Midtown Option, 2013 – 2014

Junior/Intermediate

This Midtown Option program centers around the adolescent learner.  A variety of instructions strategies specific to this age group will be examined through curriculum, research and practice.  The Midtown Option partners with grade 4-8 classrooms to provide rich learning experiences with a diverse group of schools in the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board.

Classes are held in the OISE building located at 252 Bloor Street West and at UTS at 371 Bloor Street West.  Teacher candidates have access to many technology, print and people resources available on campus.

Program Description

The Midtown Option provides a program for purposeful integration of technology which:

• supports diverse learning styles using interactive tools to develop students for the 21st century
• develops skills and knowledge students need to learn effectively and live productively in a digital world
• provides a framework to support ways to use technology for assessment and instruction
• allows opportunities for creativity, critical thinking and student engagement
• builds a collaborative enviroment for students to communicate, teach and learn from each other

Although expertise in technology is not a requirement, a willingness and curiosity to learn about technology prepares teacher candidates for rich hands-on, inquiry experiences.

Collaboration and community building is the core of our pedagogical philosophy. Teacher candidates will participate in a full day retreat that fosters a safe community environment, honours and respects individuality, and builds open communication.

Midtown instructors work together as a team to provide meaningful learning opportunities that emphasize creativity, critical thinking and student engagement.  Co-teaching and co-planning between Associate Teachers and teacher candidates are both theoretical and practical components of the program.

Teacher candidates should expect to actively participate in all classes, individual and group assignments to gain reflective knowledge and experience which will lead to a deeper understanding of the student as a learner.

Major Projects

Teacher candidates conduct a critical inquiry using technology throughout the program.  There will be opportunities to experiment and infuse technology in various assignments.  Teacher candidates should expect to participate in a variety of group and individual activities both in class and for course assignments.

Practicum Experiences

Practicum experiences with our partner schools provide opportunities to connect what is learned at OISE with field based practices at schools.  Our co-teaching partnership models an ideal mentorship between Associate Teachers and teacher candidates.  Midtown's online Pepper community provides support for one another during practicum and throughout the year.

Further Info

Contact: Serge Parravano or Caroline Rosenbloom

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

Location of Practice Teaching Schools: Schools across Toronto in the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board.