Teachers on Call Featured in Sudbury.com for Educator Mining Tour

It’s no secret that students love field trips, but guess what? Educators do too! This was especially true for our President & CEO, Joanne Sallay, who recently participated in an education mining tour in Northern Ontario and had the unique opportunity to live on a mining camp for two days to fully immerse herself in the experience. Joanne’s adventure at the Côté Gold mine in Gogama, Ontario, was recently featured in Sudbury.com, Northern Ontario’s number one source for local news. Keep reading for further insights shared in the interview, which highlights the impact of this unforgettable “field trip” designed to connect educators with the mining industry and its real-world applications.

The tour, hosted by IAMGOLD and organized by The Canadian Ecology Centre, Mining Matters, and the Ontario Mining Association, brought educators to Gogama, a mining community in Northeastern Ontario that is situated on Lake Minisinakwa, 580 kilometres north of Toronto, 191 km north of Sudbury, and 114 km south of Timmins. In addition to exploring the Côté Gold mine, the group visited two picturesque sites to learn about environmental stewardship. Educators were surprised to discover that, contrary to popular myths, Sudbury has some of the cleanest air in Ontario, a testament to its impressive regreening efforts.

1. A.Y. Jackson Lookout & Onaping’s High Falls (ON-144, Greater Sudbury, ON P0M 1L0): This site features hiking trails, including a geological walking tour. The breathtaking falls, named after renowned Group of Seven painter A.Y. Jackson, lie on fallback debris from the meteor impact that created the Sudbury Basin. The lookout offers a stunning view and an opportunity to reflect on the area's geological history.

For our math and science students: The Sudbury Basin, also known as the Sudbury Structure or the Sudbury Nickel Irruptive, is a fascinating geological formation in Ontario, Canada. Spanning approximately 62 km in diameter, it is the third-largest known impact structure on Earth and dates back over 1.8 billion years, making it one of the oldest as well. Its creation was the result of a massive meteorite impact, a powerful event that reshaped the region and left behind rich deposits of minerals, including nickel and copper.

2. Jane Goodall Reclamation Trail (775-851 Garson Coniston Rd, Garson, ON P3L 1V9): A shining example of environmental restoration through the City of Greater Sudbury’s Regreening Program. This self-guided trail highlights how damaged mining landscapes have been rejuvenated. Named after Dr. Jane Goodall, an esteemed environmental advocate, the trail honors her 2001 visit, during which she planted an oak tree. The trail begins at the Coniston tourist information kiosk and follows a scenic forest route about 12 km east of Greater Sudbury’s city centre.

Key Highlights from the Article

• Immersive Learning: Educators spent two days at the mine camp, gaining a unique perspective on day-to-day mining operations and the technological advancements revolutionizing the industry.
• Bridging Knowledge Gaps: The tour emphasized the importance of bridging knowledge gaps for all educators, especially those in urban cities, who may have limited exposure to industries like mining. These insights equip teachers with the tools to bring real-world applications into their classrooms.
• Sustainability and Community Impact: Participants explored how modern mining integrates environmental stewardship through visits to sites like A.Y. Jackson Lookout and the Jane Goodall Reclamation Trail. These locations highlighted the importance of restoring and preserving natural landscapes impacted by mining.
• Future Career Pathways: The event shed light on exciting career opportunities for students in STEM fields like environmental science, engineering, and technology, as well as for skilled trades.

Joanne Sallay reflected on how this experience not only deepened her understanding of the mining industry but also inspired her to advocate for more educational initiatives that link learning to real-world industries. Such experiences are invaluable for fostering curiosity and innovation among students. Read her full account on Uncovering Modern Mining: The Future Careers for Students You Didn’t Know Existed.

Read the full article by Len Gillis on Sudbury.com here.

For more on exploring future career pathways and Northern Ontario, read related blogs on our website:

• Hooked on Books with Colleen Nelson and Kathie MacIsaac’s See It, Dream It, Do It: How 25 People Just Like You Found Their Dream Jobs: Inspiring career stories for young readers.
• Dig into Timmins' Mining Past, Present and Future at Doors Open Timmins and Level Up! Career Fair: Exploring Timmins' rich mining heritage and future opportunities.

At Teachers on Call, our in-person and online tutoring team is proud to connect education with industry, inspiring students and educators alike to dream big, explore new horizons, and reach their potential. Experiences like the mining tour and related regreening initiatives not only highlight the importance of industries like mining but also remind us of the vital role education plays in preparing students for their future. By fostering curiosity, building awareness, and creating opportunities for exploration, we help pave the way for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

Photo credit: Michael Scholz