Central Option, 2013 – 2014

Primary/Junior

The Central Option offers a field-linked program in which teacher candidates examine the role of the teacher in promoting learning with young children. This option has a major focus on Aboriginal cultures, history and ways of knowing.  You will learn effective educational practices through professional readings, seminars, field trips, online conferences, interactive demonstrations and school experiences in central Toronto classrooms. In the academic portion of the program you will examine the teaching and integration of language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, technology, physical education and the arts. Lesson and unit planning, assessment, educational law, special education, equity and diversity, and classroom management will be studied in the Teacher Education Seminar. Teacher candidates will attend an information technology fair that promotes the integration of technology throughout various curriculum areas and examines how assistive technology devices support students with special needs. In our partner schools, you will gain hands-on practice under the supervision of experienced teachers. By integrating theory and practice, you will develop both confidence and competence as a Primary/Junior instructor.

Program Description

Central Option classes are held in the OISE building located at 252 Bloor Street West. The building is directly accessible from the St. George subway station at the intersection of the two major subway lines.

Practicum Experiences

The Central Option partners with schools in the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Field experiences are based on a mentoring model that links each teacher candidate with an experienced instructor. Partner schools in the Central Option provide rich experiences that reflect the diversity of students in a downtown urban setting.

Major Projects

In the Inquiry Project, participants in Central Option conduct an Aboriginal Action Research/Inquiry.  In this assignment, you will have the opportunity to research areas of First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit (FNMI) ways of knowing.  You will focus on culturally relevant pedagogy through the lens of FNMI history.

Special Foci

• The Central Option examines issues relevant to primary/junior level education, particularly the integration of curriculum areas and Aboriginal/Indigenous ways of knowing.
• The role of children's literature is featured throughout our program.
• The Central Option examines issues in social justice, diversity and equity.
• Our work will reflect understandings from multiple perspectives within a framework of equity and social justice.
• Teacher candidates will be provided with opportunities to reflect on practice through portfolio building.
• Presentations by teachers in the field and guest university instructors are featured throughout.
• Participants will have opportunities for exploring meaningful practice in conflict resolution and restorative justice circles.
• Strategies for arts-based learning are considered in a variety of program areas.

Further Info

Contact: Nancy Steele or Mary Reid

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

Location of Practice Teaching Schools: Toronto Downtown Core—easternmost area Beaches; westernmost area Keele Street; northernmost area Lawrence Avenue; southern most area King Street and Toronto Island Public School. Downtown Toronto Catholic schools (east end and west end).