ETFO On-line Programs Spur Ten-fold Increase in Teacher Registrations for AQ
Courses this summer

TORONTO, July 5 /CNW/ - Using the newest, leading-edge platform for on-line learning, the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has increased registration for its Additional Qualification (AQ) courses by ten-fold over the previous year. More than 1500 Ontario teachers will update their credentials this summer through ETFO's on-line and face-to-face courses, according to the Federation.

"This registration growth far surpasses our projections when we made the decision last fall to offer on-line courses," said ETFO President Sam Hammond. "That's due in part to the fact that we are using an on-line platform that offers much more opportunity for collaboration among participants."

Along with providing equity of access for teachers no matter where they live, Hammond said the on-line initiative also appeals to beginning teachers and others who are technically savvy and want greater access to journals, print and digital sources that on-line learning provides. ETFO contracted a Waterloo-based company to provide the operating platform for the courses. He added that "It was important that we use a Canadian company for this initiative."

The most popular ETFO AQ courses this summer are Special Ed and Kindergarten. "With the province moving to full day kindergarten, it's not surprising that teachers are coming to ETFO. We are one of the few providers accredited to offer the Kindergarten AQ course and our program focuses on play-based learning," added Hammond.

Taught by close to 90 practicing teachers who are experts in their field, the ETFO AQ courses enable teachers to enhance their instructional skills. The federation also offers a Principal's Qualification Program. ETFO is accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers to deliver these courses.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario represents 76,000 elementary public school teachers and education workers across the province and is the largest teacher federation in Canada.

For further information: Sam Hammond, President, ETFO, 416-962-3836 (Office); Valerie Dugale, ETFO Communications, (Office) 416-962-3836 ext.2331, (Cell) 416-948-0195