Professional Learning Series (PLS)

Professional Learning Series (PLS) and Events | 2026-27

Updated: November 05, 2026

Please review the schedules below for your year of the B.Ed. program:

Year 1 B.Ed. Teacher Candidates
Year 2 B.Ed. Teacher Candidates
Planning Reminders

Attendance at all scheduled events is required. On all PLS and Practicum Preparation Days (refer to the Program and Practicum Calendar), teacher candidates must be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., regardless of the times listed for individual events, as additional workshops or presentations may be scheduled.

Please note that event details are subject to change. Updates will be communicated as far in advance as possible. Teacher candiates are expected to check this page and monitor their UWindsor email regularly for important announcements.

Whenever possible, reminder emails with event details, instructions, and other relevant information will be sent at least one week in advance.

Year 1 B.Ed. Teacher Candidates

Fall 2026

Electives Teaching Fair
Thursday, November 12 | 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Location: CAW Student Centre – Commons and Marketplace
Explore final projects, inquiries, and research-based assignments from second-year B.Ed. students in elective courses.
Ontario Teachers' Federation (OTF), Professional Boundaries, and Pinning Ceremony of Initiation
Presenters: Michael Foulds and Bruno Muzzi
Wednesday, November 18 | 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Teacher candidates are to arrive by 8:30 a.m. for sign-in.
Location: Toldo Lancer Centre – Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse
This session introduces the role of the Ontario Teachers’ Federation and professional boundaries in teaching, followed by the Pinning Ceremony of Initiation into the teaching profession. Professional attire is required.
Ontario College of Teachers (OCT): Part 1
Presenter: Stéphanne Horace
Thursday, November 19 | 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: CAW Student Centre – Alumni Auditorium

Learn about teacher regulation, the College’s mandate, professional standards, and available resources. A question-and-answer period will follow.
Conflict, Character, and Culture: Your Impact on the School Environment
Presenter: Paul Schaffner
Friday, November 20 | 9:00–10:30 a.m.
Location: CAW Student Centre – Alumni Auditorium

Drawing on 25 years of experience as an educator and school administrator, this interactive presentation will explore the importance of building positive relationships, resolving conflict, and creating learning environments where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and respected. Through personal stories, experiences, and group discussions, teacher candidates will reflect on how their own education journeys have helped shape who they are today. This presentation will also explore how our actions, behaviours, and interactions with others reflect our character and influence the culture of our learning communities. Ultimately, the presentation will highlight the important role we all play in building a culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration, and how these experiences and relationships shape the educators we become.

Winter 2027

Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) Workshops
Monday, January 18 | Session 1: 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.; Session 2: 11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Location: Leonard and Dorothy Neal Education Building (various rooms)
Details for the Session 1 and Session 2 workshops, along with a workshops selection survey, will be confirmed and shared prior to the winter semester.
Ontario College of Teachers (OCT): Part 2
Presenter: Stéphanne Horace
Tuesday, January 19 | 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: CAW Student Centre – Alumni Auditorium
Learn about professional misconduct, key Professional Advisories, and the OCT registration process.
What Is Learning FOR? Agency in a Time of AI Hype
Presenter: Dr. Bonnie Stewart
Tuesday, January 19 OR Wednesday, January 20 | Time to be announced.
Location: To be announced

This session explores Generative AI in education, including its uses, limitations, cognitive risks, and implications for student agency and critical digital literacy.

Education Career Fair (attendance optional)
Wednesday, January 20 | 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Location: CAW Student Centre – Alumni Auditorium
Meet school boards and agencies from Canada and abroad to explore employment opportunities. Interviews may take place. Professional attire is encouraged.

Year 2 B.Ed. Teacher Candidates

Fall 2026

Enhancing Your Qualifications, Employability, Confidence and Career Goals through Additional Qualifications
Presenters: Karen Momotiuk and Valerie Newell
Wednesday, November 18 | 10:00 - 11:15 a.m.
Location: Leonard and Dorothy Neal Education Building - Room 1101

This session covers what new B.Ed. grads need to know post-graduation. We’ll share practical advice uncovering how AQs and ABQs can open doors, expand your teaching eligibility and enhance your professional learning. Our overview of prerequisites, course offerings, timing, and insider advice on resources will help you fit them into your schedule, finances and career goals.

This session will be offered in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online attendance options available. Participants are encouraged to attend in person to benefit from direct engagement and networking opportunities. Space is limited, and registration details will be shared soon.

Planning for Principal's Qualification Pathways and Senior Leadership
Presenters: Karen Momotiuk and Valerie Newell
Wednesday, November 18 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Leonard and Dorothy Neal Education Building - Room 1101

Taking on leadership roles in education begins with a plan! Examine your academic background and career goals to set yourself up for success. Examine your past educational experiences to support your future - through specialist designations, plans for departmental leadership and what’s needed to develop principal qualifications.

Conflict, Character, and Culture: Your Impact on the School Environment
Presenter: Paul Schaffner
Thursday, November 19 | 8:30–10:00 a.m.
Location: CAW Student Centre – Alumni Auditorium
Drawing on 25 years of experience as an educator and school administrator, this interactive presentation will explore the importance of building positive relationships, resolving conflict, and creating learning environments where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and respected. Through personal stories, experiences, and group discussions, teacher candidates will reflect on how their own education journeys have helped shape who they are today. This presentation will also explore how our actions, behaviours, and interactions with others reflect our character and influence the culture of our learning communities. Ultimately, the presentation will highlight the important role we all play in building a culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration, and how these experiences and relationships shape the educators we become.
Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO)
Presenter: Lindsay Duwyn
Thursday, November 19 | 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Location: CAW Student Centre – Alumni Auditorium
An EQAO Education Officer will explain EQAO’s role, demonstrate modernized assessments, and discuss how assessment data can inform decisions in classrooms, school boards, and across the province.

Winter 2027

Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) Affiliate Sessions
Monday, January 18 | 9:30–10:45 a.m.
Please attend the session that corresponds to your school board affiliation:
- Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF): Intermediate/Senior division public school board teacher candidates.
  Location: Vanier Hall – Oak Room
- Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO): Primary/Junior public school board teacher candidates.
  Location: Vanier Hall – Katzman Room
- Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA): Primary/Junior and Intermediate/Senior Catholic school board teacher candidates.
  Location: CAW Student Centre – Alumni Auditorium

Representatives will outline the roles of their respective teacher federations.

You Just Got Hired!: Tips for Getting Started
Presenter: Sherri-Lynn Soumis
Monday, January 18 | 11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Location: CAW Student Centre – Alumni Auditorium
An overview of what to expect after being hired as a teacher in a school board.
Qualifications Evaluation Council of Ontario (QECO)
Presenter: Liz Papadopoulos
Tuesday, January 19 | 1:30–3:00 p.m.
Location: CAW Student Centre – Alumni Auditorium
A QECO representative will explain the organization’s role and provide information about applying for an evaluation as a certified teacher. A question-and-answer period will follow.
Culturally Relevant Teaching and Integration of Black History
Presenter: Dr. Alleson Mason
Tuesday, January 19 OR Wednesday, January 20 | Time to be announced
Location: To be announced

Description and other details to be provided.

Education Career Fair (attendance optional, but strongly encouraged)
Wednesday, January 20 | 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Location: CAW Student Centre – Alumni Auditorium
Meet school boards and agencies from Canada and abroad to explore employment opportunities. Interviews may take place. Professional attire is encouraged.

Planning Reminders

Year 1 candidates should keep both January 19 and 20 available for the AI session as the day and time are to be announced.
Year 2 candidates should keep both January 19 and 20 available for the Culturally Relevant Teaching and integration of Black History session as the day and time are to be announced.
Year 2 candidates are to attend the OTF affiliate session that applies to their school board (public secondary, public elementary, Catholic (secondary or elementary).
The Education Career Fair is optional for both years, but strongly encouraged for Year 2 candidates.