THE POWER TO CHANGE: Workshops for Teachers about Schools and Bullying

Building knowledge, Building skills, Building confidence

The issue of bullying has become a major concern in the education sector. Teachers are expected to intervene effectively, to prevent and respond to the many types of bullying that occur at school.

Many teachers are concerned about the best way to address the problem, and would like more information to understand the issue, and practical strategies and tools to help guide them.

About the Workshops

The Power to Change is a 1-day workshop for teachers offered by COPA's Strategies for Change section in collaboration with the Ontario Teachers' Federation. These workshops were offered in different locations throughout the province in the spring, summer and fall of 2007, and the winter and spring of 2008. The workshops are based on the ACT (Adults and Children Together) Anti-Bullying Whole School Program offered by Strategies for Change, the English-language section of COPA.

Information Sharing

Workshop participants have an opportunity to explore the issue of bullying at school. Topics include the scope of the problem and its impact on the school community. Participants learn more about distinguishing between daily conflict and bullying, and appropriate strategies for intervention.

Practical Skill Building

Participants also have an opportunity to learn more about and practice our unique approach to intervention with students and peers (‘Tools not Rules'). They participate in guided exercises designed to enhance their ability to identify bullying situations and to respond constructively. The Power to Change workshops are designed to provide teachers with time to develop practical skills that can be applied in their daily work lives.

Participants share experiences and practical strategies in a format designed to enhance their capacity and confidence. This exchange is designed for immediate and positive application in the classroom, lunchroom and playground.

Safe@School Project

Piloting Teachers' Workshops across Ontario

The Ontario Ministry of Education awarded funding to the Ontario Teachers' Federation to pilot these COPA workshops in English during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 school years in communities around Ontario. Similar workshops are also being offered in French in partnership with OTF's Affiliate, l'Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO).

Contact us

For more information about these workshops, contact COPA.