Christian Teachers Academy

“How do we continue to develop exceptional Christian educators in Ontario?”

This is the driving question that launched the process of developing the fourth annual Christian Teachers Academy, a one-week, hands-on professional learning experience focused on Project-based Learning. And it is this driving question that compelled us to continue expanding the learning experiences available to The Academy’s participants.

The summer of 2016 offers four distinct Odysseys at the Christian Teachers Academy.

Odyssey 101
Odyssey 101 will again have a comprehensive focus on the basics of Project-based Learning (PBL).  Odyssey 101 allows participants to work in small groups, with the assistance of an experienced PBL coach, as they explore and workshop ideas for the design and implementation of projects into their teaching.

Along with mixed grade and subject level groups, The Academy is offering a specific primary focused group for K-3 educators and a Science specific group for grade 4-10 educators.

Odyssey 201
Odyssey 201 provides opportunities for teachers experienced in project-based learning to “dig deeper” into specific aspects of this pedagogy: assessment, the role of Public Audiences and experts, project management, and more. As part of this Odyssey, participants will be provided the time, space, and resources to refine an existing project or to craft a new one.

This year, the Academy is offering a subject-specific Odyssey 201 in Mathematics; other subject-specific Odysseys may be arranged based on participant choice and shared experiences.

Odyssey 201
Odyssey 202 – New this year is the Odyssey 202 – Study Hall.  This is an opportunity for past Academy 101 or 201 participants to attend The Academy to create or refine a project. Study Hall provides a space to work and a full Academy project-based learning atmosphere: a coach, resources, and people with whom to protocol projects. This is a 2 or 3-day experience.

Odyssey 301
Odyssey 301 – Deeper Learning. New this year, Odyssey 301 is designed for school leaders and leadership teams. This Odyssey will provide participants the opportunity to design and protocol a school-wide strategic plan for the implementation of project-based learning.

For more information about Christian Teachers Academy and to register, visit teacheracademy.ca

Harry C. Blyleven
Executive Director, Christian Teachers Academy