top of page

 Teams

Focus Question - What are the benefits of turning classmates into Teammates?

I asked Chat GPT to rank the top 10 teacher training programs in Canada and the United States - these are the results. The plan is to invite 5 Canadian and 5 American Universities with Education programs to be in the first cohort. Schools with an * are invited first. I then ask GPT to create sister schools according to matching values and beliefs.

Who better to bring the WAY Game forward than the teachers of tomorrow?

​

Team Canada

​

  1. University of Toronto*

  2. University of British Columbia*

  3. McGill University*

  4. University of Alberta 

  5. University of Ottawa

  6. Queen's University

  7. University of Calgary* 

  8. Simon Fraser University 

  9. Western University

  10. Mount Royal University [Walk-on]

 11. St. Francis Xavier University [Walk-on]*

D4BF11A0-7B14-4820-A6E6-7CA66FA9E281_edited_edited_edited.png

Team USA

​

  1. Columbia University*

  2. Harvard*

  3. Stanford*

  4. University of California  (UCLA) 

  5. University of Wisconsin-Madison 

  6. University of Michigan *

  7. Vanderbilt University 

  8. University of Pennsylvania 

  9. University of Virginia 

  10. Johns Hopkins University 

  11. Gonzaga [Walk-on]*

Sister Schools

​

1. U of T & Stanford

2. UBC & Columbia

3. McGill & Harvard

4. U of C & Michigan

5. St. FXU & Gonzaga

 

{Paring depends on participation.}

The Plan - 1st Cohort

Invitations are sent to select Deans of Education in Canada and  America who recommend a class of students to evaluate the WAY Game.  Then, Play or Pass. If you Play, office hours will be set up for your team. Recruit a team of eight players to represent your school in pursuit of the Coffee Cup. If you Pass, please let me know, and I'll offer your spot to the next school in line.

​

The Focus Question - should SWAY be used in schools?

  1. University of Toronto (OISE) & Stanford University​

  2. University of British Columbia & Columbia University (Teachers College)​

  3. McGill University & Harvard University (Graduate School of Education)​

  4. University of Calgary & University of Michigan​

  5. St. Francis Xavier University & Arizona State

​

I'm contacting members of the SMART Technologies Ambassadors program to give them something new, practical and fun to bring to administrators, teachers, students and parents. Why SMART? To align stakeholders with software that is accessible and available to teachers and students everywhere.

 

The WAY Game and SMART Digital Lesson Planning - use SMART Notebook Software and SMART Boards. SMART people connecting with smart people.

​

​

How likely would these institutions join? 

In School

Your Team is determined by the number of students in your class; everyone has a role. A teacher's role is minimal; students are empowered. The Teacher uses WAY Cards to choose one Mystery Kid, two Team Captains and three Judges. Remove the Judge's WAY Cards and deal the remaining cards into two teams. The top card on each pile is the Captain, the next card is the Assistant Captain. The 'Card Judge' randomly place WAY Cards into Place Cards. Seven WAY Game Cards are placed face down in each pocket. Get your Game Cards out and you are ready to play.

​

Combine your class and school for your Team's name, for example - 5M Cardinal Newman.

Out of School

Play Singles or Doubles

Singles - Team of 8 - Seven Players, one Judge.

Doubles - Team of 15 - Fourteen Players, one Judge.

 

This is a social game designed to meet new people, the more, the merrier.

You'll need a Host who is dedicated to running the game. They invite Players, set a location and date and bring materials.

Players need a CAP Notebook 2025 to play. Fill in their WAY Card 2025 in their CAP Notebook and complete the 'Today' section. Study the score sheet. The host selects a Picture for the game. All team members create one activity for each game. The Host collects books, and selects seven games from the Q & A's submitted by Players. Notebooks are used to organize play and team responses.

Choose a Team name.

​

Together at the Top

From Classmates to Teammates

Think of your entire school as a team with specific roles and responsibilities but organized as a sports team. 

An Open Letter to Student Teachers

Welcome Future Teachers,

Hello, my name is Brian McCarthy. Once upon a time, I was a student teacher at McGill, and I remember asking my professor, “What are the tricks of the trade?” Unfortunately, he didn’t have an answer—but I do. It starts with the WAY Game.I’m inviting you and your classmates to form a team of eight players to compete in a virtual tournament against other university teams. Together, you’ll learn and play the WAY Game, an innovative tool designed to help you become the kind of teacher who inspires students, builds strong connections with parents, and fosters an engaging classroom environment.

 

Here’s why you should join:Learn Valuable Skills: The WAY Game teaches methods to engage students, involve parents, and make learning fun.Build Your Resume: SWAY (SMART WAY to Learn, Earn, and Play) gives you a competitive edge by incorporating entrepreneurial, project-based learning into your toolkit.Lead and Innovate: As a team leader, you’ll practice the skills that define great teachers—organization, facilitation, and creativity.Connect with Peers: Compete in the "Coffee Cup" tournament, where you’ll learn, laugh, and share ideas with student teachers across North America.I’ve spent my retirement turning decades of teaching experience into a game that prepares future teachers for real-world challenges.

 

The WAY Game isn’t just a game—it’s a simulation of how you’ll engage your future students and their families. And trust me, your ability to lead fun, interactive learning experiences will set you apart in the job market.We live in “interesting times,” and education needs courageous, innovative leaders. If you’re ready to learn how to make teaching more effective and rewarding, I invite you to join me on this journey.

 

Visit playway.ca to get started and learn more.Your Role:Form a team of eight players.Schedule your training session (spots are limited!). bcmccarthyway@gmail.comCompete, grow, and have fun while learning to transform classrooms, homes, and communities.Let’s make a difference together. I’ll provide the resources and guidance, but your leadership and enthusiasm will make it happen. Remember, this isn’t just about learning how to teach; it’s about creating a lasting impact.Yours in Education,Brian McCarthyRetired Teacher & Creator of the WAY Game - a Pillar of SWAYP.S. Time is of the essence—training is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Take the first step today at playway.ca.

​

bottom of page