact: Mini Dindayal or Bev Strachan

Special Features: This option is for Primary/Junior teacher candidates only.

Location of Practice Teaching Schools: Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board. Our partner schools are located throughout the Toronto area (Central, North, South, East and West).