Jennifer Weening
How do you continue learning in your life? What is your professional passion?
I am a bit obsessed with professional learning, to be honest! I've been a member of Cohort 21, a CIS Ontario professional learning network, which focuses on developing an action plan centered around a challenge in our practice, and it was transformative. I did one year of the program, and then two years as a coach, and the professional connections that I've made through that have been so enriching. Blogging (writing and reading) and using virtual networks for professional learning are really key elements of my ongoing learning. And there is an unlimited amount of professional learning to be had online thanks to the movement of many in-person conferences to a virtual format. Working with Cobblestone Collective I have had the opportunity to develop training sessions to present at some of their summits in the past, which has led to incredible connections with other educators, including a Canada-wide network of other technology integration specialists to whom I can reach out to at any time with questions or issues I'm facing (or teachers have come to me with). I usually get an answer to my question within minutes!
I am a bit obsessed with professional learning, to be honest! I've been a member of Cohort 21, a CIS Ontario professional learning network, which focuses on developing an action plan centered around a challenge in our practice, and it was transformative. I did one year of the program, and then two years as a coach, and the professional connections that I've made through that have been so enriching. Blogging (writing and reading) and using virtual networks for professional learning are really key elements of my ongoing learning. And there is an unlimited amount of professional learning to be had online thanks to the movement of many in-person conferences to a virtual format. Working with Cobblestone Collective I have had the opportunity to develop training sessions to present at some of their summits in the past, which has led to incredible connections with other educators, including a Canada-wide network of other technology integration specialists to whom I can reach out to at any time with questions or issues I'm facing (or teachers have come to me with). I usually get an answer to my question within minutes!
What is one of your most memorable teaching moments?
Authentic learning experiences are what make me come alive as a teacher - finding projects for my students to do that have a real-world audience or some real world connections. Having several of my students' photographs published in a Toronto Star photography contest a couple of years ago (you can read my blog post about it here), as well as having a student's video assignment win a national videography contest called Here's My Canada, in honour of Canada's 150th anniversary. The excitement and pride that students feel when their work gains an audience beyond just the teacher is so incredibly powerful. It's what I aim for in my classes as much as possible.
Authentic learning experiences are what make me come alive as a teacher - finding projects for my students to do that have a real-world audience or some real world connections. Having several of my students' photographs published in a Toronto Star photography contest a couple of years ago (you can read my blog post about it here), as well as having a student's video assignment win a national videography contest called Here's My Canada, in honour of Canada's 150th anniversary. The excitement and pride that students feel when their work gains an audience beyond just the teacher is so incredibly powerful. It's what I aim for in my classes as much as possible.
Favourite thing about working at CDS:
Each day is different and I am constantly being challenged to learn and grow. I feel supported in my practice and feel like I have the freedom and the professional leeway to try new things and challenge the status quo. I love that a huge part of my job is to try to find solutions for challenges that teachers are facing, and I get to learn so much in this role.
What is one of your life goals?
So many goals .... Become a Google Certified Trainer, and eventually, maybe even a Certified Innovator! Turn one of my many hobbies into a legitimate side hustle. Never stop learning, ever.
Outside of CDS I’m … A mom to two beautiful little girls and two dopey black labs, a reader, a baker, a wannabe graphic designer.
Hometown: Bradford, Ontario (I currently live about 1 km away from the house I grew up in)
Also Known As: The Google expert. I'm usually the one people call when they have a Googley question!
Each day is different and I am constantly being challenged to learn and grow. I feel supported in my practice and feel like I have the freedom and the professional leeway to try new things and challenge the status quo. I love that a huge part of my job is to try to find solutions for challenges that teachers are facing, and I get to learn so much in this role.
What is one of your life goals?
So many goals .... Become a Google Certified Trainer, and eventually, maybe even a Certified Innovator! Turn one of my many hobbies into a legitimate side hustle. Never stop learning, ever.
Outside of CDS I’m … A mom to two beautiful little girls and two dopey black labs, a reader, a baker, a wannabe graphic designer.
Hometown: Bradford, Ontario (I currently live about 1 km away from the house I grew up in)
Also Known As: The Google expert. I'm usually the one people call when they have a Googley question!
Joined CDS in:
In 2008 as a 9-12 French teacher. Taught French for five years, then in 2013 moved into the Middle and Senior Library, which I did for five years. Then, just before my first mat leave, the school announced the creation of the position I had been waiting my whole career for - Technology Integration Specialist. I started that in 2018, right after my maternity leave ended, and it is absolutely, 100% my dream job and where I'm meant to be.
Education:
BA with a double Honours major in English and French from Redeemer University College; Bachelor of Education from Queen's University; Additional qualifications: Honour Specialist in English & French, Librarianship parts 1&2, Technology Integration Specialist parts 1&2, Teaching and Learning through E-Learning, Other certifications: Google Certified Educator, Level 2, Google Administrator Level 2.
In 2008 as a 9-12 French teacher. Taught French for five years, then in 2013 moved into the Middle and Senior Library, which I did for five years. Then, just before my first mat leave, the school announced the creation of the position I had been waiting my whole career for - Technology Integration Specialist. I started that in 2018, right after my maternity leave ended, and it is absolutely, 100% my dream job and where I'm meant to be.
Education:
BA with a double Honours major in English and French from Redeemer University College; Bachelor of Education from Queen's University; Additional qualifications: Honour Specialist in English & French, Librarianship parts 1&2, Technology Integration Specialist parts 1&2, Teaching and Learning through E-Learning, Other certifications: Google Certified Educator, Level 2, Google Administrator Level 2.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
