Every year as educators we are fortunate to have one day when we can all get together in order to share ideas, learn from each other, and begin new and exciting projects. I love MTS PD Day — or SAGE — or SAG, or…!
No matter which special area group I attend, whether it is Mathematics, Middle Years, MSLA, ManACE, MSSTA, or any of the other amazing groups of educators, I am always blown away by the incredible knowledge and wisdom possessed by my colleagues throughout the province.
This year, I am attending the Manitoba Social Science Teachers’ Association PD Day. (Although I am still lobbying to change the Social Science part of the group as History is a huge component of the day — and History is not a social science (I digress)). Whether you’re an Industrial Arts teacher, a school principal, a Physical Education specialist, or a Spanish language educator, I think this year’s MSSTA conference has something for all of us. Here’s my pitch:
The Keynote — What can I say?! The folks at MSSTA have secured Stephen Lewis as the keynote speaker. As former leader of the Ontario NDP, the founder of the Stephen Lewis foundation, and of course Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations. If you profess to want your learners to become global citizens, this is a must see keynote from an incredible example of what it means to be a global citizen. He is also the father of Avi Lewis and father-in-law of Naomi Klein, founders of the Leap Manifesto.
Morning Session — A must for the morning session is also the session devoted to Model United Nations. (MUNA.) If you teach Grade 9 Social Studies (Canada in the Contemporary World) or Grade 12 Global Issues, this is essential PD for you. Model United Nations, which takes place every May at CMU is possibly one of the most educative experiences for young people and educators to take part in.
Afternoon Session — If you’re a teacher of the History of Canada, the session on Western Canada at War is for you. In this session, the Manitoba Historical Society will provide a free copy of its journal from last year with a resource package. Participants will be asked to help create learning experiences, using the Six Historical Thinking Concepts, so that we can launch these into to the ether. (Psst…the Big Six are part of the Manitoba Curriculum and we have to teach them.)
This is a free resource and an opportunity to jam with other history teachers.
So there’s my pitch! Take it or leave and we’ll see you all out-and-about on October 20th!
Henderson Hallway 