A Seat at the Table: Equality in the Classroom
We may believe we are creating inclusive, “multicultural” teaching environments, all while being completely unaware of the systemic racism that still impacts our students.
Classroom Perspectives
STEM vs. STEAM: The Importance of Creativity
When I joined my school’s STEM club, I expected the room to be overflowing with curious young minds. Instead, I was greeted by mostly empty chairs.
Keeping Kids Reading During the Age of Remote Learning
It is my job to motivate and mold my students, to keep them engaged, to build reading and writing confidence in all who enter my virtual classroom.
Finding Purpose in Teaching ESL
As I stood in my empty classroom surrounded by piles of boxes, I couldn’t help but wonder: what was I going to do now?
Teaching About Pride
I started my teaching career at a public middle school in Toronto about two decades ago. At that time, I was not comfortable being personally out to my students.
Breaking the IEP-to-Prison Pipeline
The first steps a student takes after graduation are as critical as graduating itself. While some students have a clearly defined plan and purpose, many others do not.
Teaching from Behind a Screen
After March Break, the school where I teach immediately began giving lessons online through Google Meet. It didn’t take long to realize that teaching behind a screen is not ...
Accepting My Stutter Made Me a Better Teacher
Stuttering is a hidden disability that affects up to 9% of children. With numbers like these it is likely most teachers will encounter a student with this speech impediment in ...
Making Rights Real: Teaching the UNCRC
"What do you mean, we have rights as minors?” Thirty pairs of quizzical eyes met mine. Brows furrowed in confusion. “Aren’t rights made by adults, for adults?”
A Lesson on Empathy: Refugees and the UN Rights of a Child
During our staff meeting that afternoon, my colleagues and I learned our school had six new students who were Syrian refugees.