Professional Learning Networks

The Business Educator's Network:

• Promotes education for and about business to students.
• Provides leadership for the future direction of business education here in Ontario and across Canada.
• Ensures the curriculum prepares students for the global business and economic environment.
• Shares resources that are relevant, collaborative and useful.

Meeting once a year, in the spring, the network discusses curricula, teaching practices, educational strategies, contests, and innovation.

Information on CIS Ontario professional learning opportunities for Business Educators can be accessed here: cisontario.ca/businesseducatorsnetwork

Business Educators have access to a member's only network group within the CIS Ontario member portal. 
cisontario.ca/businesseducatorsnetworkmembers

This network offers an opportunity to connect with your peers who work within the finance departments of independent schools. Network formats can include two-day retreats or half-day meetings at member schools within the CIS catchment area. Share insights, develop ideas and explore best practices.

Information on CIS Ontario professional learning opportunities for Business Officers can be accessed here: cisontario.ca/businessofficersnetwork

Information on the annual Business Officers' Retreat can be accessed here: cisontario.ca/businessofficersretreat

Business Officers have access to a member's only network group within the CIS Ontario member portal. 
cisontario.ca/businessofficersnetworkmembers

The Conference of Independent Teachers of English (CITE) supports the teaching and learning of English, Media Studies and drama at its member CIS Ontario schools. There are two ambitious complementary projects: an annual professional conference for teachers of English; and the publication of an anthology of student writing. CITE also facilitates meetings of member schools' English curriculum leaders, and provides a social and professional network for literacy teachers.

The CITE Conference: 20/20 Vision takes place April 18, 2020. 

This is a great networking option for academic leaders responsible for overseeing curriculum and staying abreast of Ministry of Education requirements. Anchored by both a fall and spring gathering at a host school, curriculum leaders can enjoy engaging days of learning, collaboration and collegiality.

This network meeting and professional learning day happens each fall at the Stratford Festival, which also hosts the annual CIS Drama Festival (CISDF) each spring. It’s a day of enriching professional learning from a drama lens. All member schools are welcome, even those not planning to be part of CISDF. There’s a hosted dinner and an opportunity to view one of three exciting performances at North America’s largest classical repertory theatre company.

Few positions can claim to multi-task as effectively as executive assistants. Anchored by a two-day conference in the spring, this network shares, learns and collaborates around issues such as leading-edge advances in organizational tools as well as well-being and resilience support.

Meeting three times each year for networking and professional development, this network is a valuable opportunity to spark big-picture thinking and strategy all around. A full-day spring symposium offers a chance to go deep on major issues such as education law and curriculum.

Please see the Heads' Network web page for more information on the following:

• Spring Heads' Network Meeting - CANCELLED
• CIS Ontario ZOOM Legal Updates with BLG for Heads of School
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources

This network offers an opportunity to connect with peers who work within the health departments of independent schools. Nurses, social workers, psychologists and other health professionals share insights, develop ideas and explore best practices.

Meeting twice annually, fall and spring, the Librarians’ Network is an opportunity to promote this critical hub within every school as a leader and champion of research skills, critical inquiry, educational technology and digital literacy. This professional learning community shares knowledge and expertise to improve school library programs, increase access to information, and foster strong teaching and learning environments in a connected world.

This network meets annually for a networking lunch in the fall to discuss the delivery of quality music education among CIS member schools, instructional strategies, resources and best practices. Many participants are actively involved in the organization and execution of the annual CIS Musical Festival (CISMF).

Information on CIS Ontario professional learning opportunities for Music Educators can be accessed here: https://www.cisontario.ca/musicnetwork

Music Educators have access to a member's only network group within the CIS Ontario member portal. 
cisontario.ca/musicnetworkmembers

This network gathers for a dynamic evening each spring to explore networking and mentorship strategies for women. A panel discussion is followed by facilitated networking and a mixer. The network is designed to unite and connect women from CIS Ontario schools. Past panel discussion has explored how to create and develop a mentoring and support network, the roles that mentors have played in their career, and most importantly how one should build a professional network. It’s a great chance to meet new people and have meaningful conversations about your career.

Annual Women's Network Event

This network offers an opportunity to connect with peers who work within the visual arts departments of independent schools. Many participants are actively involved in the organization and execution of the annual CIS Visual Arts Festival (CISVAF).

Visual Arts Educators have access to a member's only network group within the CIS Ontario member portal. 
cisontario.ca/visualartsnetworkmembers