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, 2026Where: Durham Occasional Teachers’ Local meeting room- 1077 Boundary Rd, Unit 107, OshawaTime: 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.

Your DOTL PL committee is excited to be able to offer this workshop to members. Your committee made up of Heather, Umaima, Edina and Trissa will be presenting many websites they have used and love in the classroom as an LTO and a daily OT. If you have access to a laptop please bring it. We have 5 at the local to use for those who do not have a device.

Each PL committee member will present 1 or 2 of their favourite websites for the classroom. As long as you have access to a chromebook in the school you can use these sites. There will be no spoilers you must come to the workshop to find out what the websites are. Participants will have time designated to explore each site briefly. This is an in person event. There will be refreshments. Date: Wednesday October 14, 2026 Time: 5 to 6:30 pm Location: 1077 Boundary Rd Unit 10 Oshawa- Durham Occasional Teachers’ Local meeting room