Cohort 21

Cohort 21 is not your typical professional development.

It’s a highly personalized learning experience, supported by an active and engaged community of educators. Joining Cohort 21 means committing to an eight-month journey of professional growth and inquiry. The experience unfolds through four in-person sessions, interconnected by rich online collaboration, blogging, and dialogue.

Cohort 21 began in 2012, when 20 passionate educators gathered on a Saturday morning to explore the future of education. While the program has evolved and the world around us has changed, the mission remains the same: to build a community of passionate CIS Ontario educators who are committed to refining and redesigning their practice through the exploration of new pedagogies, ideas, and tools.

2025–26 Season 14

Super-Charged Professional Learning ⚡

Welcome! We’re thrilled that you’re interested in joining us for Season 14 of Cohort 21.

Since its launch in 2012, Cohort 21’s mission has been to build a dynamic community of CIS Ontario educators committed to refining and reimagining their practice. Through the exploration of new pedagogies, ideas, and learning tools, this professional learning experience supports those ready to engage in meaningful personal and professional growth. Cohort 21 has always attracted educators who seek connection, have the capacity for reflection and innovation, and are eager to make time for this year-long, action-oriented professional learning community.

Cohort 21 offers a unique space for CIS Ontario educators to consider challenges, explore opportunities, and share learning in collaboration with peers. Whether you’re a new or veteran teacher, this community supports and accelerates your growth through a process of inquiry, action, and reflection.

Schools are encouraged to send multiple participants—especially if they are pursuing school-wide initiatives. Curriculum leaders are also encouraged to participate and are invited to attend each of the in-person face-to-face sessions.

One Community. Two Powerful Pathways.

Under the Cohort 21 Community banner, we now offer two distinct pathways to support the evolving needs of educators across our network:

🛠️ Design Lab

For educators seeking to transform practice through action and innovation.


🌱 Leadership Lab

For aspiring leaders ready to explore, define, and grow their leadership identity.

Registration for Season 14 is Closed

If you missed registering for Season 14, please plan to join us in 2026–2027 for Season 15!

Face-to-Face Session Dates 2025–26

Watch our Behind-The-Scenes video!

Cohort 21 News

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Members, this is the best way to stay up-to-date.

To receive timely information on our professional learning events, student experiences and news relevant to our community of educators, educational staff and administrators, please ensure you are listed as a member in our database. All employees of our member schools are automatically entitled to CIS Ontario membership.

You are in our database as a member if you have a login to our member portal and CISO Connect.

If you do not, please fill out this brief membership form. 

Cohort21

LEAD FACILITATORS

Garth Nichols
Lead Facilitator
Cohort21

Justin Medved
Lead Facilitator
Cohort21

For additional information, please contact:
 
Jeremy Barr
Event Manager
jbarr@cisontario.ca
613-449-0226

Imagine finding yourself surrounded by 50 like-minded professionals with only one idea in their head: "How can we help each other become better teachers?".

— Tomas Paz Johnstone, Crestwoood Preparatory College