In June, thirteen full-time faculty members from Niagara College celebrated the completion of a meaningful two-year professional development journey, marking their achievement of the College Educator Development Program (CEDP).
CEDP is a professional learning program for full-time faculty offered in collaboration by five western Ontario colleges. Structured across three phases, the program emphasizes active learning, collaboration, networking, and sharing of best practices, fostering a supportive learning community dedicated to continuous professional growth and teaching excellence. In addition to in-person gatherings of faculty from all five colleges, NC faculty engaged in complementary development opportunities, including workshops, teaching and learning conversations, and communities of practice.
“This culminating experience provides a valuable opportunity for faculty to step away from the day-to-day demands of teaching, connect with peers, and engage in meaningful reflection, dialogue, and professional learning,” said Whit Ross, Associate Director, Educational Development, Centre for Academic Excellence (CAE).
On June 2 and 3, faculty participants from all five partner colleges came together at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, for the final and third phase of the program.
Phase three featured a diverse range of sessions, with faculty engaging in discussions on culturally responsive and inclusive teaching, artificial intelligence and assessment design, Universal Design for Learning, learner-centred approaches, scholarly teaching and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), educator well-being, and strategies for providing meaningful feedback that supports student learning and growth. A highlight of the experience was a keynote address by Robert Dunlop, who spoke about reconnecting with joy in teaching.
“CEDP is much more than a professional development program; it is a strongly connected community of educators who learn from one another, challenge each other’s thinking, and support each other’s ongoing development,” said Dana Wetherell, Educational Developer, CAE.
We extend our warm congratulations to the 2026 Niagara College CEDP graduates:
Beth Astles
Gillian Martin
Ivana Hrcak
Latasha Harnarine
Michelle Thibault
Nick Vesprini
Nicole Guillemette
Paula D’Amico
Pierre Burton
Rebecca Trotter
Sal Basilone
Travis Steele
Tyler Iorio
Special thanks are also extended to Emily Dockrill-Jones and Sarah Rouillier for their commitment as CEDP facilitators. The success of this program depends on the dedication and collaboration of facilitators from all five participating colleges.
