Professional Development
Courses / Workshops / Seminars
Over the course of the year OFIS provides several courses for School Leaders + Educators.
Many of these courses are also open to non-members (see course page for more details)
Leader Specific Courses
Building Capacity for Mental Health
Principals Couse: Part One
Educator Courses
Big Feelings Workshop (also for Parents)
Coding in the K-8 classroom
Teaching Smarter with AI
Empower your teaching, boost productivity, and make more time for what matters.
In a world where students are already engaging with AI, this course empowers you to integrate this technology in ways that streamline your workload, enrich your lessons, and personalize learning experiences. Through practical tools and ethical frameworks, you’ll explore how AI can make your teaching more efficient and impactful. With a new insight into AI, you’ll have the confidence to help your students navigate an AI-driven future.
DATES:
Teaching Smarter with AI
Back to School Bootcamp:
>Aug 25, Aug 28 - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (with a one-hour lunch break)
Fall Sessions:
>Sep 18 - Oct 9 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm (once a week on Thursdays - online)
>Oct 30 - Nov 20 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm (once a week on Thursdays - online)
Winter Sessions:
JJan 22 - Feb 12 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm (once a week on Thursdays - online)
For Leaders & Educators
Foundations of Independent School Operations in Ontario
Exclusive to OFIS and open to any independent elementary or secondary school leader in Ontario, this course explores the roles and responsibilities of independent school principals and provides an understanding of the diverse and growing sector and our place in the education landscape.
Principals Course:
Part One
*offering different formats/schedules for your convenience!
For Leaders
Establishing Practices, Plans and Policies for Healthy Schools.
Supporting mental health and wellness is quickly becoming a priority in our schools as we continue to live with the after-effects of the pandemic. As school leaders, what can we do to improve support for our students, staff, families, and ourselves?
Embark on a journey with OFIS and Julia Swaigen MSW, RSW to create meaningful and lasting changes that build capacity for great mental health in your school community.
Building Capacity for Mental Health
DATES:
Summer
August 26th: 9:30-12:30 - attend check-ins to keep your plan on track and troubleshoot the problems you are having
Winter
January 23rd: 9:30-12:30 attend check-ins to keep your plan on track and troubleshoot the problems you are having
For Leaders
Coding in the K-8 Classroom
For Leaders & Educators
Daunted by the prospect of teaching the Ministry of Education’s new computer coding requirements to children from kindergarten to grade 8?
Feeling as if you have no idea where to begin?
OFIS is here for you with our Coding for the K-8 Classroom, a course that will prepare you for the task with confidence.
X sessions available for 2025-2026
Big Feelings Workshop
For Educators
Big Feelings: Emotion-Focused Skills Training (EFST) Workshop for Teachers and Parents
Start the new school year with clarity and confidence. Gain the skills to confidently navigate and manage big emotions and behaviours in your classroom and at home to improve learning and overall well-being.
This workshop offers an important opportunity for both educators and parents to attend together. Learning alongside each other will help you understand the perspectives and challenges of the other, fostering effective parent-teacher partnership strategies to create a cohesive approach to supporting children's emotional development. An invaluable learning experience for those who are both an educator and parent.
2 sessions available for 2025-2026