TDSB Toronto East J/I Cohort @ Valley Park Middle School (J/I)
About the TDSB Toronto East J/I Cohort @ Valley Park M.S. - (Junior/Intermediate)
The MT program is partnering with TDSB’s Valley Park Middle School to offer a school-cohort option for MT candidates in the J/I division. The focus of the MT-TDSB J/I cohort is to provide teacher candidates with an opportunity to be part of a school community over two semesters (Year 1) and learn how school staff and students work intentionally to enact commitments to the academic, social, emotional, physical and attitudinal needs of all of their students. Located at Valley Park Middle School (Don Mills & Overlea Blvd), the school site is accessible by TTC (limited parking available).
Valley Park Middle School is a large community school, serving students in grade 6, 7, and 8. VPMS serves approximately 1100 students in the Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park communities.
“Respect for All”
The Valley Park staff believe in fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Throughout the year, collaborative work focuses on creating a positive and engaging atmosphere that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning. A primary goal is empowering each student to reach their full potential so they are ready to contribute positively to their community and beyond.
VPMS Character Agreements:
- Be respectful
- Be responsible
- Be safe
As part of the Toronto District School Board, VPMS values:
- Each and every student;
- A strong public education system;
- A partnership of students, schools, family, and community;
- The uniqueness and diversity of our students and our community;
- The commitment and skills of our staff;
- Equity, innovation, accountability, and accessibility; and
- Learning environments that are safe, nurturing, positive, and respectful.
Valley Park M.S. Cohort Information
- J/I Teachers candidate in the Valley Park Middle School (VPMS) cohort attend one day of class at this school and four days on site at OISE, from September to April in Year 1. This cohort has the same number of required courses, electives, and practicum blocks as other J/I students in the MT program, with the key difference being that two of the courses typically held at OISE are held at Valley Park Middle School (Grade 6-8).
- As part of this school-cohort teacher candidates will also have the opportunity to:
- Engage in classroom observations as part of the two courses held at the school site which provides an opportunity to connect theory to practice
- Have workshops and presentations led by VPMS and/or TDSB teachers, staff, students, and administrators.
- Connect to the school’s improvement plan through the cohort’s school-based courses to promote a reciprocal experiential learning opportunity. This will require teacher candidates in this option to have a cleared Vulnerable Sector police check PRIOR to the first day of TDSB classes (i.e., Tuesday after Labour Day)
- Be considered for a practicum placement at Valley Park Middle School (note: entry into this cohort does not guarantee a practicum placement at VPMS as this depends on Associate Teacher availability each year). Depending on Associate Teacher availability/preferences, collaborative placements may be considered.
- For 2026-27, the MT timetable does not support teacher candidates in Black Future Educators’ Pathway (BFEP) to also participate in this TDSB PJ Cohort
The Valley Park school-cohort provides J/I teacher candidates with the opportunity to:
1. Have additional school-based experiential learning beyond their practicum placements as part of the two courses offered at the school site in the largest middle school in Canada
2. Learn to connect school context as a key aspect of planning and delivering effective learning opportunities to a range of learners
3. Be connected to a community of inquiry that considers school context and school data as part of the theoretical learning about instructional design, effective assessment practices and practitioner inquiry.
There will be an information session held as part of the “MT June Jump-Start” event where J/I candidates can learn more about the cohort and ask questions. Following this session, all incoming J/I teacher candidates will receive a link to a form to determine their interest in the J/I school cohort.
Applicants will be notified in August about their cohort assignment.
Questions?
Questions about the Valley Park Middle School-cohort can be directed to Dr. Kim Jensen (MT Program Coordinator) at kim.jensen@utoronto.ca
Questions about general MT inquiries can be sent to mtinfo@utoronto.ca
