2. TVO Learn / TVO Mathify

3. The Educator’s Playground - Gr. 3 and 6 EQAO Prep Tips

4. Growing Success: Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting in Ontario’s Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12

5. International Dyslexia Association Ontario

6. Positive Behaviour Interventions and Support

7. Ignite your Teaching Podcast (Patti Firth)

8. Reading Rockets

9. Facebook Group - Ontario Teachers (Junior) - Resource and Idea Sharing

10. Facebook Group - Morpheme Magic

Right to Read Ontario

• Format: Website / advocacy + research

• Website: https://righttoreadontario.ca

• Why follow: Evidence-based literacy instruction, screening, and intervention. Strong alignment with equity and system accountability. Useful for Junior educators addressing literacy gaps.

Reading Rockets

• Format: Website + blog

• Website: https://www.readingrockets.org

• Why follow: Practical, research-based literacy strategies that extend beyond primary grades. Excellent resources on vocabulary, morphology, comprehension, and struggling readers.

The Science of Reading – Amplify

• Format: Website / blog

• Website: https://amplify.com/science-of-reading/

• Why follow: Clear explanations of structured literacy and instructional practices that are increasingly relevant for Junior and Intermediate classrooms.

Equity, Inclusion & Universal Design for Learning

CAST (Universal Design for Learning)

• Format: Website

• Website: https://www.cast.org

• Why follow: Foundational UDL research and tools that support inclusive Tier 1 instruction for diverse Junior learners.

Dr. Shelley Moore

• Format: Website + social media

• Website: https://www.shelleymoore.com

• Instagram / X: @tweetingSPED

• Why follow: Practical, equity-centred inclusion strategies that resonate strongly with Junior classrooms. Her work connects inclusion, assessment, and belonging.

EduColor

• Format: Blog + social media collective

• Website: https://educolor.org

• X / Instagram: @EduColor

• Why follow: Anti-racist, justice-oriented perspectives on teaching and learning. Valuable for reflection on curriculum, identity, and systemic equity.

Mental Health, SEL & Well-Being

CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning)

• Format: Website / research hub

• Website: https://casel.org

• Why follow: Gold-standard SEL frameworks, including Tier 1 schoolwide practices that translate well into Junior classrooms.

School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO)

• Format: Website

• Website: https://smho-smso.ca

• Why follow: Ontario-specific, classroom-ready mental health and well-being resources aligned with MTSS and universal supports.

Edutopia

• Format: Website + blog

• Website: https://www.edutopia.org

• Why follow: Evidence-informed articles on SEL, engagement, equity, and instructional practices. Many examples are directly applicable to Junior learners.

Connecting With Other Junior Educators

MiddleWeb

• Format: Blog / professional learning site

• Website: https://www.middleweb.com

• Why follow: Focused on learners aged 10–14. Strong articles on literacy, SEL, engagement, and responsive teaching for Junior and Intermediate students.

Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF)

• Format: Website

• Website: https://www.otffeo.on.ca

• Why follow: Research, blogs, and policy discussions relevant to Ontario educators, including equity and well-being.

TeachOntario (OER Commons)

• Format: Website / professional network

• Website: https://www.teachontario.ca

• Why follow: Ontario-based professional learning network with shared resources, discussions, and collaborative inquiry.

​School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO)

​Format: Website/Professional Learning

​Website: https://smho-smso.ca/

​Why follow: SMHO provides evidence-based, curriculum-linked resources and professional learning for educators to support student and staff mental health and well-being. This is vital in the Grade 8 classroom, particularly for addressing anxiety and self-regulation. Their website has resources tailored specifically for students, educators, and parents, including "Wayfinder: Your Grade-By-Grade Guide to Teach About Mental Health."

​PLC Entry 2: Focus on Student Achievement and Safety (H&PE)

​Ophea (Ontario Physical and Health Education Association)

​Format: Website/Resources

​Website: https://ophea.net/

​Why follow: Ophea is the primary source for curriculum-linked resources for Health and Physical Education (H&PE) for Grades 1-8. They offer toolkits, lesson plans, and professional learning on topics like healthy living, financial literacy, and safety (Concussion Protocol, Outdoor Education). This directly supports student achievement in H&PE and promotes overall physical and mental well-being.

​PLC Entry 3: Focus on Social Justice and Equity

​Ontario Justice Education Network (OJEN)

​Format: Professional Development/Resources

​Website: https://ojen.ca/

​Why follow: OJEN offers educational programs and free classroom resources that are highly relevant for teaching civics, equity, and social justice in Grade 8. Their materials promote public understanding of the justice system and help teachers facilitate discussions on topics like youth rights, law, and justice. They offer programs like courthouse visits and guest speakers to bring learning to life.

🧠 Education & Well-Being

• CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) – A leading hub on social-emotional learning (SEL) with research, strategies, and educator-focused posts. CASEL
  📌 Blog: CASEL.org/blog

• Student Wellness Web (TDSB Educator Resources) – Guides, frameworks, and tools focused on student well-being and connected learning conditions. Google Sites

• Support Our Students Blog – Teacher-written reflections that connect classroom experiences with equity, inclusion, and student engagement. Support Our Students

🏫 Teaching & Learning Blogs

• TeachThought – A large blog supporting teacher growth, innovative practice, and reflective learning. Blogs Database

• Toronto Teacher Mom (Elementary Focus) – Articles, resources, and local Ontario teacher insights for classroom practice. Blogs Database

• Runde’s Room (Grade School Ideas) – Practical classroom ideas and activities suited for Upper Elementary/Juniors. Blogs Database

• Dr. SPT (Suburban Princess Teacher) – A teacher blog sharing authentic educator reflections and classroom life. Dr. SPT

📱 Social Media Accounts to Follow

These accounts are active on platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, and other educator communities — great for real-time inspiration, classroom strategies, equity discussions, and community support.

📘 Twitter (X) Accounts

• @CultOfPedagogy – Tips, research, and professional development ideas from Jennifer Gonzalez. NJ Alternate Route Rutgers University

• @NeelDesaiBA – Elementary school principal sharing instructional leadership insights. NJ Alternate Route Rutgers University

• @ASCD – A major educator organization posting on instruction, equity, and professional learning. TwStalker

• @caselorg – SEL leadership, resources, and equity in practice. TwStalker

• @ISTEofficial – Tech-forward educator community focused on enhancing learning through digital innovation. TwStalker

• Indigenous & Equity-Focused Voices (varied educator accounts e.g., @Rabia_Khokhar1, Indigenous leadership hubs, and equity advocates) — These bring intersectional perspectives into education. TwStalker

• SEL4VT (Social-Emotional Learning Alliance of Vermont) – Grassroots SEL support community organization. Instalker

• Jack.org – Youth-centered mental health leadership and awareness movement. TwStalker

📸 Instagram Educators & Influencers

(Especially useful for classroom strategies, SEL support, and inclusive practices)

From special education & SEL to early literacy and equity:

• @especiallysped – Behaviour & SEL tips for elementary settings. FeedSpot for Influencers

• @mrsdscorner – Resources and strategies for teacher efficiency & inclusion. FeedSpot for Influencers

• @especiallyeducation – Curriculum accessibility & inclusive ideas. FeedSpot for Influencers

• @engagingearlylearners – Early years engagement and literacy tips. FeedSpot for Influencers

You can also explore anti-racist education accounts that focus on equity in classrooms:

• @britthawthorne, @danareadsbooks — Equity, social justice, and community resources for teaching. Bored Teachers

1. EduGains (Ontario Ministry Resource)

A rich collection of resources for literacy, math, mental health, and assessment. Focuses on equity and effective instruction for Ontario classrooms.

https://www.edugains.ca

2. Ontario Teachers’ Federation – Teaching Resources

Offers curriculum support, classroom strategies, and equity-focused teaching ideas for Junior grades.

https://www.otffeo.on.ca

3. The Ontario Curriculum – Resources for Educators

Clear curriculum expectations, examples, and tools to support planning and assessment.

https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en

4. The Learning Exchange (Student Achievement Division)

Excellent videos, research summaries, and strategies to improve student learning and well-being.

https://thelearningexchange.ca

5. Cult of Pedagogy (Jennifer Gonzalez)

A practical blog for instructional strategies, classroom management, and inclusive teaching.

https://www.cultofpedagogy.com

2. Social Media (People & Groups to Follow)

Twitter / X

1. @EduOntario – Updates and resources from the Ontario Ministry of Education.

2. @TheMathGuru (Vanessa Vakharia) – Inspiring math strategies and mindset support for Junior students.

3. @EdCanNet – Canadian Education resources focusing on mental health, equity, and well-being.

4. @JenniferGonzalez – Practical classroom strategies and PD tips.

5. @NCTE – Strong literacy practices grounded in equity and student voice.

Instagram

1. @ontarioteachers – Classroom ideas, tips, and community connection.

2. @theinclusiveclass – Strategies for inclusive education and supporting diverse learners.

3. @kidsmentalhealth – Easy, classroom-friendly mental health strategies.

4. @weareteachers – Daily teaching ideas, Junior-friendly activities, and PD inspiration.

Facebook Groups

1. Ontario Teachers – Resources & Support

2. Junior Teachers of Ontario

3. Growth Mindset for Teachers & Kids

4. SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) for Educators

3. YouTube Channels

1. Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) – PD workshops & classroom strategies.

2. Math with Mr. J – Clear Junior-friendly math instruction helpful for planning.

3. Edutopia – Research-based practices for engagement, SEL, and UDL.

1. Edublogs and Network - A platform where educators from different parts of the world share their strategies and experiences .

2. CASEL (Collaborative for Academic,Social and Emotional Learning) - These are the research based framework that provides training and opportunities that can be utilized in classroom teaching practices to enhance the learning success.

3. Edutopia - It is a site that offers evidence-based resources for both teaching and learning for all grades.

4. Dr.Binocs (By Peekabo Kidz)-It is an animated YouTube Channel for junior learners. It provides the explanation of the concepts in a clear and engaging and easy to understand way.

Teaching Channel (https://www.teachingchannel.com) - is a website that offers professional learning advice in the form of videos, community discussion and articles.

Reddit - r/CanadianTeachers (https://www.reddit.com/r/CanadianTeachers) - once again an online community for Canadian educators to share strategies on many topics.

Here are some of the PLCs I have used and found in my searching:

1. School Mental Health Ontario (https://smho-smso.ca/) 

2. Council of Dance & Drama Educators (https://www.code.on.ca/)

3. Ontario Music Educators Association (https://omea.on.ca/resources/) 

4. Queen’s University - Ontario Teacher Guides K-6 (https://guides.library.queensu.ca/education/pj-guides) 

5. UDL Guidelines (https://udlguidelines.cast.org/)

6. Math with Mr J (https://www.youtube.com/@MathwithMrJ/videos) 

I’ve also found that there are some great educators to follow on social media, specifically TikTok or Instagram. I love seeing the different vocal music warm ups that Myles Finn posts, along with the many creators that post different Physical Education activity ideas(i.e. CoachAbbyy).

Education Practice & Pedagogy

Edutopia – Research-based strategies for classroom practice (SEL, project-based learning, engagement).

Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) | Edutopia
TeachThought – Articles on inquiry, student-centered instruction, and reflective practice.

Research-Informed Strategies for Teaching | TeachThought | TeachThought
ASCD Blog – Instruction, leadership, and equity-oriented professional content. ASCD: Blogs
Learning for Justice – Equity, anti-bias education and inclusive classroom practices.

life | Learning for Justice
Student Behavior Blog – Supports behavior-based approaches and youth mental health discourse

Student Behavior Blog | Our goal is to help educators, administrators, school social workers, counselors, parents/caregivers, students, and other researchers learn about evidence-based practices that ultimately support all students’ positive behavior, mental health, and well-being.

Mental Health & Wellness Focus

LD@school – Mental Health & Well-Being – Ontario-relevant articles and professional resources on supporting learners.

Empowering With Students with LDs, ADHD, and Learning Differences - LD@School
Student Wellness Web (TDSB Educators) – Tools & frameworks for collaborative well-being inquiry. Student Wellness Web
All IN Educators – Workshps for school staff on communication and student mental health support. All In Educators | Family Peer Support Non-profit Organization

Social Media Accounts & Hashtags

Instagram Educators (Equity & SEL)

• @britthawthorne – Anti-bias and Montessori-inspired elementary focus.

• @danareadsbooks – Literacy + social justice resources for schools.

• @eap.13 – Math teaching tips + equitable classroom practices.

• EduGains (Ontario Ministry of Education): Ontario-aligned instructional strategies with a strong focus on equity, assessment, and student well-being.

• ETFO (Website, X, Instagram): Resources and advocacy around equity, mental health, and effective Junior classroom practices.

• ONlitTLC (Ontario Literacy Teaching & Learning Community – X): Ontario educators sharing literacy practices, inquiry, and classroom ideas.

• @teachingwithmsl (Instagram): Junior/Intermediate teaching ideas with an emphasis on engagement and inclusive practices.

• @cultofpedagogy (Instagram/Podcast): Research-based strategies that support student voice, equity, and reflective teaching.

• Mr. Napoles (Facebook & X/Twitter): Junior classroom teacher sharing practical strategies, classroom management ideas, and real-world teaching insights.

• THPlink.TV – A free, safe multimedia resource platform that integrates videos and activities into classroom inquiry, tech-enhanced learning, and student engagement.

🔗 Twinkl (Canada) — Educational Resources
https://www.twinkl.ca/resources/educational-resources
Provides printable lesson plans, worksheets, activity packs, and subject resources for K–8 students. Resources are created by teachers and include materials for math, literacy, SEL, and inclusive classrooms. Twinkl

🔗 Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT)
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/
A marketplace where teachers share, sell, and download classroom resources such as lesson plans, assessments, project ideas, and differentiated activities. (Free and paid options.)

🔗 Queen’s University Library – Open Educational Resources & Guides
https://library.queensu.ca/teach-learn/open-educational-resources
&
https://guides.library.queensu.ca/education
Provides open educational resources, research support, and education subject guides, including primary/junior literacy resources. Great for evidence-based teaching ideas and curriculum research. library.queensu.ca+1

🔗 TVO Learn
https://tvolearn.com/
Free Ontario curriculum-aligned learning activities and resources designed by Ontario certified teachers. Offers engaging activities for Grades K-8 with a focus on literacy, math, and well-being. Tvolearn

🔗 TeachOntario (Ontario Teachers’ Federation / TVO)
https://www.otffeo.on.ca/en/learning/otf-connects/resources/teachontario-professional-community-educators/
An online community platform for Ontario teachers to access shared content, discussion groups, and collaborative professional learning. Ontario Teachers' Federation

🔗 Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Resources
https://www.etfo.ca/resources
Offers professional learning resources, classroom supports, and equity workshops (members may access additional content). ETFO

🔗 Ontario Teachers’ Federation – Teacher Resources
https://www.otffeo.on.ca/en/learning/teacher-resources/
Provides collections of lesson plans, PD links, teacher project reports, and categorized web resources for classroom planning and professional learning. Ontario Teachers' Federation

The video explains that a PLN is personal and flexible. Teachers choose who they want to learn from and how much they want to participate. Although a PLN is always available, teachers do not need to be “always on.” This flexibility supports teacher well-being and allows learning to happen when it is needed.

For Junior educators, PLNs are especially helpful because they support student achievement, equity, and mental health. Junior classrooms are diverse, and PLNs help teachers find inclusive strategies, social-emotional learning ideas, and support from other educators.

To support my professional learning, I explored the following PLN resources:

• Edutopia – Practical and research-based ideas for junior classrooms.

• TeachThought – Articles about teaching strategies and professional growth.

• Learning for Justice – Resources focused on equity and inclusion.

• Twitter/X (@CultOfPedagogy, @AngelaWatson, #JuniorEd) and Instagram (@thebalancedteacher, @mindfulteachers) for shared ideas and support.

Overall, PLNs are an important way for teachers to continue learning, stay connected, and improve their practice while supporting student learning and well-being.