550 curriculum workshops planned for October 26 PD day

HALIFAX, Oct. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - School is out for students on Friday, October 26, but their teachers will be attending class throughout Nova Scotia. That's the day when teachers, administrators, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, APSEA teachers, Community College members, all members of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union participate in one of 22 teacher-organized conferences throughout Nova Scotia. Some 6,500 participants, who have registered online will attend conferences in the Valley, Clare, Milford, Amherst, Sydney, Yarmouth and the HRM featuring 550 keynotes, plenary sessions and workshops.

"This conference day demonstrates just one of the ways our members engage in life long learning to improve their professional practice to influence student success," says NSTU president Shelley Morse.

Each conference, organized for elementary and young adolescent teachers, math, science, social studies, English and French teachers, or for adult educators, guidance counsellors and other specialists, is planned, developed and implemented by volunteer educators. "These committed NSTU volunteers, plan and deliver an astounding array of workshops and sessions for each professional association reflecting the incredible dedication to the improvement of public education in the province."

Highlights include: Dr. Stan Kutcher's keynote address for art and drama teachers discussing the relationship between the Arts and mental health, at J.L. Ilsley High School in Halifax; Dr. John Ratey, Harvard Medical School's Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry is a guest speaker for the Association of Teachers of Exceptional Children, discussing ideas from his book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain at Empire Dartmouth Crossing; Tara Thorne, CBC Radio arts commentator and Arts Editor of The Coast will discuss the business of entertainment for business education teachers at the Delta Halifax; Schulich School of Law professor Jennifer Llewellyn, Director of the Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Community University Research Alliance will provide a keynote on a restorative approach for schools to guidance counsellors at Amherst Regional High School; CBC Television journalist Laurie Graham will provide the keynote for principals and vice-principals in the province at the School Administrators' Association conference in Sydney.

Workshops will focus on topics including cyberbulling, digital citizenship, technology integration, and enhancing the delivery of curriculum through the sharing of resources and best practices.

"Provincial PD day provides an opportunity for thousands of members to enhance their practice and knowledge, and teachers leave these conferences with new understandings and relevant resources to bring directly back into classrooms, schools and campuses," concludes Morse.

Detailed information on the October Professional Development Day is available on the NSTU website at http://nstu.ca/default.asp?mn=1.22.92.118 and clicking on the program.

SOURCE: NOVA SCOTIA TEACHERS UNION

Contact:
Angela Murray, NSTU Public Relations Coordinator
Telephone: [phone], Cell: 902-497-0194, Email: [email protected]