Filipino Canadian teachers hold  2016 confab

Filipino Canadian teachers hold  2016 confab

By Tony A. San Juan

In celebration of “World Teachers Day” the Philippine Teachers Association of Canada ( PTAC) aptly conducted its 10th Annual Conference on October 15, 2016 at the Unison Hub, Finch Avenue and Bathurst Street, North York, Ontario.

With seventy-five participants and guests in attendance, the 125-member Samahan ng mga Gurong  Filipino in Canada spent the whole-day event learning and sharing research-based reports and presentations, academic discussions, professional networking, career building experiences exchange, and best practices and current education trends.

PTAC, in joint partnership with Kababayan Multicultural Centre (KMC), a 39-year old community settlement and integration agency, focused this year’s gathering on the theme : “Commitment to Teaching and Learning Beyond the Classroom.” The conferees listened to Canadian and Filipino education experts and practitioners led by Prof. Phillip Kelly of York University, Centre for Asian Research on “Caregivers, Citizens, Parents : Identifying the Challenges of Filipino Families in Canada”; Linda Zaks-Walker of the Ontario College of Teachers on “Enhanced Teacher Education Program and Ontario Teacher Certification”; DPCDSB Adult Education principal Herman Viloria, TCDSB teacher Jesse Panem, KMC teacher-volunteer Jennielyn Estanislao and KMC executive director Flordeliz Dandal on “Career Building and Career Alternatives for Internationally Trained Teachers.”

Superbly hosted by Cielito Drapeza and Aguido Dela Cruz, the conference program and discussions were moderated by Perly Santos, Marissa Ciacico and Monica Anne Batac with excellent organizational support and assistance by PTAC officers Rose Apilado, Maricon Bernasor, Grace Dela Reyna, Boni Curutan, Red Andres, Donna Scutariu, Mila Curutan, Alicia Bautista, Gigi Reyes, Gary Camu, Bernadette Gapuz, Arthur Apilado, France Ampioco and other Association members.Extending logistical assistance were KMC settlement workers Amy Basingan and Loida Gatchalian.

Formed in 2016, PTAC is composed of Filipino Canadians who are former educators in the Philippines and are certified and practicing teachers in Catholic, public and private educational institutions in Ontario. The Association provides free professional services and seminars to members and other interested individuals in such areas as: pre-teacher certification assessment guidance; teacher resume and cover-letter writing; professional networking and referrals; teacher- interview clinic and preparation; and career planning and career alternative strategies. Its website is www.philippineteachers.ca.

(PRESS RELEASE)