Page 3 - Professional Advisory Safety in Learning Environments: Additional Qualifications — Extending Professional Knowledge

Additional Qualifications: Extending Professional Knowledge
Ongoing professional learning is an integral part of teaching. The College mandate includes a requirement to provide for
the ongoing education of members. The profession’s standards reflect the expectation that all members will participate in
ongoing learning. Adding to professional knowledge enhances teaching practice, which improves student learning.
Ongoing learning, as expressed in the College’s Professional Learning Framework, covers a wide range of activities that help members expand their knowledge, increase their skills and prepare for career changes.
Many valuable courses and opportunities are offered by universities, colleges, teacher federations, principals’ organizations, school boards, subject organizations
and community organizations.
The regulated system of Additional Basic Qualifications (ABQs) and Additional Qualifications (AQs) is one form of professional learning. ABQs/AQs are recognized in legislation, accredited by
the College, offered by providers approved by the College and, when successfully completed, recorded on the member’s Certificate of Qualification and Registration.
The College works with experts to develop guidelines that providers must use in creating ABQs and AQs. Guidelines establish content, learning expectations, instructional strategies and forms of assessment. The College itself does not conduct courses or programs.
Each year, thousands of members enrol in and complete additional qualification courses. The College is committed to increasing
accessibility to these courses because of the unique educational value they offer to College members. Some additional qualifications
are recognized for salary purposes.
This advisory presents members with an excellent opportunity to assess their plans for ongoing professional learning.
Additional Qualifications
Additional Basic Qualifications courses allow teachers to add another division
or subject area to what they are already qualified to teach. ABQ courses can prepare teachers to teach students at the Primary, Junior, Intermediate or Senior level or in Technological Education. They can also provide English or French-speaking teachers with the skills to work in the other language.
Additional Qualifications courses allow members to expand their knowledge and skills within the divisions and subjects
in which they are already qualified or to acquire knowledge in a new subject or
area of teaching. Specialist and honour specialist courses allow teachers to focus on leadership and curriculum development.
The new courses reflect the evolution of the education environment and requests from College members. Some examples are:
• First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples: Understanding Traditional Teachings, Histories, Current Issues and Cultures
• Enseignement et Leadership en situation minoritaire
• Philosophy
• Special Education for Administrators • Adapting Curriculum for the
Catholic School System
• Teaching and Learning through E-learning • Inclusive Classroom.
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