In the Loop - January 8, 2026

Top 10 Ways to Improve Instruction

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

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 need mentors at all grade levels but especially primary (1-3), middle (6-7), and Resource. We are looking for experienced teachers with five or more years in the profession to support and guide newer educators as they transition into their roles. Please fill out the Mentor Information Sheet on the LTA website.Once completed, please email it to teachermentorship@sd35.bc.ca to join our program!

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! | First meeting January 27, 2026
 We will be starting our Book Club on the Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, a White Town, and the Road to Reconciliation.  We will have the first meeting in person at the School Board Office, the second and third meetings online, and the final celebration/wrap up meeting at the School Board Office. 

1) January 27, 2026: 4-6pm SBO HUB - dinner provided 

2) February 24, 2026: 4-5pm TEAMS 

3) April 14, 2026: 4-5pm TEAMS 

4) May 5, 2026: 4-6pm SBO HUB - dinner provided

HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Engaging with Indigenous Curriculum Institute: Equipping Educators for Decolonizing Pedgagogy | More info
This institute is designed to support educators with the Indigenous-focused graduation requirement course and with decolonizing and Indigenizing their teaching practices.

There is cause for optimism and excitement based on the new graduate requirement. Robust support is essential for teachers leading these courses to ensure confidence in content and pedagogy. While there are a diversity of courses being offered, there are common threads and concepts that are imperative to lead Indigenous education in secondary education. The aim of the spring institute is to support teachers in building on their learning to gain expertise in these areas.

The in-person institute will emphasize a growth of knowledge of Indigenous histories, decolonization, Indigenous Knowledges, and anti-oppression. Led by renowned Indigenous scholar and educator, Dr. Dustin Louie, participants will be supported in positioning themselves in relation to the work, while expanding and shifting their thinking on what is possible for an Indigenous graduate requirement course.

We view all teachers as having a place in leading these courses, but the imperative first step is recognizing our positionality and how it directs us in our teaching. There will be a focus on how to regionalize your curriculum to represent your community’s Indigenous Knowledges and cultures, while also considering localized experiences of colonization to ensure the design is responsive and avoids pan-Indigenous approaches.

DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Registration Now Open! Odyssey 2026 | February 9, 2026 | Register Today! Odyssey Booklet 2026 
The theme for Odyssey 2026 is “Connecting Our Hearts,” through which we will continue to highlight our District’s commitment to learning the truth and taking meaningful steps forward together in reconciliation. This year we are honoured to have Dr. Niigaan James Sinclair, Anishinaabe writer, editor, professor, activist, and son of the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, kicking off our conference at the Langley Events Centre with a keynote presentation entitled “From Presence to Permanence: How to Assess Reconciliation in Schools.”

This will be followed by two breakout sessions at Peter Ewart and R.E. Mountain, highlighted by a wide range of Indigenous workshops and breakout sessions that will continue to focus on deepening our understanding of the past while also acknowledging and understanding the effects and traumas of our shared colonial history. As well, throughout the lunch break, there will be a variety of Indigenous cultural presentations at both sites for attendees to take in while enjoying their lunch as we seek to “Connect our Hearts” to Indigenous ways of learning and being.

Please note that registration closes on Monday January 26, 2026 - so please register early to make sure that you can attend the workshops that you want and don't miss out!

Intermediate Social Studies Activities: Beyond the Textbook with Larissa Kondo | On-Demand Learning Feature
Often, social studies classes take the form of reading comprehension assignments. In this workshop, I will share different strategies and free resources teachers can use to explore social studies with their intermediate students. Strategies will align with BC social studies competencies and some Indigenous principals of learning.

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Teaching English Language Learning | MECC Early Literacy Initiative | Registration deadline is January 9, 2026 | More info
Who speaks the most in a classroom? Often, it’s the teacher, and in traditional classrooms this makes sense. But imagine that classroom is full of English language learning (ELL) students—now, who would benefit the most from practicing their speaking? Increasing engagement for all types of learners is important, but it’s particularly key for ELL students. 
Designed for BC teachers working in K-12 classrooms, the Micro-certificate in Teaching English Language Learning includes two required non-credit asynchronous online courses. Although the two courses can be taken in any order, we recommend you begin with the Principles of Teaching English Language Learning course and learn about the general sociological, psycholinguistic and educational principles involved in teaching students for whom English is not their first language. Then build on this foundational knowledge with Organization and Procedures for Instruction of English to Second Language Learners—where you’ll learn to apply the language learning principles covered in the first course and how to integrate language learning and content area instruction.

Evidence Aligned Literacy Practices Micro-Credential Program | UVIC | Program starts in January | More info
Starting this month, the University of Victoria is offering in-service teacher education through the Division of Continuing Studies. In particular they are offering a new micro-credential program that’s designed for BC teachers who are interested in literacy success for all students. The Evidence Aligned Literacy Practices program is tied to the MECC Early Literacy Initiative and was developed in response to the provincial focus on evidence-aligned screening, instruction, and intervention. Please check out the "More info" link above.  Please note the deadline to register is this Friday January 9, 2026.

Master of Education in French Info Session | UBC | January 14, 2026 | Application Deadline March 1, 2026 | Register
The UBC Master of Education in French explores French teaching practices and curriculum from a research-informed perspective. Students will learn fully online during the school year and attend a three-week, in-person course in Québec during the summer. Applications close on March 1, 2026, so don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your linguistic skills in a Francophone environment and enhance your knowledge of second language education in a topic of your interest. This is a 2 year part-time program with a blended modality, some in-person and some online.
Discover whether this program is the right fit for you at the upcoming information session. Meet the program and admissions advisors, learn about the program structure and application steps, and have the chance to get your questions answered in real time. 

The Inaugural Spring Conference | Canadian Assessment Centre | April 9-10, 2026 | Register
The Canadian Assessment Centre will host its inaugural Spring Conference in Vancouver, BC, a gathering dedicated to shaping the future of assessment in Canada. This inaugural event will bring together educators from across the country to celebrate what we know works, while boldly exploring what’s next in assessment and grading. Built by Canadians, for Canadians, the conference is designed to spark inspiration, deepen professional learning, and fuel the movement toward practices that truly honour student learning. The full conference agenda including breakout sessions and detailed overviews and descriptions of the keynote presentations and breakout sessions is now available on the website at the link below.  Early bird registration is available until January 31, 2026.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

This Month in the Arts: January 2026 | Poster
Below please find a link to the December “This Month in the Arts” poster which showcases the many different Arts Education productions and events that are happening around the District in December for staff, students, parents and community members to attend and enjoy! 

B.C. Black Excellence Day 2026 Virtual Event | January 15, 2026 | Register
School districts are invited to join Burnaby School District (SD41), the Ninandotoo Society and BC Black Educational Leaders Association to celebrate Black Excellence Day, a virtual event on Thursday, January 15, from 10 –11:30 am PST. Black Excellence Day is a day to stand in solidarity with Black Canadians and honour the rich history, contributions, achievements, resilience and joy of Black people.
Each participating district will receive a link to the recorded program, which will remain accessible until the end of Black History Month. The program offers an opportunity to learn about Black history, art and lived experiences and will feature artists, athletes, educators and other leaders in their fields. 
To register for this event, please complete the Black Excellence Day registration form by Friday, January 9 at the link above. Email Beth.Applewhite@burnabyschools.ca if you have any questions.

Best Buy Teen Tech Network AI Video Challenge | Priority registration opens January 9, 2026 | More info
Join schools across Canada for this year's Create with Copilot AI Art Video Challenge. The Best Buy Teen Tech Network Create with Copilot AI Video Challenge is a wonderful opportunity for your students to dive into AI, build new skills, and express their creativity through a unique video project for a chance to win grants and prizes for their school. Participating schools will take part in four supportive, hands-on virtual workshops, and then create their own original video using Microsoft Copilot, Designer, and Clipchamp. All workshops are recorded for flexible access. The grand prize is a $10,000 grant and six Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x Copilot + PC laptops.
Key Dates:

  • Priority registration opens: January 9, 2026
  • General registration opens: January 21, 2026
  • Workshops: February 4, 11, 18, 25
  • Video submission deadline: March 13, 2026
  • Winners announced: before April 30, 2026

French Explore Program | More info
Looking for a great experience this summer that is linguistically and culturally enriching?  Wanting to meet new friends in Canada and improve your French?  Curious about opportunities for work in other parts of the country using French?  The Explore program application deadline is February 3.  Explore is a summer exchange program and has different options for different ages and stages. It is for all levels of French learners: Core French, IB and Immersion students.

Bringing Antarctica to You | Virtual Field Trip February 10, 2026 | Pocket Lab Science | Register
Connect with PBS science journalist Miles O'Brien and international scientists aboard the RV Araon as they return from Thwaites Glacier—sharing details about their research in real time. This is for all ages and a recording will be included.
What you'll experience:

  • How scientists study glaciers
    Ships, sensors, and technology reveal how ice is melting.
  • Scientists explaining their work in real time
    Glaciologists, oceanographers, and engineers share the questions guiding their research.
  • Optional student worksheet
    Supports focused viewing and reinforces key concepts.

LEARNING RESOURCES

The ABC's of Blackness in our Schools | Free Feature of the Month Preview
Conceived, planned, and written in conjunction with the Centre for Black Studies in Education (CBSE) at OISE-University of Toronto, and edited by Dr Andrew B Campbell (DR.ABC), this unique project features the voices of experts in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Discover how you can become a champion for the lesser-heard voices of marginalized students, and bring authentic joy to teaching and learning with every student. Read the first three chapters online with the free feature of the month preview.

Critical Thinking Consortium (TC2) Access and Resources | More info
The Langley School District is excited to share that we are now a partner of The Critical Thinking Consortium (TC²), an organization dedicated to fostering critical, creative, and collaborative thinking. Through this partnership, teachers will have access to free resources and tools designed to support your teaching and learning.  
 Here’s how to get started: 
  • Create your TC² account: https://tc2.ca/register Setting up your account is quick and easy, and it’s the key to accessing your benefits. 
  • Explore and bookmark resources: Discover tools and materials that meet your teaching and learning needs and build a personalized collection by bookmarking your favourites. 

Once your account is set up, you'll gain access to: 

TECH TIPS

Minecraft EDU | More info | Video Preview | Educator Guide 
We are pleased to share that our colleagues in the Coquitlam School District has developed an interactive Minecraft Education world called A Pacific Northwest Coast Experience. This resource helps students explore a virtual coastal environment while learning, understanding and reflecting on First Peoples Principles of Learning. Designed for grades 2–12, it includes a comprehensive educator guide, technical setup instructions, and everything you need to bring this meaningful learning opportunity to your classroom. Learn more and access the resource at the link above. 

Growth over Grades Podcast | Spaces EDU | Episode 7
The Growth over Grades Podcast: In episode 7, Jordan sits down with David Cook, the CEO of Learning Ecosystems Design, to discuss the massive shift required to move education from a transactional system to a relational one.

Student Funding Opportunity (Canada only): Prompt your Grade 7-12 students to explore a booming industry like air traffic control and flight services and document their entire learning process right within their SpacesEDU Classes and/or Portfolios. They’ll be eligible to win a share of the monthly micro grants being given away.