New EA Foundations Course supports learning for Black Gold Educational Assistants
Educational Assistants in Black Gold School Division are accessing a new professional development opportunity offered for the first time this year. The EA Foundations course is designed for EAs who have been on the job between one and three years. There are 18 EAs enrolled in the new course.
“This program affirms the value of the work EAs do in the classroom and their positive impact in Black Gold classrooms,” says Chris Stiles, Director of Strategic Programs & Leadership for BGSD. “It also strengthens the skills the EAs have in their tool box, giving them an even greater impact on student success, and it connects individuals reinforcing the fabric of our Black Gold community.”
Modules in the new course include: supporting students with
- autism
- anxiety
- complex behavioural needs
There are also supplementary modules available. Learning sessions are online, with in person sessions for three half days throughout the year. The program began in Black Gold this month - March 2026.
The beginnings of the program came after BGSD responded to an invitation from Edmonton Public Schools to pilot a similar EA learning program during the 2023-24 school year. BGSD has adapted that program to meet the needs of Black Gold schools.
Pam Verhoeff, Black Gold’s Division Staff Wellness Lead Teacher, says the program will ensure common language, strategies and tools are being used throughout the division. “We want Educational Assistants to feel supported and connected to other EAs, and to feel confident and capable. We anticipate EAs will be reaffirmed in what they know, and also they may learn new information that will help them as they support students,” says Verhoeff.
Jessica Bueza, an EA working at Leduc Composite High School, says, “I thought this would be a good opportunity to learn. I can use what I’m learning to help me understand the students I work with.”
Sumanjeet Mehrok, an EA working at École Beau Meadow School, says, “I appreciate the time to update my professional learning. At work there is less opportunity to discuss specific student needs. I have especially enjoyed discussing scenarios.”
Rupinder Baraich, an EA working at École Beau Meadow School, says, “I enjoy interacting with people, and especially the chance to learn from our division experts.”
Helen Neubauer, also from École Beau Meadow, says, “I appreciate having the opportunity to learn. Any chance to learn, I’ll take it.”
Twinkle Joshi, an EA working at École Champs Vallee School says when she completed EA certification at MacEwan University it was theoretical, but having been on the job now her learning is based in reality. “Because of these real experiences, learning about these topics now feels much more meaningful.”
“Every child is different,” says Joshi, “and especially when supporting kids on the spectrum, you quickly realize that if you know one child with autism, you really only know one child with autism. Each student has their own strengths, needs and ways of communicating,” and so learning more about how to support each student is important.
“We have a growing understanding and language around student behavior and regulation,” says Joshi, “In the past, behaviors may have been seen simply as misbehavior or tantrums, but now we understand that behaviour is often a form of communication. Kids do well if they can, and when they are struggling, it’s important for us to look deeper at what might be affecting their ability to regulate or engage in learning.”
The current EA Foundations course will continue throughout the spring and wrap up by the end of the year. The division plans to offer it again next year, with a focus on EAs that are new to the profession. More experienced EAs will have access to the materials online.