1. What is your role at OIPE?
CI: I work as the Program Director for the centre of Ottawa International Projects and Exchanges (OIPE). There are three main program areas within OIPE: teacher training programs, summer English programs, group or customized programs.
- OIPE creates, coordinates and delivers training programs for educators from overseas particularly in the area of language teaching. Recent programs have focused on immersion teaching. Spain sends about 100 teachers a year for programs that take place in our centre along with placements in schools.
- Summer Explorer is a popular program for students or student groups accompanied by teachers from around the world that involves English, local activities, and a homestay experience. These programs follow the levels of the Common European Framework .
- The Global Classroom program caters to the needs of short term international student groups accompanied by a teacher. Students are integrated into our schools and OIPE works with schools to develop international partners.
In addition to the program areas mentioned, OIPE is the OCDSB liaison to exchange organizations that offer programs to Ontario students. We also coordinate delegations and visits to the OCDSB from overseas, including focused week-long study tours that have been frequently requested by Sweden.
2. What is the purpose of OIPE?
CI: OIPE is one bridge between OCDSB schools and global partners. We assist schools in developing international relations and we bring a focused international experience to our schools by welcoming groups of students from overseas or inviting educators to observe our schools for short or long term visits.
3. Which of your accomplishments at OCENET gives you the most satisfaction?
CI:As a former language teacher I am particularly happy to work in a job that is involved with language teaching and global learning. I enjoy this work and the opportunity to deliver classes and workshops to a variety of clients.
4. What are some of your personal interests and pastimes?
CI: I am very involved with language teaching associations worldwide, particularly with ILEA (International Languages Educators' Association).
5.What new projects are you working on with OCENET?
CI: There is always a new project! At the moment my team and I are developing learning objects for elementary learners of English and I am in regular communication with researchers from Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Belgium to find ways for Canadian teachers and international teachers of English to become involved with instructional coaching via the Internet, and hopefully one day in person!