The session will focus on strategies and resources to explicitly teach and assess student Learning Skills in an inclusive classroom setting through the use of mentor texts. We will explore ways to gather information and to set goals based on observations. We’ll also review Growing Success and how Learning Skills are evaluated for the elementary report card.

Please join your PL in welcoming DDSB presenter Sarah Dunstall. We are so grateful to her for being willing to provide our members with this opportunity to learn about learning skills. When: Tuesday November 17, 2026Where: DDSB board office- CLAB Time: 4:30 to 6pm

Coding and Computational Thinking

Discover how accessible and rewarding classroom coding can be! This practical, hands- on workshop equips educators with foundational block- based coding strategies using free tools like Scratch to build student confidence and computational thinking. Plus, learn how to introduce simple physical computing and robotics using classroom- friendly kits like Micro:bit and Dash- or unplugged paper alternatives. Walk away with turnkey lesson templates, assessment rubrics and high-yield activities designed to generate concrete student artifacts just in time for upcoming report cards.

Join Ryan Tindale as he brings us coding to the max! When: Monday November 9, 2026 Where: Durham Occasional Teachers’ Local meeting room Time: 4:30 to 6:30pm

This workshop will provide educators with practical strategies and best practices for effectively supporting students with learning disabilities in the classroom. By the end of the workshop, participants will gain a deeper understanding of what a learning disability is and acquire tools to help students with learning disabilities succeed academically and socially.

This is a Presenters on the Road workshop through ETFO. Please note this workshop is a VIRTUAL workshop, and will be held on ZOOM. The ZOOM link will be emailed out the morning of the workshop. Please ensure you sign in to ZOOM with your actual name you registered with so we can keep track of attendance. There will be a code word at the end to make sure registrants have attended the entirety of the workshop. Date: Wednesday November 4, 2026 Time: 4:30 to 6 pm Where: VIRTUAL – wherever you wish to join us from- link will be sent the morning of.

November is Hindu Heritage Month

Veteran teacher Shannon Hazel shares lessons learned from more than two decades in the classroom to prepare teachers for the realities of a career in education. How to minimize undesirable behavior and increase student success The ingredients for establishing a productive learning environment Easy-to-use strategies for stress-free communication with parents The dos and don’ts for fostering an effective working relationship with your administrator Ways to navigate the swinging pendulum in education and avoid burnout Steps for finding balance between home and school

Your Professional Learning committee is excited to bring you this special workshop. This is a book club and all participants will receive a copy of Shannon’s book to keep! Date: Monday November 2, 2026 Time: 4:30 to 6:30 pm Where: Durham Occasional Teachers’ Local Meeting Room

October 29, 2026

4:30 – 6:00 PM

Come find us at the DDSB Open House!

Please join the PL committee in welcoming presenters Caroline Mills and Laura Laztko from the DDSB. They will show OTs how to decode, help to understand the difference between modifications and accommodations, how to ‘read’ an IEP, etc.

Location: Durham District School Board- location- C Lab, 400 Taunton Rd E, Whitby, ON L1R 2K6

Date and time: Tue, Oct 20, 2026 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Designed specifically for daily and occasional teachers, this practical session breaks down essential emergency protocols across DDSB. We’ll cover what you need to know about Lockdowns vs. Hold & Secure, Bomb Threats, Shelter-in-Place, Fire Drills, and Severe Weather. Learn where to locate red/green emergency folders, how to access student medical plans and EPI-PEN protocols, and how to navigate DDSB’s Health & Safety portal in seconds. Walk away with an OT Emergency Checklist so you feel confident and prepared in every classroom.

Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 04:30pm – 06:30pm at Local’s Meeting Room.