In the Loop - April 9, 2026

Learner Agency

KEY RESOURCES IN LANGLEY

  • Guide to Key Websites and Resources: Here
  • Instructional Services Website: For all your district-vetted resources K-12!  Check it out!
  • Aboriginal Resources vetted by the District: Here
  • TCS Sites: Key resources are still being placed in these Teams. If you need access to one of these Teams, please email dzurbuchenjonker@sd35.bc.ca.
    • TCS SS-Grade 3
    • TCS Grade 4-8
    • TCS Secondary

DISTRICT LEARNING COMMONS

The DLC is your one stop shop for useful resources to enhance your teaching available to all school staff in the Langley School District. You don’t need to buy everything for all of your lessons yourself! We deliver and pick up all the items you request through district mail twice per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Links to all the info below:

  • View and book online through Insignia Library system | Here
  • Find instructions, an area to check out new resources, request new resources and report lost or damages kits | Here
  • Sign out instructions | Here

Featured DLC Resource:
Chapter 5: Nudging Learning from Powerful Thinking by Adrienne Gear | Poster
The DLC is excited to share this new resource Kit that includes one copy of the professional resource, along with 15 engaging non-fiction titles handpicked by Adrienne to support the lessons. Designed to bring thinking strategies to life, the kit supports Non-Fiction Text Structures, One Word, Book Bites, Knew–New, Fact–React, and Gisting. To make planning even easier, the Powerful Thinking book is tabbed directly to Chapter 5—so you can jump right in! A great way to support rich conversations and deepen students’ understanding of non-fiction texts.

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

*NEW!* Follow us on our UDL/Mentorship Instagram! @sd35mentorshipmoments

We post lots of events, teacher tips, UDL strategies, and more!

Interested in Becoming a Mentor? 

We are looking for Mentors in the following areas:

  1. Resource (Middle - LSS family of schools)
  2. Science/Chem 10 (REMSS family of schools)
  3. General secondary - Gr 9/10/12 (REMSS family of schools)
  4. Math/Science 9 (LSS family of schools)

Please email teachermentorship@sd35.bc.ca if you’re interested in becoming a Mentor in any of these areas or for other upcoming Mentees.  
 
New to the District or a New Role? 
If you’re a newer teacher looking for mentorship, please fill out the Mentee Information Sheet on the LTA website. Once completed, please email it to teachermentorship@sd35.bc.ca to join our program! 
 
Upcoming Events: 

Book Club: Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, a White Town, and the Road to Reconciliation.  

  1. April 14th: 4-5pm TEAMS 
  2. May 5th 4-6pm SBO HUB 

HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Indigenous Youth Art Contest | For Ages 5-18 | Deadline May 22, 2026 | FORED BC | More info
To celebrate the rich cultural and heritage traditions of the Indigenous people of Canada, FORED is sponsoring its annual artwork, photo and video contest. $150 cash prizes are available for Indigenous youth, aged 5-18. This contest is a wonderful opportunity to find a mentor in the Elder community to pass down this important knowledge to Indigenous youth.
Theme: Indigenous Traditional Knowledge & Medicine
Prize: 4 x $150 prizes with at least one national winner. Group work shares prize. 

DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Getting Started with Book Creator | On-Demand Learning Feature
Curious about Book Creator? Book Creator is a District approved app that is available to teachers to use with their classes that allows students to create and publish high-quality books as part of a rich classroom literacy program. If you would like to learn more about Book Creator and get an introduction to how you could get started with Book Creator in your classroom.

Basic First Aid for SD35 Staff | May 15, 2026 | Register Today!
The WorkSafeBC Basic First Aid course is an 8-hour program, including coffee and lunch breaks and is designed to provide life-saving first aid skills to workers in industry. Successful candidates must demonstrate competency in practical skills and achieve 72% or higher on a multiple-choice exam. Certification is valid for three years. 

What you will learn: 

  • Priority Action Approach
  • Primary Survey – Conscious patient / Unconscious patient 
  • Cervical spine control 
  • Airway and Breathing interventions 
  • Hemorrhage control 
  • One person CPR 
  • Minor injuries which require medical aid 
  • Management of soft tissue injuries 
  • Records and reports 

NEW! CUPE 1260 Spring Conference | May 15, 2026 | Register Today!
Begin your day at RE Mountain Secondary, where you will be provided with snacks and fresh tea and coffee. Take this opportunity to chat and catch up with friends at different work sites. We have a breadth of workshops this year! Learn some of the ins and outs of our Collective Agreement and how bargaining works with our Union Executives. Take some specific programs training in Excel or Outlook. There are plenty of workshops around conflict management, mental health, wellness, stress management and The Brain Guy, Terry Small, is providing us some workshops on how our brain work, and more importantly, how to make them work for us! Make your own beaded bracelet with Nadine McSpadden, learn Métis Dot Art with Kelly Poitras, and connect with others in the telling of their stories.

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Organizing and Using Data Well | CAfLN | April 13, 2026 | Register
CAfLN is excited to invite you to their next Conversation! Join them online (for free) on Monday, April 13 as they explore how to effectively organize and use data.
Bring a few colleagues and connect with educators from coast to coast to coast in this collaborative learning opportunity.

Explore Real-World Robotics with Phidgets This April | Logics Academy | April 14, 2026 | Register
Join Logics Academy on April 14 for a hands‑on workshop exploring how Phidgets bring sensors, data, and systems thinking to life through classroom‑ready activities. Discover how plug‑and‑play tools support experiments, design challenges, and data‑driven learning across math, science, and technology. Educator Bonus: They are giving away a Phidgets Starter Kit and Science Plant Kit ($100 value) plus classroom-ready lessons.

From Knowing to Understanding: Rethinking Learning and Assessment Webinar | April 28, 2026 | Register
In many classrooms, learning is still defined by what students know. But knowing is not the same as understanding. The 90-minute webinar explores the shift from factual knowledge to conceptual understanding; what it means, why it matters, and how it changes the way we think about both teaching and assessment. Tania Lattanzio is an inquiry friend who has vast expertise in developing conceptual curricula across subject areas and year levels, providing teachers with strategies to create learning experiences that are conceptually driven and develop students' conceptual understanding. 

AI + Foundations Course | CCI Learning Solutions | More info | AI+ Educator Pathway Flyer
For K-12 educators and staff, it’s a simple way to start building AI knowledge and confidence. Beyond the free Foundations course, many of the other AI CERTs pathways are more advanced and role-specific, making them a strong option for professional development in areas like leadership, ethics, productivity, planning, and practical workplace use of AI. This certification will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI), including its foundational concepts, ethical considerations, and real-world applications. You will learn how AI is transforming various industries and how to interact with AI models effectively through prompt engineering. The course will explore the potential of AI in business and industry, emphasizing its impact on decision-making, operational efficiency, and innovation. Additionally, you will gain insights into the ethical
challenges surrounding AI adoption, focusing on bias and fairness, and how to responsibly implement AI technologies.

Universal Design Courses from CAST | What is UDL
Dive into their intro sessions for PreK-12 and Postsecondary instruction, or drive systemic change with their advanced postsecondary course—or browse the full catalog for self-directed courses covering AI, accessibility, literacy, and more!

  • Postsecondary: Introduction to Universal Design for Learning | June 2, 2026 | More info
    This course equips postsecondary professionals with the skills to apply the UDL framework by creating accessible materials, supporting student self-regulation and executive function, and engaging students with flexible assessment strategies.
  • Postsecondary: Supporting Universal Design for Learning Implementation | June 12, 2026 | More info
    With this instructor-led course you will master the high-impact strategies needed to drive systemic, inclusive transformation across your entire institution. Through a collaborative Community of Practice model, you'll tackle real-world challenges and develop an actionable blueprint for implementing UDL as a powerful lever for change. (Prerequisite: Postsecondary: Intro to UDL)
  • PreK-12: Introduction to Universal Design for Learning | Self-Directed | More info
    Dive into the world of UDL with this flexible, self-directed course designed to help PreK-12 educators master the framework and create truly inclusive, accessible learning environments. You will gain research-based strategies to address learner variability and develop a comprehensive implementation plan to support every student in your classroom.

New Avenues in UDL & SEL Implementation Webinar | April 29, 2026 | Register
Join CAST and educators from Aldine Independent School District on April 29, 2026 for the latest UDL-Con:International Free Webinar where they share an inside look at CAST's research-driven Circle Up program. We'll explore how to weave together neuroscience and inclusive design to create classrooms where every learner thrives.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

I am Connected | Storytelling with Kung Jaadee | April 14-23, 2026 | More info | Register
Join the Fraser Valley Regional Library at on various dates and locations to hear a storytelling performance from Kung Jaadee. She will share her newest story "I Am Connected".
Kung Jaadee is a professional storyteller, educator and published author belonging to the Haida Musqueam and Squamish First Nations. All performances are an hour long.

Become a Bee Friendly Garden (BFG) Partner | Bee City Canada | More info | Become a Member
BFG is a program that encourages and supports pollinator-friendly practices across North America’s public and private gardens and landscapes. Members learn about protecting pollinators through habitat creation, and gain access to resources, newsletters, special offers, and the BFG community. There is a webinar recording available from the March Bee City Spotlight talking with Sherry Punak-Murphy of Brandon Manitoba in creating a habitat for pollinators. Their initiatives include the revitalization of Eleanor Kidd Park into a thriving prairie pollinator habitat, a campaign to name Brandon's official bee, a Pollinator Week photo contest, presentations to classrooms and local groups, and much more!

LEARNING RESOURCES

Explore Fresh Climate Resources This Spring | Curio | Bookmark this page
Check out some of Curio's best environment and nature programming. Explore new videos that celebrate nature's powers and showcase positive climate actions. Curio is a free resource for all Langley Teachers.

  • Future Chicken Today Show | Elementary Ages 4-7 | Video
    This kids' ecotainment series, hosted by Potato and Frittata, features a mix of science, games, music, comedy and inspiring Q&A sessions. Check out episodes on screen time vs. green time, first steps to zero waste, and the power of positive thinking for today's young planet protectors.
  • Spring Celebrations | Elementary, Secondary | Video
    Explore the world's transformation as the equinox sparks nature's rebirth. This collection bridges science with global traditions, showcasing how festivals like Holi, Easter and Passover celebrate our shared journey of renewal and hope
  • Canada Reads 2026 | Secondary | Audio & Guides
    Spring is always special for readers thanks to Canada Reads. There are teacher guides and other resources available on Curio for each of the five shortlisted books, along with audio interviews of the authors and champions. Don't miss the debates - April 13 to 16 - on CBC TV, CBC Radio, YouTube and CBC Gem
  • Caring for the Earth: The Five Rs | Elementary (Ages 4-7) | Video
    Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Rot and Recycle! In this musical animation, Jeremy and Jazzy explore the Five Rs. Perfect for primary learners on Earth Day.

Learning Resources from Ingenium | Classroom Resources
Ingenium has many free resources for teachers around climate science, biodiversity, food systems, and sustainability in hands-on, age-appropriate ways. Whether you're planning a single Earth Day activity or building a deeper environmental inquiry, Ingenium is your go-to Canadian source for engaging real-world learning. Highlighted below are some examples for the different grade levels:

  • Busy Bees: Big learning from tiny pollinators | K to 3 | More info
    Introduce your students to the fascinating world of pollinators with Busy Bees, a free, bilingual lesson plan from the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum that’s perfect for Kindergarten to Grade 3 classrooms. Designed to support play-based and inquiry-based learning, this resource helps young learners discover the bee life cycle, how nectar becomes honey, and why bees are essential for plant growth — all with curriculum-linked activities in science, math, language, and more.
  • Climate Change: Turn up the heat on climate learning | Grade 6 to 9 | More info
    Prepare for Earth Day in your classroom with Climate change adaptation: To what degree?, a thought-provoking lesson plan designed for grades 6–9 that invites students to explore both adaptation and mitigation through hands-on activities and inquiry-driven projects.
  • Aquatic Sciences: Make a splash with Ocean Science | Grade 6 to 10 | More info
    Dive into Aquatic sciences, a free lesson plan from Ingenium that’s perfect for Grades 6–10 and ready to enrich your classroom with hands-on exploration of life underwater and why aquatic habitats matter. Students can investigate ocean zones and species adaptations, test food-web interactions, dissect a cod to think critically about sustainability, and even invent their own “ultimate species” — all supported by presentation slides, quizzes, and interactive activities.

 PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL READINGS

Assess That Podcast - Why Feedback Fails (and what actually makes it work) | Podcast
In this episode, Tom and Nat take a hard look at one of the most celebrated and misunderstood elements of teaching: feedback. While research consistently shows that feedback can significantly improve student achievement, the reality in many classrooms is very different. Too often, feedback is given but not used, leaving teachers frustrated and students unchanged. Together, they unpack five key reasons feedback fails, including the impact of grades, cognitive overload, poor timing, over-directiveness, and the emotional side of how feedback lands with students.
More importantly, this episode shifts the conversation from effort to design. Tom and Nat explore what actually makes feedback effective (not in theory, but in practice), offering clear, actionable principles that help ensure feedback leads to thinking, revision, and growth. If you’ve ever wondered why your feedback isn’t getting the results you hoped for, this episode will challenge your assumptions and give you a more intentional, impactful way forward.

TECH TIPS

Sketchbook
Sketchbook is a clean, intuitive drawing app for iPad that’s great for quick sketches or detailed artwork. With customizable brushes, layers, and Apple Pencil support, it offers a smooth, natural drawing experience. Perfect for students and creators, Sketchbook makes digital art simple, flexible, and fun.


Discover Michif Through Minecraft | Logics Academy | April 21, 2026 | Register
This live Michif Minecraft webinar on April 21 highlights immersive, co‑taught learning rooted in Métis culture and history. This session explores how meaningful storytelling, place‑based learning, and creative Minecraft builds help students connect with Métis perspectives in respectful and engaging ways.