FASD 101 On-Demand is an online, self-paced course for BC Educators, that provides learning opportunities to enhance educators' capacity to support students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. This flexible 6-module course will build understanding and awareness of FASD and how to utilize an FASD-informed approach to meet the needs of all learners.
The way we talk to and about our students matters. Join us to hear from Karys Foley (RSW Specializing in Complex Behaviour) as she explains that the language we use to describe challenging behaviour is often laden with shame and blame, which inevitably leads to wounding. Hurt kids will develop emotional defenses such as resistance, shutdown, and non-compliance. In this session we will focus on communication and approaches that encourage and empower our students to do their best. This session will provide insight into the underlying causes of problematic behaviour and the importance of using strategies that are devoid of shame and blame.
Join Melanie Baerg, Kate Lyon, and Erica Roberts to learn about supporting literacy for all students, including students with complex needs.
Melanie Raymond-Baerg is a Senior Instructor in the School of Education at the University of Northern British Columbia, a Licensed School Psychologist and a BC Certified Teacher. Melanie has been involved in public education for over 25 years, spending the first half of her career as an Inclusive Education and classroom teacher, and the latter half as a school psychologist. Melanie is committed to understanding and implementing culturally responsive, evidence-based educational practices across K-12 and in teacher education. Since 2021, she has been teaching preservice teachers in the Regional Teacher Education Program and practising teachers in the Master of Education program at UNBC.
Kate Lyon is from the North Coast and has been teaching for 25+ years, with much of her experience in early primary. She has a passion for learning and has successfully implemented a structured literacy approach in her instructional practices. Kate is a graduate student in the Literacy, Language, and Learning program at Vancouver Island University and will begin her Masters in Educational Leadership in the spring. Currently, she holds a District position supporting students and staff as Teacher Librarian.
Erica Roberts is a teacher in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. She has been a teacher for the last 20 years, almost solely at the intermediate level, and is currently teaching grade 4/5. Last year Erica was excited to join the Literacy, Language and Learning Diploma program at Vancouver Island University to learn about the most recent evidence/research-based practices in literacy to better support the striving readers in her class. In the spring she will begin her Master’s of Special Education.