4 SEP 2024 · In this episode of Enhancing Equity in Elementary Education, host Stephen Hurley engages in a
thought-provoking Speaker’s Corner conversation with Pam Agawa, the Human Rights and
Equity Lead for Keewatin Patricia District School Board. With her extensive background in
education and recent experience working with the provincial government, Pam discusses the
complexities and daily challenges of promoting equity and human rights in education, as well as
her efforts to support students, families, and staff.
The discussion addresses the shift from research to actionable steps, the importance of
community relationships, and innovative approaches to overcoming systemic barriers. This
episode provides listeners with practical insights into the strategies being employed to enhance
equity in Ontario's elementary education system, highlighting the ongoing efforts to create
inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Key Takeaways:
- Action Over Research: Pam emphasizes the need to move from continuous data collection to implementing concrete actions that address educational equity challenges.
- Community and Relationships: Establishing strong, reciprocal relationships within communities is crucial for the success of equity initiatives.
- Innovation and Precedent: Pam advocates for innovation in overcoming systemic barriers. She stresses the importance of collaboration among educational leaders across different districts to set new precedents and push the boundaries of established protocols.
A transcript for this podcast episode can be found on the https://www.torontomu.ca/educational-equity-symposium/podcasts-/.
4 SEP 2024 · In this episode of Enhancing Equity in Elementary Education, Stephen Hurley interviews Karen Murray, a System Superintendent for Equity, Anti-oppression, and Early Years in the Toronto District School Board. Throughout this insightful Speaker’s Corner conversation, Stephen and Karen discuss the importance of equity work in education, Karen's book which provides practical examples from educators, "My Best Idea: Culturally Relevant Pedagogy", and her passion for equity in education. Karen emphasizes the importance of creating learning experiences that affirm and empower all students.
Some key takeaways of this conversation are:
- Â Equity work needs to be braided into everyday teaching practices, not treated as a separate initiative.
- Educators should honor community and family knowledge by inviting families to share the different ways they engage with subjects at home, and also share their approaches in the classroom with families.Â
- Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) is about setting high expectations, demonstrating cultural competence, and developing students' critical consciousness.
A transcript for this podcast episode can be found on the https://www.torontomu.ca/educational-equity-symposium/podcasts-/.
30 AUG 2024 · In this episode of Enhancing Equity in Elementary Education, host Stephen Hurley engages in an insightful Speaker’s Corner conversation with Ingrid Palmer, the founder of Focus on Ability and the Principal IDEAL Advocate at Realize. Ingrid shares about the importance of educational equity for students with disabilities, including her perspectives on inclusive practices and the role of language in fostering equity. Drawing from her extensive experiences and personal journey, Ingrid offers reflections on creating an educational landscape that is equitable and supportive of all students.Â
Key takeaways include:
- Language in disability advocacy: The conversation highlights differing perspectives on language around disability.
- Promoting inclusive education: Ingrid discusses strategies for supporting students with disabilities in schools, and advocates for a collective lens and supporting equity to reduce stigma and enhance inclusion.
- Authentic community engagement: Emphasizing the need for community voices in decision-making, Ingrid calls for a shift in how institutions engage with communities, and advocates for community-led initiatives in addressing systemic barriers.Â
A transcript for this podcast episode can be found on the https://www.torontomu.ca/educational-equity-symposium/podcasts-/.
27 AUG 2024 · In this episode of Enhancing Equity in Elementary Education, host Stephen Hurley engages in a powerful Speaker's Corner conversation with Atala Andratis, who is the Equity Lead for the Grand Erie District School Board. They discuss the meaning of and importance of equity in education, the need for dialogue when working to dismantle barriers, and creating inclusive environments for all students. Atala shares her personal experiences as an educator and as someone who is multilingual, emphasizing the need for an asset-based lens when working with diverse student populations.
Some key messages from this episode include:
- Equity in education involves not only providing what everyone needs, but also removing systemic barriers that prevent students from accessing what they require to be successful.
- Building relationships with students through genuine listening and working to understand their diversity, is essential for creating transformative and responsive learning environments.
- Educators hold immense power and responsibility in making decisions that significantly impact student's lives, and they must approach this sacred trust with care and awareness.
A transcript for this podcast episode can be found on the https://www.torontomu.ca/educational-equity-symposium/podcasts-/.
5 APR 2023 · Hosted by Stephen Hurley (Executive Director at voicEd Radio) and Dr. Nicholas Ng-A-Fook (Professor and Vice Dean of Graduate Programs, University of Ottawa), who are joined by:Â
- Kiera Brant-Birioukov - Kanyen’kehà :ka from Kenhtè:ke (Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory), Assistant Professor at York University. Kiera’s work and research are grounded in Haudenosaunee thought, educational theory, philosophy, autobiography, and Creation Stories. She has published work on Indigenous teacher education, curriculum theory, reconciliatory pedagogies, the phenomenon of Indigenous resilience, adaptation and ingenuity in Canada. She is currently working with the Frederick W. Waugh project to repatriate historical documents of Haudenosaunee culture, life, and stories to community members in the creation of educational resources and materials. (https://edu.yorku.ca/edu-profiles/index.php?mid=1986777).
- Kyrstin Dumont - Band member of the Algonquins of Kitigan Zibi, advocate, educator, and mentor. Kyrstin is a strong role model for other students who have fallen through the cracks of mainstream colonial education systems. She has spoken on Parliament Hill about climate justice and human rights, as well as in the House of Commons where she spoke about the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls genocide within Canada. (https://www.instagram.com/kyr.dumont/)
- Stephanie Sanders - Ojibwe Anishinaabekwe from Curve Lake, blended with Spanish and French. Stephanie is an M.Ed student at the University of Ottawa, and an Indigenous Education Learning Partner with the Ottawa Catholic School Board, where she supports educators in incorporating a Two-Eyed Seeing, Land Based pedagogy into their practices. She also supports educators’ efforts in Truth & Reconciliation, and developing respectful relationships with Indigenous community members.
- Marissa Magneson - Cree-Métis artist, photographer, educator, workshop facilitator, and PhD student in the Faculty of Education at York University. Marissa holds a Honours BFA degree and Master’s in Indigenous Studies. Her work is centered around decolonizing education, strengthening community, and reclaiming cultural practices. She is the elected Youth Representative for the Toronto and York Region Métis Council. (https://www.marissamagneson.com/ & https://www.instagram.com/magnesonstudios/?hl=en).
- Roxanne Gillis - Indigenous MEd student at York University, with a double major in Indigenous studies and Gender and Women’s studies. Roxanne is currently an Indigenous consultant for the City of Toronto, and as a human trafficking survivor, she works with the Native Women’s Association of Canada on a Seeing Ourselves Advisory Council/Healing Project.
- Melissa Somer - Saulteaux Anishinaabekwe from Little Saskatchewan of the Interlake tribes, Buffalo Clan, blended with Pennsylvanian Dutch. Melissa is an Early Childhood Educator and graduate of the Urban Indigenous Teacher Education program from York University, and is currently completing her Masters of Urban Indigenous Education. She is a facilitator, educator, and presenter for George Brown College, York University, and the TDSB.
In this podcast, participants shared their perspectives on equity, informed by their Indigenous worldviews and lived experiences. The discussion was guided by the following questions:Â
- What is equity for each of you in terms of your lived experiences and in terms of your current work in relation to settler colonial K-6 public and private schooling systems in Ontario?
- What are some of the historical and/or ongoing individual, structural, systemic and societal barriers?
- What is some of the professional (un)learning work taking place to support students?
A transcript for this podcast episode can be found on the https://www.torontomu.ca/educational-equity-symposium/podcasts-/.
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