Nourishing the Teaching Spirit: Collaborative Development of Additional Qualification Course Guidelines for Aboriginal Teacher Education

• In Event: Roundtable Session 39
  In Roundtable Session: Indigenist Teacher Education

Abstract

A collaborative and dialogic approach was utilized to re-conceptualize provincial Aboriginal teacher education qualification courses for teachers in Ontario. The development processes for creating these policy documents were created and implemented in partnership with Aboriginal Teacher Education Programs, Aboriginal organizations, local communities, teachers and Elders. The 21 additional qualification course guidelines for teachers focus on Aboriginal languages, cultures, traditions, histories and ways of knowing.The stories, perspectives and lived experiences of Elders, teachers, community members, teacher educators and students will informed the development of these teacher education courses. Their voices, wisdom and leadership are essential sources for guiding this provincial teacher education policy development process.

Author

• Deirdre M. Smith, The Ontario College of Teachers