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.
Social Justice
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.
Guardians of Global Peace: Is Peacekeeping Still Relevant?
Given the United Nations mandate to maintain international peace and security, the question of the relevance of peacekeeping missions seems ironic.
Human Rights: Canada’s Successes Shouldn’t Overshadow its Failures
Many of us likely take basic universal human rights for granted. Yet in a legal sense, human rights have existed for less than 75 years.
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.
What’s in a Name? Implicit Bias of ELL First Names
First names of English Language Learners, even for the most experienced and caring teacher, can evoke an implicit bias of which we must be aware.
Planet School: Building a Greener World
Administrative policy may dictate how teachers deal with climate strikes. Preparing them for responding to the needs of increasingly ecologically aware students is more complicated.
Talking to Young Students About George Floyd
I search, “Talking to children about racialized violence.” I know experts say children are never too young to talk about race, but none of them have a lesson plan for me.