Edwin Academy launches to support Canadian teachers & parents

Nelson Education has launched Edwin Academy, a platform aimed at providing Canadian educators with classroom resources, training, and just-in-time support.

Teachers across Canada are increasingly required to manage greater responsibilities both inside and outside the classroom, often while working with limited resources. In response to this, there has been a growing demand for trustworthy and curriculum-aligned materials that can help teachers better meet the individual educational needs of their students.

Edwin Academy is designed to support educators, curriculum leads, and administrators by giving them access to a centralised hub of tools and resources. The platform offers assistance for a range of teaching and learning challenges, from integrating digital tools into lessons to supporting peer teachers and scaling professional learning across school districts. While all users of Edwin have access to a variety of resources, the new Academy extends its offerings to all teachers. Parents are also enabled to use the same educational resources at home to supplement their children's learning.

Claire Varley, Vice President of Marketing and Classroom Success at Nelson, emphasised the shifting landscape in education: "We recognise that today's classrooms are more dynamic and complex than ever before. Teachers are navigating evolving student needs and a fast-changing educational landscape. That's where Edwin can support educators with a reliable, centralised space where they can find trusted support and practical tools that save time."

Varley continued, "Educators and Edwin users have been telling us they want one central place to look for resources and tips to help them navigate more complex classrooms. With Edwin Academy, teachers have a one-stop shop to get help, assets and support 24/7. For example, they can access inclusive teaching tips for multi-levelled classrooms with practical strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners; access education technology strategies for low tech classrooms; ideas for bringing variety and engagement to science lessons; and time-saving tips to plan and teach Grade 9 Geography efficiently."

Laura Masellis, Literacy Resource Teacher in Curriculum Leadership & Innovation at the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), expressed support for the initiative.

"As a Literacy Resource Teacher in Curriculum Leadership & Innovation at the TCDSB, my role is to support educators across our board. I see the launch of Edwin Academy as a powerful step forward. It allows us to provide teachers with immediate access to high-quality, curriculum-aligned resources that are both relevant and reflective of classroom needs. With Edwin Academy's on-demand, expert-led learning, teachers gain practical, just-in-time support, reducing the need for one-on-one training and allowing for greater autonomy and confidence in their instructional planning. This tool enhances our ability to maintain curriculum fidelity while equipping educators with the tools they need to deliver effective, engaging literary instruction. Edwin Academy supports consistency and sustainability in professional learning, helping us focus on impact in the classroom."

Another educator, Carmela La Rosa, K-12 Digital Learning Integration Resource Teacher at TCDSB, commented on the direct impact she has observed while contributing to Edwin Academy's development. "As a TCDSB resource teacher working closely with educators and having given input on the Edwin Academy development, I've seen firsthand how it empowers teachers to transform their classrooms. Its intuitive platform, curriculum-aligned content, and real-time support not only enhance student engagement but also give teachers the confidence and tools to innovate in their practice."

The Edwin Academy encompasses several core features. These include free monthly live lessons with teachers and students, covering workshops and sessions aligned with key instructional practices. Nelson reported a 593 percent increase in live lesson attendance by teachers in the 2024/2025 academic year, with almost a thousand teachers and 23,600 students participating to date. Upcoming lessons include subjects such as National Indigenous Peoples Day and Practical Strategies for Complex Classrooms.

Downloadable resources are available, comprising sample lesson plans across core subjects including English, Mathematics, and Science, as well as real-world strategy resources. The Academy's on-demand learning section provides quick tips, instructional videos, and recordings of professional development sessions. Both educators and parents can access these resources at any time, with literacy and mathematics instruction being among the most requested topics.

Support for parents is also provided through dedicated resources and help articles.

Insights from a national survey conducted in January 2024 indicated that teachers using Edwin saved almost an hour per week in planning and assessment preparation, equivalent to one full week over the year. More than 500,000 teachers across Canada have used Edwin since its inception. The 2024/2025 school year saw a 45 percent increase in active users and significant growth in provinces such as Ontario and Alberta, with 50 percent and 52 percent gains respectively.

Popular content accessed in recent years includes modules on Black Legacy and Leadership, Toward Reconciliation, and Digital Citizenship. Mathematics modules—such as factors, multiples, exponents, algebraic expressions, and fractions—were among the most accessed by educators.

A previous survey by Nelson in 2021 found that 98 percent of students reported an improved school experience when using Edwin. An 89 percent increase in teacher training on Edwin was also observed at the start of the 2024/2025 school year compared to the previous year.