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0Frequently Asked Questions
Course Registration, Payment, and Withdrawals
How do I register for a course?
Browse the courses being offered through the Learn Forward Peel by PDSB site at learnforwardpeel.peelschools.org. Clicking Home in the navigation bar will display featured courses. You can also select your area of interest i.e. AQ Courses, and all courses will be displayed.
When you find a course, you’re interested in, select Learn More to enroll and complete the checkout process. You will receive a registration confirmation email which will also contain the course link.
*If it is your first time signing up for a course through Learn Forward Peel by PDSB, you will need to create an account.
Please Note: Creating an account only applies to Non - Peel District School Board Staff. Select Register and provide the required information. Please make note of the username and password that you’ve created. You will use this information to login to Learn Forward Peel.
For Peel District School Board Staff
Go To: Already registered?
Login with your firstname.lastname@peelsb.com and associated password.
How do I pay for a course?
To access a course, fees must be paid in full using VISA or MasterCard through Learn Forward Peel by PDSB. No other payment methods are accepted. Once your course fee is paid, you will gain access to your course in 1 – 2 business days. To contact the Learn Forward Peel by PDSB office about payment related issues, please email learnforward@peelsb.com
How do I know if my registration was successful?
Upon successfully registering for a course, you will receive a registration confirmation email containing the course registration details. Your registration confirmation email will also include a link to access your course.
How do I access my course(s) after I register?
If you are still logged into your Learn Forward Peel account:
1. Click the course link contained in your registration confirmation email
Or,
2. On learnforwardpeel.peelschools.org, click the “My Account” button (in the top-right) then click “Go” in My Learning.
If you are not logged into your Learn Forward Peel account:
1. Click the course link contained in your registration confirmation email
Or,
2. Go to learnforwardpeel.peelschools.org, click the “Login” button (in the top-right) then under Already Registered click “Login”
For Peel District School Board Staff, click the button that says,
For Non - Peel District School Board Staff
Select Already Registered? and Login to Brightspace with the username and password you created when you registered for your Learn Forward Peel by PDSB Peel course(s).
I can’t see the course when I access my homepage.
Click on the tile and type in the name of the course and select the magnifying glass to search.
General Course Information
How can I find out which Additional Qualifications courses, Professional Learning or Micro Credential opportunities are being offered?
You can find information about all our current offerings, including AQ courses being offered, by visiting our website at learnforwardpeel.peelschools.org. We regularly update our course listings with upcoming course offerings.
What is the course fee for an Additional Qualifications course with Learn Forward Peel by PDSB?
Learn Forward Peel by PDSB Additional Qualifications courses are $700.00 for educators teaching outside of the Peel District School Board and $650.00 for educators employed by the Peel District School Board.
What are the Registration deadlines for the AQ courses?
Registration Deadline Calendar for Additional Qualification Courses
| AQ Course | Registration Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall - Oct-Dec | September 10 |
| Winter - Jan-Mar | December 10 |
| Spring - April-June | March 10 |
| Summer - July | June 10 |
How are the courses structured and what is the time commitment for an Additional Qualifications course with Learn Forward Peel by PDSB?
Learn Forward Peel by PDSB courses consist of 125 hours of synchronous and/or asynchronous learning divided across modules. A course outline will be provided that lists due dates for course assignments and discussion posts. Candidates can expect to spend on average of 10-12 hours per week interacting, reading, and responding. As this is an average, it is expected that amount of time will vary by course, module and individual learning styles and variables.
What are the expectations for attendance?
Attendance expectations will be communicated both in writing and verbally to all participants on the first day of the course. Candidates are expected to attend all synchronous class sessions. If a candidate misses a face-to-face class, they will be assigned a negotiated alternative assignment. Instructors will monitor both synchronous and asynchronous participation, and any attendance issues beyond one in person class missed will be reported to the AQ Coordinating Vice Principal. A verbal and written statement of concern will be issued if attendance issues arise.
How is assessment conducted for Additional Qualifications courses with Learn Forward Peel?
Course Instructors will provide AQ Candidates with assessment and evaluation policies at the start of the course. Assignment quality will be judged against clearly communicated success criteria for all components. Instructors will offer regular feedback on candidates' progress throughout the course. Final evaluations will use a criterion-based qualitative rubric with the following ratings:
- Met Plus: Consistently outstanding work
- Met: Consistently meets course expectations
- Not Met: Does not meet course expectations
After completing the course, participants will receive a letter confirming whether they have successfully finished the AQ course. All candidates are expected to submit original work with proper APA citations, and our plagiarism policy will be enforced.
What information do I need to know if I need to make an academic appeal or petition based on medical grounds?
Learn Forward Peel has an appeal process for AQ courses. Candidates who disagree with their course evaluation may initiate an appeal within 30 calendar days of receiving notice of unsuccessful completion. The appeal process is designed to address issues related to a candidate's progress or completion of the course.
Candidates will forfeit course credit if they:
- Stop attending classes without notifying the Peel Board AQ Office in writing
- Fail to meet all course requirements
- Do not submit the culminating assignment/evaluation
Petitions based on medical or compassionate grounds must be submitted with supporting documentation to the Peel Board AQ Coordinating Vice Principal/Office before the course ends. The course instructor, with approval from the AQ Coordinating Vice Principal, may allow alternative work to meet course expectations under extenuating circumstances.
What is your academic integrity policy?
Learn Forward Peel AQ candidates must adhere to the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession (OCT). Any breaches of academic integrity will be taken seriously and reported to the AQ Program Coordinating Vice Principal and the Peel District School Board Teacher Education Advisory Committee (TEAC).
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
- Plagiarism
- Cheating
- Citing fictitious sources
- Submitting previously credited assignments
- Interfering with the academic work of peers
Plagiarism is defined in Growing Success: Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting in Ontario Schools (2010) as using or closely imitating someone else's language or ideas without proper attribution, presenting them as one's own (p. 151).
If found guilty of academic dishonesty, a candidate will not be recommended for course completion to the OCT, and course fees will not be refunded. Candidates may appeal decisions; please refer to the FAQ for details on the appeal process.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
At a minimum, all Learn Forward Peel instructors have at least seven years of teaching experience in Ontario and are certified by the Ontario College of Teachers. They possess a Master of Education or a specialist qualification or equivalent experience and knowledge in their subject area and bring recent, relevant teaching experience with deep subject knowledge. Instructors demonstrate expertise in anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and culturally responsive teaching practices, along with proficiency in current, research-based instruction, assessment, and evaluation strategies. They have strong interpersonal skills, excel in teamwork, and have a proven track record in leading within a learning community. Additionally, they are knowledgeable about current research and best practices and have experience implementing Ministry of Education priorities related to their AQ discipline.
How can I use my AQ certification to advance my career?
Designed by teachers, for teachers, Additional Basic Qualifications (ABQs) and Additional Qualification courses (AQs) reflect the experience and pedagogy of the teaching profession. Overall, a Schedule D AQ course can provide you with the tools and qualifications needed to pursue new opportunities, take on more responsibility, and make a greater impact in your teaching career. Schedule D AQs typically focus on specific areas of teaching, such as special education, leadership, or teaching English as a second language. Gaining expertise in these areas can make you more competitive for specialized teaching roles or positions in high-demand subjects. Completing an AQ course demonstrates your commitment to ongoing professional development. It shows that you are actively working to enhance your skills and knowledge, which can make you a more attractive candidate for promotions or new opportunities. AQ courses often involve networking opportunities with other educators who are interested in similar areas of specialization. This can lead to valuable professional connections and potential collaborations. By acquiring new skills and knowledge, you can better support your students’ diverse needs, leading to improved educational outcomes and enhanced classroom effectiveness.
Is the AQ certification recognized by all school boards?
The AQ certification is recognized by the Ontario College of Teachers and will be part of your Certificate of Qualification, recognized by all school boards in Ontario.
Can I register for multiple AQ courses at the same time?
Learners can take up to two AQs concurrently, though we strongly encourage all learners to carefully consider any personal circumstances or professional obligations that will require your time and attention and plan your learning accordingly. Generally, it is best to pace yourself with one course at a time, especially when first engaging with AQ courses.
How does fee subsidy work? Who determines what courses are subsidized? Why are some courses subsidized and not others?
Our courses universally provide value to educators and students, but some will be subsidized for Board staff, while others are not. Fee subsidy is pre-determined through strategic planning and based on Ontario Ministry of Education priorities in the areas communicated to School Boards. Some funds are provided by the Ministry of Education for subsidizing Additional Qualifications courses. In addition, when funding dictates, subsidies may be provided by the Peel District School Board if doing so would support annual strategic planning priorities for student success.
How do I know if an AQ course will raise my salary?
All educators must contact the Qualifications Evaluation Council of Ontario (QECO) for inquires related to salary grid increases.
What is the difference between an AQ and an ABQ course?
An AQ course refers to an Additional Qualification course. These courses are designed to provide ongoing professional learning for teachers and education workers. The Peel District School Board is accredited to offer one-part (Schedule C) and three-part (Schedule D) AQ courses.
An ABQ course refers to an Additional Basic Qualification course. These courses are designed to give teachers certification to teach in another division. Learn Forward Peel by PDSB does not provide ABQ courses as only a faculty of education can offer these courses. Please refer to the Ontario College of Teachers’ website for more information regarding AQ and ABQ courses.
What is the difference between Schedule C and Schedule D courses?
Schedule C is one session AQ courses and Schedule D are three session programs offered as Part 1, Part 2, and Specialist courses. A list of all Schedule C and D courses can be found on the OCT website.
Most of the Learn Forward Peel by PDSB courses fall into Schedule D, but we do offer some Schedule C courses.
How does the Ontario College of Teachers know when I have completed the course?
The Learn Forward Peel by PDSB office automatically sends confirmation of successful course completion to the Ontario College of Teachers 2-3 weeks after the course end-date, when all grades for the session have been reviewed and approved. From there, it can take a few days for your Ontario Teacher’s Certificate to get updated. Please check your OCT profile to see if it has been updated. If there has been no update, please email peel.aq@peelsb.com.
What are the computer requirements I need for an online course?
To access your online course, you will need a browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, which are freely available. Safari 5+ is also supported.
Will I receive an income tax receipt for my AQ study?
An email will be sent to course participants with instructions on how to retrieve their T2202 Tuition and Enrollment Certificates. Tax receipts are made available after the end of the calendar year. A tax receipt is issued for the year in which a course was completed, not purchased.
What is your Privacy Policy?
The Peel District School Board Privacy Policy is linked in the footer on the Learn Forward Peel by PDSB website, and can also be accessed at the following URL: https://www.peelschools.org/privacy-and-terms
What is your accessibility policy? Who do I contact if I require an accommodation?
The Peel District School Board is committed to ensuring people with disabilities receive respectful and appropriate customer service when visiting the College or communicating with our staff in person or online. We comply with Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
If you require accommodation, please contact learnforward@peelsb.com or contact us at 905–890-1010 ext. 3856.
Prerequisites
Are there any entry requirements or prerequisites to enroll in an Additional Qualification course with Learn Forward Peel by PDSB?
Prerequisites are determined by the Ontario College of Teachers. You can find them here. For schedule D (three part) courses, prerequisites are listed as follows:
Part 1:
A Certificate of Qualification and Registration with qualifications in one of the following:
- primary division
- junior division
- intermediate division
- senior division.
Part 2:
- At least one school year of successful classroom teaching experience, verified by the appropriate supervisory officer or supervisory official and
- Part 1 of the specialist qualification, or an equivalent program.
Or
- Qualification in the intermediate or senior division in the same subject listed in Schedule A.
Part 3:
- at least two school years’ successful classroom teaching experience, including at least one school year teaching the subject, verified by the appropriate supervisory officer / official.
Teachers who have graduated from a Faculty of Education outside of Ontario who intend for their AQ study to be recorded on their OCT Certificate of Qualification must first be members in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers before they can be approved for taking an AQ course.
I do not teach in the Peel District School Board. Can I still take a course?
Learn Forward Peel by PDSB welcomes all educators who meet the prerequisite requirements for Additional Qualification courses. It is expected that you will have determined that you meet prerequisites and complete the course in full if you wish for OCT to record your course on your certificate of teaching qualifications.
I just completed my teacher education program and I want to take an Additional Qualification (AQ). I am not yet an Ontario Certified Teacher. Can I take an AQ course now
You are eligible if you completed your teacher education in Ontario and if you have completed our application process. You can register for AQs before certification. However, you must be in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers before you complete the course. Candidates who have applied for licensure and have completed an Ontario accredited professional education program but are not yet members of the College are eligible for admission to an AQ program during intersession (Spring). The candidate must have successfully completed all their professional education program and the College must be in receipt of a report from the Dean or Director. The confirmation of the report received from the Dean or Director should read as "Report from Faculty - Complete" on the candidate’s online application document status page.
College members holding a Transitional or Temporary CQR are eligible for admission to an AQ program offered by a faculty of education during intersession. They must have successfully completed all their professional education program and the College must be in receipt of a report from the Dean or Director.
Transitional certificate holders who have not completed all the sessions of a multi-session program are not eligible to be enrolled in an AQ
How is teaching experience verified and who is my Supervisory Officer to confirm teaching experience?
The Superintendent of your school must verify teaching experience. If you teach in a private school, your teaching experience must be verified by the Ministry Official appointed for your school (i.e., Education Officer). If your school is not governed by a Superintendent or Ministry Official, the appropriate person to sign the form is the person your principal reports to.
What is a Transitional Certificate of Qualification?
A Transitional Certificate of Qualification is a special certificate granted only to those in specific work-while-you-study Education programs across Ontario. Although you cannot take AQ/ABQ courses while you have a Transitional Certificate of Qualification, your teaching days will count towards Teaching Experience for Part 2, Specialist, and Honour Specialist courses.
Who do I contact if I have an issue logging in?
Please email learnforward@peelsb.com if you are having trouble logging into your course.
Who should I contact if a link on the site is not working?
If a link on the Brightspace site is not working, please send an email to learnforward@peelsb.com. Be sure to include the broken link. If the link is within your course materials within Brightspace, please contact your instructor to let them know.
I no longer have access to the email address that I registered for the course with; how can I access the course?
Please send an email to learnforward@peelsb.com and be sure to include the name of the course or program you are enrolled in.
What happens if I must withdraw from an AQ course? Can I get a refund?
Candidates may withdraw from the course by notifying the Manager of AQ Office via email at peel.aq@peelsb.com. Withdrawal is effective on the date the written request is received by the AQ Manager. I acknowledge and accept that failure to complete the course will result in financial penalties. I agree to the following conditions and take full responsibility to complete the requirements of this course or be subject to the following financial penalties:
- The AQ candidate may withdraw from the course, without financial penalties, on or before the first day of classes. 100% of the course fee will be refunded minus a $25.00 administration fee.
- If the candidate withdraws from the course after attending only the first class, the AQ candidate will be reimbursed 80% of the course fee, minus a $25.00 administration fee.
- If the AQ candidate withdraws from the course after the second class, up until the midpoint of classes, the AQ candidate will be reimbursed 50% of the course fee, minus a $25.00 administration fee.
- If the AQ withdraws from the course or fails to successfully complete the course after the midpoint of classes, there will be no fees refunded.
If you register for a course for which you are not eligible, 100% of the course fee will be refunded minus a $25.00 administration fee. Ineligibility may include the following: do not hold required qualifications; course has a designated group eligible for registration for which you do not belong (e.g., NBE educators; NTIP teachers).
NOTE: It may take 4-6 weeks for the refund to be processed. Not attending, ceasing to attend, or advising an instructor that you will be withdrawing does not constitute an official withdrawal and will result in academic and financial penalty. Failure in a course will result when a candidate ceases to attend but does not notify the AQ office in writing. Where extenuating circumstances arise, petitions based on medical or compassionate grounds must be submitted to the Peel AQ office with supporting documentation prior to the end of the course.
Who do I contact if I have an issue with payment or billing?
Please send an email to learnforward@peelsb.com and be sure to include the name of the course or program.