OCEA Chair’s Message
2026-2027
OCEA Chair’s Message 2026-2027: Jenny Garrett, Dufferin-Peel Catholic DSB
Welcome to OCEA — "Building on Our Foundation, Looking Ahead"
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!
Whether you have been part of our community for many years or are just getting started in Cooperative Education and Experiential Learning, OCEA is here to connect educators, share knowledge, support professional growth, and strengthen the work we do with students across the province.
As OCEA marks 50 years in 2026, we have been able to recognize the strong foundation built by generations of volunteers, educators, Provincial Representatives, Board members, and staff. We are grateful for the time, commitment, and ideas that have helped shape OCEA into the organization it is today.
Looking ahead, our focus remains on strengthening our community, supporting professional learning, building a sustainable organization, and growing our partnerships and provincial voice. Most importantly, we want OCEA to continue being a place where educators can connect with colleagues, access practical resources, share ideas, and contribute to the future of Cooperative Education, OYAP, SHSM and all other forms of Experiential Learning.
Your OCEA Membership:
A yearly OCEA membership provides opportunities to:
- Connect and learn through the Fall Symposium and Spring Conference while networking with Cooperative Education, OYAP, SHSM, and Experiential Learning educators from across the province.
- Access member resources through the Members-Only section of the OCEA website, including curriculum documents, past Symposium and Conference presentations and recordings, and OCEA resources such as Designing for Success, Ethical Guidelines and Legal Issues, and Pre-placement Lesson Plans for Cooperative Education 2023© and 2026 Integration Lesson Plan Resource© .
- Recognize student achievement through the OCEA Student Certificate of Achievement.
- Recognize colleagues by nominating outstanding educators for the George King Award of Excellence or the S.J. (Jack) Ulan Professional Contribution Award.
- Participate in OCEA governance through voting privileges for Statutory Members at our Annual Business Meeting (ABM).
- Contribute to OCEA's future by serving as a Provincial Representative or Director on the OCEA Board.
We encourage you to renew your OCEA membership or consider joining OCEA this year. Before purchasing a membership, check with your school board lead to see if your board has purchased the current OCEA School Board Subscription (SBS). Through the SBS, teachers may be eligible to receive an OCEA membership at no cost to you.
Upcoming OCEA Events | 2026–2027
2026 OCEA Fall Symposium
November 5, 2026
Virtual — Online via Zoom
2027 OCEA Spring Conference
April 25–27, 2027
Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel
600 Highway 7, Richmond Hill, Ontario
Stay connected with OCEA throughout the year through our website, social media, events, and member opportunities. We welcome your questions, ideas, and contributions as we continue building a connected, collaborative, and responsive association. You may reach out to any member of our Board of Directors, Provincial Representatives, or our Executive Administrative Assistant, Carol Madsen, at any time. We are here for you!
We invite you to stay informed with OCEA via our social media accounts:
We invite you to stay informed with OCEA via our social media accounts:
Thank you for the important work you do every day to create meaningful learning and career opportunities for students through Cooperative Education, OYAP, SHSM and all other forms of Experiential Learning.
Wishing you a successful and inspiring year ahead!
With gratitude,
Jenny Garrett
Cooperative Education Teacher
Dufferin-Peel Catholic DSB
OCEA Chair 2026-2027
