Events

Neurodiverse educators contribute unique perspectives, cognitive strengths, and pedagogical approaches that enrich learning environments for all students. While their presence is an asset to the profession, challenges can emerge that impact participation in classrooms. In this session, participants learn the importance of designing schools, classrooms, and workplaces that allow neurodiverse educators to participate fully and meaningfully. We will discuss how neurodiversity can impact educators in a classroom and share concrete strategies to help educators support their success. The focus of this session will be on the early childhood classroom, although many of these strategies transfer to the K-12 system.    Terri is an assistant professor at the University of Prince Edward Island. As an educator with over twenty years' experience across diverse educational roles, including classroom teaching, resource support, post-secondary instruction, and academic research, her personal and professional experiences shape her work. Her career has been shaped by a deep commitment to inclusive, equity-oriented education, and this commitment informs the lens through which she engages in scholarly inquiry. Much of her work in K-12 education focused on creating responsive, inclusive classroom spaces for learners with diverse needs. As a new scholar in the field of inclusion, her work endeavors to build teacher capacity with the aim to improve outcomes for all learners. As a neurodiverse person, she recognizes that her positionalities influence the questions she asks, the data she interprets, and the conclusions she draws and is cognizant of the privileges she enjoys as a white woman. 

Every child deserves to feel heard, welcomed and seen; this starts in our environments. Representation is everything for children. Although we can’t control every form of media they consume, we can control one thing - the books they read in our classrooms. Diversity in early childhood environments is needed more than ever in our field. This webinar goes beyond diversity in literature and will show you that promoting diversity in your classroom is more than just a book on the shelf. You will gain information on understanding diversity in a new way and learn how to promote true diversity in your classroom. This webinar has information and engaging content that will prepare you to create a more diverse learning environment. We will cover: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Early Childhood Anti-bias education Our duty as educators Breakdown of diversity What diversity means in early education Effective steps for creating a more diverse classroom     Anisha Angella is an Early Childhood Education (ECE) coach and expert who has been in the industry for over 18+ years. With a degree in Early Childhood Education Studies, Anisha has held many roles over the years. She has led childcare programs, taught college programs, and worked as a senior manager overseeing 45+ childcare locations. She is also the CEO and Founder of her business, "The Early Childhood Coach + Co" — a powerhouse for all things childcare consulting, coaching, and training. Her success has allowed her to gain exposure through Breakfast Television,  Authority Magazine and The Today Show.    Anisha wants to see other members of the ECE community succeed and loves to share her wealth of knowledge through speaking at a variety of events. Anisha’s speaking engagements focus on diversity in ECE, leadership, mental health and burnout in ECE, and effective communication with parents and staff. She has spoken at over 250+ events worldwide and is always looking forward to her next engagement.     Participants will be given the link to the video and are required to participate in one of two ways-- with a microphone/built in speaker or through the chat. In addition there will be a log tracking which members contribute and which do not, and those that do not contribute will not receive PD hours. We ask that you leave your camera on for the session.

Amid the pace of daily routines, educators deserve time to refocus and reconnect. This session creates space for reflection on personal and professional values, purpose, and the importance of educator identity. Participants will be invited to re-engage with the deeper meaning of their work and to return to their teams with renewed clarity and confidence.    Marcia Nicole is a dedicated mother of three and the founder of Ispyr to Educate. Holding a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Curriculum and Development from Western University, and an Ontario Bachelor of Education with an OCT certification, she brings over 20 years of rich experience to early childhood education. Her passion is to foster an environment where educators and students thrive together in creativity and discovery. Ispyr to Educate is committed to enhancing educational practices through dynamic workshops, targeted professional development, and personalized mentoring, empowering educators to continuously evolve and inspire their students. As an educational coach, Marcia's goal is to support and uplift educators in their journey towards professional excellence and personal fulfillment.    Participants will be given the link to the video and are required to participate in one of two ways-- with a microphone/built in speaker or through the chat. In addition there will be a log tracking which members contribute and which do not, and those that do not contribute will not receive PD hours. We ask that you leave your camera on for the session.

Neurodiverse educators contribute unique perspectives, cognitive strengths, and pedagogical approaches that enrich learning environments for all students. While their presence is an asset to the profession, challenges can emerge that impact participation in classrooms. In this session, participants learn the importance of designing schools, classrooms, and workplaces that allow neurodiverse educators to participate fully and meaningfully. We will discuss how neurodiversity can impact educators in a classroom and share concrete strategies to help educators support their success. The focus of this session will be on the early childhood classroom, although many of these strategies transfer to the K-12 system.     Terri is an assistant professor at the University of Prince Edward Island. As an educator with over twenty years' experience across diverse educational roles, including classroom teaching, resource support, post-secondary instruction, and academic research, her personal and professional experiences shape her work. Her career has been shaped by a deep commitment to inclusive, equity-oriented education, and this commitment informs the lens through which she engages in scholarly inquiry. Much of her work in K-12 education focused on creating responsive, inclusive classroom spaces for learners with diverse needs. As a new scholar in the field of inclusion, her work endeavors to build teacher capacity with the aim to improve outcomes for all learners. As a neurodiverse person, she recognizes that her positionalities influence the questions she asks, the data she interprets, and the conclusions she draws and is cognizant of the privileges she enjoys as a white woman.  

Work culture is defined as “the beliefs, customs, and behaviour of a group of people within a work environment”. What is your work culture? How does it affect the people working for you and with you? The environment we set up and the language we use, tells our staff what we expect and will allow. Staff tend to leave workplaces because of the leadership. They don’t feel supported and empowered, not because of money. We will identify how we can set up our environment and our expectations for staff to feel supported and want to do their best. Let’s unpack and look at the practices and policies that define your work culture.   Facilitator Bio: Cindy has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 34 years, she has held many positions over the years; front lines ECE, director of a non-profit childcare program and nursery school and operated a group family child care program. Currently, she runs Growing Wild, a forest and nature school program, facilitates workshops for various groups, instructs at Red River College, Portage Campus in the Early Childhood Education program and is an active advocate for children, childcare, and early childhood educators.   Participants will be given the link to the video and are required to participate in one of two ways-- with a microphone/built in speaker or through the chat. In addition there will be a log tracking which members contribute and which do not, and those that do not contribute will not receive PD hours. We ask that you leave your camera on for the session.