Role of Visiting Staff

Role of the Teacher

 

SUPERVISION

Any group participating in programs at EFSC MUST be accompanied by a staff member from the school that will continue to be involved with the students back at school. In the event that the staff member who is in charge of the excursion is unable to accompany the group, please contact EFSC at 905-794-2171 to reschedule.

Note: Occasional teachers are not to be in charge of an excursion. (TDSB Excursion Policy). EFSC follows the supervisory guidelines in the TDSB’s Excursion Policy.

Grades 7 and 8: Two adult supervisors for groups of up to 30 students (follow a 1:15 ratio if groups are larger). 

Grades 9-12: One adult supervisor for groups of up to 30 students (follow a 1:30 ratio if groups are larger).

Please note that some activities require a greater supervision ratio based on the OPHEA guidelines.

Discipline is the responsibility of the visiting school staff. The group knows and will respond to you best, and we need your guidance and teaching expertise in both setting an appropriate tone and helping us to deal with special situations. At the discretion of the EFSC staff, a program may be terminated if behaviour is deemed inappropriate or if student safety is at risk.

The visiting school staff is fully responsible for the supervision of students during the lunch hour.

TEACHER PARTICIPATION

Your participation at EFSC is critical in making connections with the learning experience before students arrive and after you leave. Furthermore, students often exhibit different aspects of themselves when learning in different environments. Although the EFSC staff will take the lead with the instruction and planning, we encourage you to be involved in the following ways.

*Take observation notes on your students.
*Bring a camera. Pictures can be used for year books, follow-up activities, and parent and school communication. Lunch is a great opportunity to take a class photo.
*Participate during the activities. Learning along side the students often gives insights into their understanding. Leave the centre inspired and equipped to make use of these activities in your local outdoor classroom.
*Facilitate a small group activity. Many of our activities have students work in small groups. Guide students in creating their own connections.
*Lead an activity. If you have an area of expertise, we would love to learn from you! Let us know how we can plan our program with you in mind.
*Ask us. If we forget to give specific directions on how you can be involved, please don’t hesitate to ask. We always appreciate your involvement.