The TOC Blog

Teachers on Call in the Toronto Star: What Ontario Report Cards Really Mean and How Parents Can Use Them for Summer Success

Posted in Featured, Local, Parent Education Resources, Tips & Advice

What do Ontario report cards really mean—and how can parents use them to help kids thrive over the summer? Teachers on Call President & CEO Joanne Sallay shares expert advice in the Toronto Star on decoding report cards and turning them into a powerful tool for summer learning success. From understanding learning skills to setting personalized goals, this guide empowers families to take action now and start September strong.

Doors Open Owen Sound Returns on the Longest Day of the Year: Explore 19 Sites on June 21, 2025

Posted in Community, Featured, Tips & Advice

Explore Owen Sound like never before during Doors Open 2025 on June 21, the summer solstice! This free, family-friendly event unlocks 19 historic and cultural sites across the city—from beloved landmarks to exciting new additions. Dive into hands-on learning, local heritage, and community celebration on the longest day of the year.

“Operation Cupcake”: A Sweet Introduction to Elementary Science, Math, and Engineering

Posted in English Tutoring, Featured, Hooked On Books, Tips & Advice

Operation Cupcake: How Simple Machines Work is more than a story—it’s a STEM adventure starring two clever mice on a cupcake mission! Featuring simple machines, teamwork, and a sprinkle of humour, this Forest of Reading® nominee is the perfect introduction to science, math, and engineering. Don’t miss our exclusive interview with author and illustrator Bambi Edlund.

Celebrating School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week Across Ontario: How Communities Are Honouring These Hometown Heroes

Posted in Community, Featured, Tips & Advice

At Teachers on Call, we know learning starts long before the school bell rings—it begins with the warm, familiar faces who guide students safely to school. That’s why we’re celebrating School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week, honouring the dedicated individuals who help make every school day safer and brighter across Ontario. Discover five creative ways your family can say thank you and explore how communities province-wide are showing their appreciation for these everyday heroes.

The Power of Visual Arts in Learning: Discovering the Magic of “Asha and the Toymaker”

Posted in English Tutoring, Featured, Hooked On Books, Tips & Advice

In our latest Hooked on Books feature, we spotlight Asha and the Toymaker by Sakshi Mangal—a 2025 Blue Spruce Award nominee that celebrates the magic of creativity in childhood learning. Set in the colourful streets of Jodhpur, this visually stunning story inspires readers to explore the harmony between academic success and artistic expression.

2025 Forest of Reading Winners Announced: Canadian Students Choose Their Favourite Books

Posted in English Tutoring, Featured, Hooked On Books, Local, Tips & Advice

From May 13–15, 2025, the Forest of Reading Festival lit up Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre with thousands of students, educators, and families celebrating Canadian books. Hosted by the Ontario Library Association, the event featured author meet-and-greets, free books, and student-voted awards. In this blog, Teachers on Call shares festival highlights, interviews, and the full list of 2025 winners.

School’s Almost Out, But the Perks Continue for Educators with Indigo’s plumTeacher

By Joanne Sallay

Posted in Community, English Tutoring, Featured, Local, Tips & Advice

Thanks to Indigo’s free plumTeacher program, teachers can enjoy exclusive perks like discounts, curated book lists, and community events—just in time for Teacher Appreciation Weekend from May 29 to June 2, 2025. In this special feature, Joanne Sallay, President & CEO of Teachers on Call, shares how educators can take advantage of the benefits and show appreciation for the heroes of the classroom.

Fetching Fun with Blue Spruce Award Winner "Lost Stick" by Anoosha Syed!

Posted in English Tutoring, Featured, Hooked On Books, Tips & Advice

Join us as we celebrate the 2025 Blue Spruce Award winner Lost Stick by Anoosha Syed in this special edition of Hooked on Books. Discover how this heartwarming story captures the imagination of young readers, and explore our exclusive interview with the author-illustrator about the inspiration, themes, and emotional journey behind this beloved picture book.

How a Teacher’s Personal Journey Became a Forest of Reading Favourite

Posted in Community, English Tutoring, Featured, Hooked On Books, Tips & Advice

Still My Tessa isn’t just a picture book—it’s a reflection of real family experiences and the evolving understanding of identity and acceptance through a child’s eyes. In this exclusive Teachers on Call interview, Canadian author and educator Sylv Chiang opens up about the personal inspiration behind her Forest of Reading–nominated picture book, her journey from middle-grade fiction to picture books, and how this true story can foster empathy and inclusive dialogue in classrooms.

From Ripples to Waves: 25 Years of Volunteer Impact Through the Corsage Project

Posted in Community, Featured, Local, Tips & Advice

In honour of National Volunteer Week 2025, Teachers on Call celebrates 25 years of impact through the Corsage Project—a volunteer-driven initiative that helps financially deserving students attend prom with pride. Discover the powerful ripple effects of giving back, how families can get involved, and why volunteerism is at the heart of everything we do.

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