CESBA Conference
2023

A1: Dual Credit Program: Supporting Adult Education through Expanding Opportunities

Room: Gerrard

A1:  Dual Credit Program: Supporting Adult Education through Expanding Opportunities

This workshop will provide an overview of the Dual Credit program, including expanding opportunities that support student success and adult education.  Workshop participants will learn about best practices and will explore how the Dual Credit Program can support student success. The presenters will highlight opportunities offered through the government’s technology, skilled trades, and apprenticeship priorities.

Presenters: 

Jeff Piro brings over 27 years of experience as a teacher, consultant, coordinator, administrator, researcher, and faculty of education adjunct professor in Canada and abroad. Jeff is seconded to the Ministry of Education as an Education Officer focused on policy, implementation and operational support for Dual Credits, Technological Education, and the Skilled Trades Strategy.

Daniel Denommé has worked in public education for over 20 years in Ontario, first as a teacher, post-secondary contract lecturer, regional eLearning contact as well as system level adult & continuing education administrator. Currently, Daniel is an Education Officer at the Ministry of Education and supports adult & continuing education, alternative education, and the Dual Credit Program.

A2: Translating Positive Trends in Indigenous Culture-Based Education to Adult Correctional Education

Room: Windsor

A2: Translating Positive Trends in Indigenous Culture-Based Education to Adult Correctional Education

This workshop will discuss how correctional educators can translate Indigenous culture-based education practices in Young Offender education programs to adult correctional education. Participants will learn about challenges and solutions to provide Indigenous-focused cultural programming in both youth and adult correctional facilities.

Presenter: 

John Playford is a Superintendent of Education, with Adult and Continuing Education, Alternative Education, and Indigenous Education portfolios at the Simcoe County District School Board.  He has completed a Doctor of Education with a focus on supporting Indigenous students in youth correctional settings. His previous experience includes administration in both elementary and secondary panels, and a role as central Principal for Student Achievement 7-12 and Student Success.  John serves as an economist with the Labour Market Information Council and contributes to projects that address labour definitions and education-related employment outlooks in the Canadian labour market.

A3: An Innovative Model to Improve Employment Outcomes for Youth with Disabilities

Room: Baker

A3: An Innovative Model to Improve Employment Outcomes for Youth with Disabilities

Two organizations- a non-profit employment organization and a community college- have developed an innovative program to support youth living with mild intellectual disabilities to find suitable employment Participants will learn how inter-organizational collaboration can support youth with disabilities to find gainful employment, with a goal of long-term labour market attachment.

Presenters: 

Aleksandra Popovic is a faculty member and assessor at George Brown College in Toronto. She is the Partnership Liaison on the PTP-GBE project for the College Vocational Program. Aleksandra’s experience includes coordination, management and research, as well adult educational resource development.

Jennifer Dewar has a background in Child and Youth Care and worked for several years with marginalized youth in residential settings. She began working part-time at George Brown College in 2006 facilitating life skills classes with students with mild intellectual disabilities and autism in the College Vocational Program. Jen became Program Coordinator of the College Vocational Program in 2018 and strives to offer inclusive and accessible education.

A4: Artificial Intelligence in Education – Adapting to the Revolution

Room: Seymour

A4: Artificial Intelligence in Education – Adapting to the Revolution

Artificial intelligence in education is on everyone’s minds these days. This workshop will talk about how generative AI systems work, and will discuss emerging opportunities and challenges in education, including how to ensure that students use these systems appropriately. 

Presenter: 

Daniel Dubé has worked at CAVLFO for the past 15 years, first as an online teacher and now as an educational consultant, Brightspace and Google Workspace administrator. CAVLFO offers high school online courses to French language students and was awarded the D2L Excellence Award in 2020. 

A5: Empowering Student Success: Navigating Pathways to Skilled Trades  

Room: Mountbatten A

A5: Empowering Student Success: Navigating Pathways to Skilled Trades

Enhance your expertise and ignite students’ success in the skilled trades with this workshop. National non-profit organization ApprenticeSearch.com will discuss how to identify apprentice pathways and opportunities in the skilled trades. Participants will learn about common barriers to pursuing skilled trade careers and how to set up your students for future career success in this vital part of our Ontario economy.

Presenters: 

Deborah De Melo is a dedicated professional committed to making a tangible impact in the non-profit sector. With a passion for community service, she has honed her expertise in career development, striving to bridge the gap between individuals and the job market. Over the last couple of years, Deborah has devoted herself to empowering individuals by offering guidance, resources, and mentorship, ensuring they are equipped with the tools necessary to navigate the job market successfully. Deborah's work embodies her belief in the transformative power of education and opportunity, fostering a brighter future for those she serves.

Becky van Mil is a Certified Career Consultant with over 20 years of experience in employment services. She holds a post-graduate Certificate in Career Consulting and has a background in providing individualized, one-on-one employment counselling, guidance and support to job seekers. As a passionate career services professional who takes pride in building relationships, Becky is committed to empowering her clients to achieve their academic and/or employment goals.

A6: PLAR 101 for New Assessors

Room: Mountbatten B

A6: PLAR 101 for New Assessors

If you are a new PLAR assessor or a new Adult and Continuing Education Administrator, then this is the workshop for you! Participants will be introduced to PPM 132 (including recent revisions) and will learn the four steps of the PLAR process to competently assess students. They will also learn about where to find additional PLAR resources and supports.

Presenter:

Andrea Murphy is the Guidance/PLAR Coordinator for CESBA. She recently retired from the Limestone District School Board after 35 years in Education, including 20+ years in Adult and Continuing Education as Limestone's Central PLAR Consultant, Literacy Numeracy Lead, Night School Supervisor, and the Re-Engagement Coordinator. Andrea has been an active CESBA member since 1999.

A7: Personal Stories of Transformation: Embracing Change Through School Board PSW Programs  

Room: Stevenson

A7: Personal Stories of Transformation: Embracing Change Through School Board PSW Programs

Hosted by CESBA’s PSW Coordinator, Anita Plunkett, this conversation will bring together three individuals who will share their journey and personal story of change and transformation through DSB PSW programming (Adult and ConEd/SHSM) including challenges and successes. Participants will learn about the positive impact of PSW programs on adult learners, and how they are evolving as a tool to meet both student needs and community support.

Presenters:

Anita Plunkett, PSW Coordinator at CESBA since 2021, has supported the launch or expansion of several PSW programs across the province and our QA process, while fiercely advocating to government and community stakeholders for our school board PSW programs. Anita is a school board PSW success story herself! Originally a theatre major, she pivoted to a career in PSW by attending the program at Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO) school board. After working in long-term care and home care, she bridged to the registered practical nursing program. She worked as a nurse and then became a PSW instructor for 11 years at CDSBEO. She calls the shores of the St. Lawrence River in Prescott home. Anita enjoys travelling, performing in community theatre and spending time with her three kids and three grandkids.

Jean Murasiramwa, Cheyenne Meadus, and Lisa Sagutch are PSW graduates who will share their stories in this session.

B1: Central PLAR Programming for Secondary Students: One School Board’s Model  

Room: Mountbatten A

B1: Central PLAR Programming for Secondary Students: One School Board’s Model 

Two administrators from the Grand Erie District School Board will describe a model to support students who work through the PLAR process by using a central program and reduce the workload of guidance and administrative staff.  Participants will learn about what this Board learned from their mistakes and successes and will share their own experiences in central PLAR programming.

Presenters: 

Greg Carruthers is a Principal at the Grand Erie District School Board where he has been an administrator for 14 years, the last five as adult and continuing education principal. He is a proud member of the CESBA Board of Directors and is pleased to give back to an organization that has been such a support to his work. 

B2: Continuing Education Funding: Tips of the Trade  

Room: Mountbatten B

B2: Continuing Education Funding: Tips of the Trade 

This workshop will provide a general overview of Ministry of Education funding for A&CE.  Participants will learn how to understand the Continuing Education Enrollment Registers and how to report data to OnSIS and EFIS.

Presenters: 

Deborah Cook is the Continuing Education Technology Administrator at the York Region District School Board and has worked in the Continuing Education world for more than 15 years.  Her main responsibility is Ministry reporting using both OnSIS AND EFIS reporting. She also supports Student Information Systems for Continuing Education board programs.

Namita Aggarwal is a Program Manager, Administrative Services in Continuing Education at the Toronto District School Board. She has extensive experience responding to questions related to Ministry funding and supports departments across the TDSB on the needs of Continuing Education programs.

B3: Building Partnerships for Strong Programs and Supported Communities  

Room: Seymour

B3: Building Partnerships for Strong Programs and Supported Communities

This workshop given by educators from the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board will explore how local planning and coordination in Hamilton has built and strengthened partnerships between adult and continuing education programs and apprenticeship opportunities. Participants will learn about considerations and logistics that are needed to set up and deliver successful partnerships for apprenticeship programs and beyond.

Presenters:  

Angela Parkin is the LBS and Learner Intake Manager for the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board, and has worked in LBS for 13 years, in community and school board settings. For the past five years, she has created and expanded partnerships with organizations in Hamilton to deliver math upgrading for pre-apprenticeship programs.

Leah Rondeau is an Educational Pathway Planner at the Adult Basic Education Association (ABEA), Hamilton’s adult learning network, where she is the project lead on the apprenticeship initiative for Skills for Success.  She sits on the provincial community or practice community for this initiative and is a member of the Learning Networks of Ontario Apprenticeship Committee.

B4: Resolved Trauma vs. Unresolved Trauma: A Story of One Indigenous Family

Room: Gerrard

B4: Resolved Trauma vs. Unresolved Trauma: A Story of One Indigenous Family 

During this interactive workshop, two cousins will share their stories about growing up in radically different households, despite living next door to each other on the Six Nations Reserve. The two presenters, whose fathers were brothers, took different paths in life, but remain close to this day. Participants will learn about the definition of intergenerational trauma, how it impacts Indigenous families and communities, and the role education can play in the lives of Indigenous students. 

Presenters: 

Katie Maracle is a Mohawk woman of the turtle clan and lives on Six Nations Reserve with her 7-year-old son.  She graduated from Mohawk College, Brock University and Western University, where she received a Mater of Professional Education Leadership.  Katie has worked in the field of education for more than 15 years as a professor at Six Nations Polytechnic, Mohawk College and OntarioLearn.  She is a member of CESBA’s Committee to support Adult Indigenous Learners.

Karlene Powless is a Mohawk woman of the bear clan and was raised on Six Nations Reserve.  She obtained her GED while she was incarcerated in the United States.  Karlene is now living in Canada and is the main caregiver for her younger sister.  She hopes to continue her studies in the coming years.  

B5: Collaborative Knowledge Building: Supporting eTeacher PD Through OeLC 

Room: Stevenson

B5: Collaborative Knowledge Building: Supporting eTeacher PD Through OeLC 

This workshop will discuss how the Ontario eLearning Consortium (OeLC) can support A &CE programs through shared online courses and best practices in professional development for e-learning in Ontario.  Participants will learn about opportunities to share knowledge and expertise through collaborative inquiries, bootcamps, webinars and conferences that support best practices in e-learning. 

Presenters: 

Jon Proctor is the Executive Director of the Ontario eLearning Consortium. Born and educated in the UK, Jon has practices in eLearning since 1996. After moving to Canada 2007, Jon worked with the Greater Essex County DSB as a teacher, VP and Principal, while continuing to be involved in OeLC. He recently moved to a full-time position and is proud to promote the benefits of the Consortium for students across the province.

Lisa Buce is a program facilitator at the OeLC.  She has been an educator for nearly 25 years, with 17 years of experience in tech-enabled and eLearning with the Avon Maitland DSB. Lisa is a passionate advocate for effective online assessment practices, incorporating UDL and DI in eLearning courses, and how eLearning can support equity and inclusion. She recently joined the national board of directors for CANeLearn. 

B7: Selecting Teaching Resources with an Equity Lens

Room: Windsor

B7: Selecting Teaching Resources with an Equity Lens 

This workshop provides practical tips about how to think critically about the teaching resources we use and how to select them by applying an equity lens. Participants will be introduced to a ‘critical resource selection toolkit’ to support teaching resources that are reflective, responsive, and relevant for our students and the communities we serve.

Presenter: 

Rabia Khokhar is a teacher with the Toronto District School Board, and an education and equity consultant at Rabia Teaches. She is also a PhD student at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Rabia is passionate about ensuring that schools are inclusive spaces for all students. She is the recipient of the Elementary Teacher’s Federation of Ontario’s 2021 Anti-Racist and Equity Activism Award, and the 2022 Professional Learning and Curriculum Development Award and the 2022 Angela Thacker Teacher Librarian Excellence Award. 

C1: Uprooted: Grounding Instruction in Indigenous Worldviews

Room: Baker

C1: Uprooted: Grounding Instruction in Indigenous Worldviews

Exploring how centring Indigenous perspectives in the curriculum can contribute to students' sense of empowerment, self-worth, and cultural understanding. Participants will learn how to centre Indigenous strengths, contributions, and futures, moving beyond historical trauma narratives.  The workshop will also address strategies to build content rooted in Indigenous perspectives across different subject areas. 

Presenters: 

Julie Harmer works and lives in Northwestern Ontario in the Robinson-Superior Treaty area and has been a secondary teacher for 20 years and currently works for Seven Generations Secondary School. She has worked in continuing education for Indigenous adults for 10 years and specializes in program and curriculum development with a focus on Indigenous ways of learning and being.

Catherine Rodger is from the Ojibwa Nation of Fort William First Nation. She had been a teacher in Inuit and First Nation communities for 24 years and has been a teacher with Keewaytinook Internet High School in her home community for 17 years.  She focuses on land-based teachings, such as plant use and identification, traditional sewing, and land-based activities.

Andrea Murphy is the Guidance/PLAR Coordinator for CESBA. She recently retired from the Limestone District School Board after 35 years in Education, including 20+ years in Adult and Continuing Education as Limestone's Central PLAR Consultant, Literacy Numeracy Lead, Night School Supervisor, and the Re-Engagement Coordinator. Andrea has been an active CESBA member since 1999.

Mark Gibeault

C2:  Beyond Drugs: Understanding Problematic Substance Use Through a Trauma Informed Lens

Room: Seymour

C2: Beyond Drugs: Understanding Problematic Substance Abuse Through a Trauma Informed Lens

How we understand a problem informs our solutions. In this workshop, we will explore how using a trauma informed understanding of problematic substance use better supports student's mental health and wellbeing. By the end of the workshop, participants will a) have the most up to date understanding of problematic substance use b) be able to confidently incorporate trauma informed care and harm reduction principles into their day-to-day interactions with students who may be struggling.

Presenter: 

Amanda Neilson, CYW, BSW, MSW, RSW, has provided individual and group counselling to youth and adults struggling with problematic substance use, and substance use disorders for over twenty years. In partnership with Algonquin College and Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services, she was the co-creator of the Umbrella Project, a harm reduction framework for post-secondary institutions. She is currently the Manager of Clinical Practice at Rideauwood, regularly teaches at Algonquin College and has a part-time private practice specializing in treating people with problematic substance use/substance use disorders.

C3: Let’s Create! Integration of Executive Functioning Skills Using Arts & Technology: A Hands-on Workshop

Room: Stevenson

C3: Let’s Create! Integration of Executive Functioning Skills Using Arts & Technology: A Hands-on Workshop 

This workshop introduces a creative program focused on community partnerships, re-introduction to educational opportunities and program flexibility from the perspective of a northern community.

Geared to instructors looking for way to rejuvenate programming, arts will be used to facilitate discussion on how creativity can make meaningful impacts while working on competencies.

Interactively exploring challenges and opportunities, optional tools include watercolour, Canva, Microsoft Word, and mug sublimination.

Presenter: 

Megan Deresti is an educator and lifelong learner in her 5th year working as an LBS instructor at the Algoma District School Board in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. She holds a B.Sc. in Bio-Physics from the University of Guelph.  Megan wants to improve connections with community members as the most meaningful moments come from creative collaborations.

C4: Marketing and Monitoring: A Novel Approach to A&CE Visibility and Performance Measurement

Room: Mountbatten A

C4: Improving A&CE Visibility and Measurement: One Board’s Approach 

This workshop aims to help boards discover marketing strategies to better communicate the role of A&CE within communities while leveraging registers to bridge the gap between A&CE and K-12 education.  Attendees will gain knowledge of developing organization-specific performance measurements through board collaboration, monitoring program impact and data dissemination. 

Presenters: 

Alison Chornobaj is Principal of Adult and Continuing Education at the Simcoe County District School Board.  With degrees in both education and business, she brings her experience from the private sector role into her role at SCDSB.  Alison is passionate about supporting both the adult learner and the system at large through all that Continuing Education has to offer in her board.

Lisa Newton is the Manager of Research and Decision Support at the Simcoe County District School Board, where she has worked for the past seven years. Her team’s work focuses on developing applied research tools and providing data insights for the Board’s educational and business departments, and tracks performance measures from K-Grade 12, as well as for Adult and continuing Education. Lisa is a member of CESBA’s Data Implementation Planning Strategy (DIPS) Committee.  

C5: Transforming a Struggling Adult High School in a Post-COVID Environment

Room: Windsor

C5: Transforming a Struggling Adult High School in a Post-COVID Environment 

This workshop presents the story of how an Adult School at the Toronto District School Board turned itself around from the ravages of COVID and two years of rotating retired administrators and became successful and stable.  Newly transferred Principal, Eric Dallin will share his experiences and practical strategies for A&CE administrators to support growth, develop culture, address climate change, improve pedagogy, and bring stability. He will also discuss how his school was able to develop a magnet PSW program.

Presenter: 

Eric Dallin has been a secondary educator for more than 27 years, 11 of them spent in Adult Day Schools at the Toronto District School Board. For the past 10 years he has been the Principal of Burnhamthorpe CI and Adult Learning Centre in Toronto.

C6: The Balanced Life: How to Move from Striving to Thriving  

Room: Mountbatten B

C6: The Balanced Life: How to Move from Striving to Thriving 

This workshop will provide practical and easy action tools to help us move toward balance across the many parts of our lives in order to achieve better mental and physical health.  Participants will learn about how to assess their own balance across 10 key life areas, how balance changes throughout the course of our lives and what we can do to make a difference. 

Presenter: 

Sarah-Jane VandenBerg is a seasoned Certified Career Development Practitioner with 25+ years of experience in the field.  She has presented at the National Career Conference (Cannexus) for the past nine years.  Her dynamic and humorous approach delivers valuable and practical tips for educators in all settings.

C7: A Welcome Kit for Online Learners  

Room: Gerrard

C7: A Welcome Kit for Online Learners   

A welcome kit was developed by CAVLFO to help adult learners prepare for the requirements of an online course and ultimately increase their academic success through tips, how-to’s and tutorials for online adult learners, enabling autonomy and self-confidence throughout their learning.

In this workshop, participants will be introduced to the kit and be able to explore and use the resources to support the academic success of their learners.  

Presenter:  

Chantal Picard has been working in the field of online learning since 2010, first as a provincial trainer for CAVLFO, then as a pedagogical advisor for the TacTIC team of the CFORP. Chantal is passionate about learning in the digital age, student engagement and success, and is excited to share new trends and best practices in online learning.