Lifelong Learning: How Additional Qualification Courses Enhance Student Success

Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025

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As students make strides in learning, educators are right there with them, advancing their own education through Additional Qualifications (AQ). These courses align with the Grand Erie District School Board's ongoing goal to strengthen teaching practices and student outcomes as set in the Annual Learning and Operating Plan. 

AQ courses provide the opportunity to learn in a variety of curriculum areas including, Reading, Math, First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples, French and Special Education. When possible, courses are taught by fellow Grand Erie educators which emphasize practical strategies, “to bring a contextual lens to learning, enabling educators to apply insights that are directly relevant to the needs of our communities and schools," according to Julie White, Superintendent of Education. 

"Educators consistently report that these courses offer a meaningful, hands-on experience that ensures educators feel more confident and effective in their work, which ultimately benefits their students."

Interest in Grand Erie's subsidized AQ courses have seen steady growth. The following teachers speak of the value and improvements in their teaching methodologies and student engagement. 

 

Colleen Nagel, Grade 3 Teacher at Jarvis Public School
AQ: Math Part 1

"The Mathematics Part 1 AQ provided me the opportunity to explore a variety of manipulative materials to develop a rich program to implement in my Grade 3 classroom. The program offered a detailed look into the Lawson Continuum and how to effectively use this tool to understand my students' thinking throughout early numeracy and how to adapt my programming to meet all of my students where they're at."

 

Brittany Deakin, Grade 5/6 Teacher at Central Public School
AQ: Math Specialist 

"It’s been an awesome experience to put the concepts and ideas we were working on into practice, and see the growth and impact it has on student learning!"

 

Mary Katharine Grant, Elementary Math Instructional Coach
AQ: Special Education Specialist 

"Completing the Special Education Specialist course has significantly broadened my understanding of special education. It's enabled me to explore deeply into areas like student barriers, school board and community partnerships, and the importance of building and maintaining trusting relationships for student support. I’ve integrated many Universal Design for Learning principals into my current work and have shared numerous instructional practices and resources with my colleagues."

 

"As teachers apply the knowledge learned in AQ courses, students benefit from informed, responsive instruction. When teachers are equipped with the right tools and knowledge, they’re better positioned to inspire, motivate and support student learning," says JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education.

By equipping teachers of all experience levels with fresh skills and strategies, students receive more personalized instruction that adapts to their individual needs, thereby fostering higher achievement and a more positive learning environment.

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