Introduce yourself and the courses you teach. What, in your opinion, is the best thing about being a teacher at Centennial Academy?

My name is Bianca Ambrosino and I teach Visual Arts, Multimedia and as well as facilitate the Robotics and Programming club. In my opinion, the best thing about being a teacher at Centennial Academy is teaching new creative concepts to my students every day.

[/row]

What are the top 3 things that you think make Centennial Academy unique?

1. Centennial’s UDL approach
2. Our structured routines that help students become autonomous learners
3. The skills we teach our students to help them become resilient

Tell me about one of your favorite teaching memories/story?

My favorite teaching memory at Centennial is when my grade 9 classroom used Photoshop to create a deck of cards as a class in a unit called “52 Pickup”. The project required independent work, group discussion and the use of new techniques. I will always remember when I would hear students excitedly say “I get it! It worked!” as they attempted an especially difficult technique.

What do you think your students like the most about you?

I think my students like that I am passionate about the subjects I teach. I show my enthusiasm by ensuring that I take the time to explain concepts and techniques to them until they are confident with their abilities.

Describe a typical classroom experience or a typical day at Centennial?

A typical day at a Centennial Visual arts or Multimedia class is separated into five parts.
Every class starts with a warm up routine called the “Daily Doodle”, a type of activity that allows students to practice spontaneity in arts by drawing an image of the theme given that day. Following this, instructions and demonstrations would be given based on what project they are working on. Students are then given the majority of the class for independent work. Finally, class time ends with cleaning up their materials and an artistic reflection as they prepare for their next class.

Describe in your own words the Centennial Academy Approach and how UDL really works.

We approach learning in various ways, understanding that not every student can fit into a single mould. By using the UDL approach, our team offers multiple ways to engage in content in a manner that works best for the student! In an art class, this means having the opportunity to learn using visual, kinesthetic and auditory tools, while participating in projects that practice interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.

Introduce yourself and the courses you teach. What, in your opinion, is the best thing about being a teacher at Centennial Academy?

My name is Lauren Kohos, and I teach Visual Arts, Ethics and Religious Cultures, and Integrative Project.

In my opinion, the best thing about being a teacher at Centennial Academy is that we teach in a way that reaches all students. We have a truly inclusive approach to teaching that makes our students succeed.

What are the top 3 things that you think make Centennial Academy unique?

Something that makes Centennial Academy unique is our consistency of routine throughout the school. Each course has an opening introductory activity that gets students self-started. In Visual art we have the daily doodle. In ERC students complete an ethical question of the day. Integrative project has students research a new creator each day.

Another thing that makes our school unique is that we don’t only teach our students the curriculum; we also teach them the tools and strategies for learning. Students are taught active reading strategies and are given graphic organizers to help them be more autonomous learners.

Something else that makes our school unique is our level rooms and access center. When students need extra help, a break or a quiet place to learn students can come to these places. They are equipped with spaces to learn as well as stationary bikes for students to spend some energy.

Tell me about one of your favorite teaching memories/story?

My favourite memory at Centennial is when we held our art show last year. Seeing all of the students enter the transformed cafeteria was an exciting moment. Students were given the opportunity to showcase their work to family and friends. It was truly wonderful to see the students so proud of their accomplishments in the arts.

What do you think your students like the most about you?

I think that what my students like the most about me is that I take their interests into consideration. When planning lessons, I am always thinking about what that group is interested in learning. By making their themes and topics relatable, students become more engaged in the lessons.

Describe a typical classroom experience or a typical day at Centennial?

A typical class at Centennial has a strong routine. The class always begins with an opening activity to reinforce learning. Students are then given instructions and ample time to complete an in class assignment. The last 5 minutes of class are always dedicated to preparing students for their next class.

Describe in your own words the Centennial Academy Approach and how UDL really works.

At Centennial Academy, students are taught to be autonomous and resilient learners. Assignments and projects are created in ways that can help students self-launch. With clear and concise instructions, and step by step assignments, students are given the tools to work independently. All course materials are accessible via paper copy, and online, as well as we provide oral, written and visual instructions. With UDL we create course materials that are easier to read and understand for all students. We use clear sans serif fonts, and high contrast PowerPoint presentations. All students are given tools such as WordQ, reading strategies and graphic organizers to help them learn. At Centennial Academy, we make sure to reach ALL students.

Introduce yourself and the courses you teach. What, in your opinion, is the best thing about being a teacher at Centennial Academy?

My name is Krystal Lapierre.  I have taught in South Korea, New Zealand and Tanzania and this is my seventh year teaching at Centennial Academy.  I currently teach grade 9 and 10 science, including the advance science course.  I have also taught grade 8 science and grade 11 math in the past.

I find teaching at Centennial very rewarding as I feel that I can have a really positive impact on the success of our diverse learners.  I also love changing students’ perceptions about science by making it engaging and hands-on.

What are the top 3 things that you think make Centennial Academy unique?

1. Centennial allows students to overcome the challenges of learning in an environment that is supportive and inclusive.  This gives students the confidence they need to succeed academically and socially.
2. Centennial staff are consistent in their approaches to teaching and learning which allows predictability and helps the students stay organized and on the path to success.
3. We focus on learning behaviours as a means to improve academic performance.  These are skills that aren’t explicitly taught at other schools and which go a long way towards creating a more effective learning environment.

Tell me about one of your favorite teaching memories/story?

My favourite time of year with the grade 9s is the period right before December exams, when we do the sheep’s heart and frog dissections.  I usually have a number of students who are squeamish and who do not want to participate.  I never make it mandatory that they participate, however, more often than not, curiosity overcomes any trepidation the student may have and they become engrossed in the dissection, asking lots of questions and making valuable connections between what they are seeing and how their own bodies work.

What do you think your students like the most about you?

I think that my students like how passionate I am about science, and how I can relate what I am teaching to their day-to-day lives.  I am organized and punctual in returning assignments to my students so that they can promptly learn from their mistakes and work on improving for their resubmission or next assignment.

Describe a typical classroom experience or a typical day at Centennial?

A typical day at Centennial is very predictable.  The student comes into their classroom, where they will stay for majority the day, and the teacher puts the learning target and agenda on the board so that the students know what will be happening that period.  There is usually a portion of the class dedicated to introducing new material and then the rest of the period students are practicing that new concept.  In science, we try to get into the lab as much as possible so that students can be involved in their own learning.  Students will finish their day with study hall, which is a 45 minute period for students to complete homework and seek out their teachers for help, should they need it.  Students are then expected to only do 30 minutes of remaining homework or review once at home.

Describe in your own words the Centennial Academy Approach and how UDL really works.

The Centennial approach uses UDL to ensure that no matter what the learning challenge of a student may be, that that student can engage with the material in a manner that suits them.  At Centennial we provide PowerPoints, course packs, videos, interactive websites (gizmos, facile learning and phets are commonly used in science), hands-on activities, as well as a variety of other tools.  We also encourage the use of WordQ and students often have the option to type or hand-write assignments.

To help your child become an autonomous and resilient learner:

Help her flourish by developing the tools that boost well-being.

Positive psychology is the scientific study of the factors that enable individuals and communities to flourish and achieve well-being. Well-being not only feels good: it has been proven to make people happier, healthier and more successful in all aspects of life.

Dr. Martin P. Seligman, the founder of positive psychology and author of the book Flourish, discovered, through scientific research, the five building blocks that enable flourishing:

1. Positive Emotion: Increase positive emotions by feeling grateful about the past, savouring the present and being hopeful about the future.

2. Engagement: Do things that you enjoy and that bring you satisfaction.

3. Relationships: Develop healthy relationships and social connections.

4. Meaning: Get actively involved in something that makes a positive difference in your community or in the world.

5. Accomplishment: Pursue activities that give you a sense of accomplishment, whether it be work, sports, games or hobbies.

Introduce yourself and the courses you teach. What, in your opinion, is the best thing about being a teacher at Centennial Academy?

My name is Mr. De Vito, I teach middle school math and science.  The best thing about being a teacher at Centennial Academy is helping students achieve success and meet their potential by becoming better learners.  To do this we use many different strategies and tools that meet the universal design for learning (UDL).[/row]

What are the top 3 things that you think make Centennial Academy unique?

1. Our unique UDL approach to teaching.
2. The high level of structure and routine that we provide in class.
3. Our continuing commitment to help students overcome the barriers to learning.

Tell me about one of your favorite teaching memories/story?

I come from a sports background, so I really enjoy coaching soccer at Centennial because it allows me to get to know the students better in a non-class environment while having fun on the field.  Students often call me coach when they see me in the school.  I also enjoy having the privilege of teaching students in grade 7 and 8 and then watching them grow as learners.  I have fond memories of students thanking me for helping them reach their learning goals when they were younger.

What do you think your students like the most about you?

I feel like they appreciate my patience and understanding when it comes to their learning needs.  I always encourage them to give me feedback so that I can become a better teacher.  I think they appreciate that.

Describe a typical classroom experience or a typical day at Centennial?

A typical math class in middle school usually begins by the teacher taking attendance while making sure that each student is prepared and sitting in the appropriate learning position.  Next, go over reminders such as upcoming assessments.  Then, students do a warmup activity such as a warm-up question, memory aid builder or weekly assignment.  Afterwards, correct homework by having students come to the white board and explain to the rest of class what to do.  Following this, students copy notes in course pack by viewing a Power Point and filling in the blanks.  Students then do an exit card by answering a specific question and seeking feedback from teacher.  Finally, they start new homework by completing questions in course pack which has a model of what to do.  Students end class by getting ready for the next period.

Describe in your own words the Centennial Academy Approach and how UDL really works.

The Centennial Academy approach involves a common framework in the class that involves using strategies and structure that helps all students.  For example, chair slippers reduce the number of distractions that a normal chair would make.  Binders are color coded which makes it easier for students to get prepared.  Scaffolding techniques are used when teaching, for example, the first question is shown step by step what to do while the next questions have less and less support.

To help your child become an autonomous and resilient learner:

Boost her sense of well-being by using positive language when you speak to her.

Your child’s well-being is undoubtedly one of your top priorities: you want your child to be happy, confident, content, fulfilled, balanced, kind, healthy, and satisfied.

In his book Flourish, positive psychology expert Martin E. P. Seligman provides examples, from his own research, of the power of positive talk on the well-being of individuals.

In the corporate world, his research showed that companies thrive when there is at least a 2.9 to 1 ratio of positive to negative statements. For couples, the same research showed that a 2.9 to 1 positivity ratio was not nearly high enough to ensure happiness. In fact, couples whose communication contained a 2.9 to 1 ratio of positive to negative statements were headed toward divorce! A ratio of 5 positive statements for every negative statement was shown to be the minimum to predict conjugal stability.

Think of what this means in terms of how you should communicate with your child. You can play a big role in your child’s well-being by noticing her strengths, appreciating her gifts and focusing on speaking positively to her.

Introduce yourself and the courses you teach. What, in your opinion, is the best thing about being a teacher at Centennial Academy?

My name is Marco Palmieri, I teach grade 11 chemistry and physics. I am also the staff’s teacher coach. The best thing about teaching at Centennial is the team approach in coming up with strategies to improve student success. As a team, we often re-evaluate these strategies and everyone is responsible for taking an active role in proposing solutions.

What are the top 3 things that you think make Centennial Academy unique?

The structures that are in place to help student success are unique.  Before looking at grades, we focus on learning behaviours, which often guides our discussions with students about their success in school. We have a level coach who follows up with student work while working in partnership with the teachers. Teacher’s lessons are structured in a very similar way, regardless of the subject they are teaching. Teachers believe that students need routine and predictability and all teachers at Centennial share this value. Teachers also have level meetings where teachers of that level get together in collaboration with the Director of student growth in order to problem solve student issues.

Tell me about one of your favorite teaching memories/story?

In grades 7-8-9, students must create a science fair project and if they choose to, can participate in the school’s science fair and Regional science fair. I remember a student who was motivated by his project and he was always looking to find ways to make his project better. He always responded well to my feedback and in the end, not only did he win the school’s science fair for his level, but also won a gold medal at the Regional science fair.

What do you think your students like the most about you?

I believe students know that I’m a fair teacher that treats everyone equally. I don’t make deals with students or offer special treatment and I know they appreciate this of me.

Describe a typical classroom experience or a typical day at Centennial?

Centennial prides itself in making sure teachers are delivering effective and engaging lessons. This means that we minimize teacher talk and students spend more doing instead of listening. All classes at Centennial follow a routine and predictable structure, regardless of the subject taught.

Describe in your own words the Centennial Academy Approach and how UDL really works?

Centennial’s approach is a way of thinking about teaching and learning that helps give all students opportunities to be successful. We believe that it’s important to shape our lessons to fit our students. This means, for example, presenting concepts in a variety of ways. In science classes, we have various tools to help us do this: PowerPoint presentations, course pack questions and notes, online simulations, hands on labs and online lab activities. We also focus on study strategies and organization. In science, we have students create memory aids before quizzes and tests. Even if they aren’t allowed to use them for tests, it is a requirement for them to create one in order to show that they’ve gone through their notes and reviewed.