STEM Community of Practice

The CoP is designed to support educators in becoming more confident and comfortable facilitating hands-on science and STEM learning experiences while helping students build curiosity, engagement and STEM identity.

Unlike traditional professional learning opportunities, these CoPs are participant-driven and educator-led. The Ontario Science Centre will provide the structure and support for educators to learn from one another, share practices, explore challenges, develop resources and reflect on classroom implementation. Each CoP will be co-facilitated by an Ontario Science Centre educator and an experienced classroom teacher.

Each cohort will include approximately 20-25 educators.

Participants will have opportunities to:

• connect with educators from across Ontario;
• explore hands-on and experiential STEM approaches;
• share classroom experiences and practices;
• collaboratively develop and refine classroom-ready STEM resources;
• reflect on implementation and student learning;
• build a professional network of STEM educators;
• contribute to a growing collection of Ontario educator-created resources.

The direction, focus and content of each CoP will evolve throughout the year in response to participant interests, experiences and emerging needs.

Participants are expected to: 

• connect with educators from across Ontario;
• attend and actively participate in six virtual CoP sessions;
• contribute to discussions and collaborative learning activities;
• work with colleagues during sessions and asynchronously to develop STEM lessons, activities, instructional strategies or resources;
• implement, adapt or pilot at least one STEM learning experience or resource within their educational context, where possible;
• share reflections, evidence of learning and classroom experiences with the cohort;
• contribute to the collective development and sharing of educator-created resources arising from the CoP.

Because the success of each CoP depends on active participation and collaboration, educators should apply only if they are able to commit to the program requirements. 

Participants are expected to attend all six virtual sessions whenever possible and must attend a minimum of four sessions.

If a participant is unable to attend a session due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be expected to review the session recording and related materials prior to the next session.

Sessions will be approximately 90 minutes in length and held virtually.

Tentative session dates:

• January 2027
• February 2027
• March 2027
• April 2027
• May 2027
• June 2027

Sessions are expected to take place in the evening.

Final dates and times will be confirmed with selected participants.

Participants should anticipate 25 – 35 hours of engagement throughout the project, including:

• six virtual CoP sessions;
• small-group collaboration and resource development;
• classroom implementation and reflection activities;
• resource sharing and knowledge exchange with colleagues.

Participants who successfully complete program requirements, including attendance and participation expectations, will receive:

• Participation stipend of $600 in recognition of their time, participation and contributions throughout the project.
• Classroom implementation funding up to $100 to support purchase of materials and supplies that enable classroom implementation of STEM activities and learning experiences developed through the CoP.

Participants will also receive:

• access to educator-created STEM resources;
• opportunities to connect with STEM educators across Ontario;
• participation in a province-wide STEM educator network;
• a certificate of completion from the Ontario Science Centre.

We welcome applications from educators who:

• hold valid Ontario teaching qualifications and are in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT);
• teach Grades 4-6 or Grade 9 Science or have recent experience teaching these grades and subjects;
• are interested in STEM education and hands-on science learning;
• value collaboration and professional learning;
• are willing to share ideas, experiences and resources with colleagues;
• represent diverse school communities across Ontario.

Educators do not need to consider themselves STEM experts to participate. We welcome educators with a range of STEM teaching experience, including those who are looking to build their confidence in hands-on science and STEM learning.

Applications are encouraged from educators with varying levels of experience and confidence in teaching STEM.

Applications will be reviewed by the Ontario Science Centre project team.

Selection considerations include:

• interest in STEM education;
• commitment to collaborative learning;
• willingness to contribute to resource development and knowledge-sharing;
• ability to participate consistently throughout the project;
• representation from different regions of Ontario;
• a balance of educator experience levels within each cohort;
• representation from diverse school communities, including equity-deserving, underserved and under-resourced communities.

Space is limited and participation will be offered to a select group of applicants based on the selection considerations outlined above. The Ontario Science Centre aims to create cohorts that reflect a diversity of experiences, teaching contexts and perspectives.