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October 18
New Assistant Professor Dr. Jennifer Wemigwans brings expertise of Indigenous Knowledge and new media technologies to OISE
This August, OISE welcomed Dr. Jennifer Wemigwans as the new Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education. Dr. Wemigwans' research focuses on the convergence between education, Indigenous knowledge, and new media technologies. She brings over 20 years of expertise in media exhibition, practice and consultation, Ojibwe language, Indigenous history, First Nations spirituality, and multigenerational Indigenous cultural literacy. Read more.
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October 17
Prof. Abby Goldstein, a clinical psychologist, discusses how to talk to teens about cannabis
Now that it is legal in Canada, how should parents talk to their teens about cannabis? OISE Professor Abby Goldstein, a clinical psychologist and Canada Research Chair, discusses with Global News: "Kids already have some ideas and impressions about what's happening with cannabis and so starting by asking them what they know and then helping to fill in some of the blanks," says Prof. Goldstein. Watch now.
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October 17
Prof. Lana Stermac receives 2018 Distinguished Member Award of the Section on Women and Psychology
Congratulations to OISE Professor Lana Stermac, who has received the 2018 Distinguished Member Award of the Section on Women and Psychology (SWAP) of the Canadian Psychological Association. This award is presented annually on the merits of distinguished, long-standing, and substantial work on gender, women or related issues in teaching, research or practice. Read more.
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October 16
Arbor Awards honour exceptional OISE volunteers
This year, nine members of the OISE community received Arbor Awards for their loyalty, generosity, and dedication to OISE and the Jackman Institute of Child Study (JICS). The annual awards recognize individuals who have made an exceptional impact at the University of Toronto through volunteerism. Read more.
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October 12
Prof. Creso Sa discusses the role of government science advisers in Canada
Can and should one person be designated as the main voice of 'science' in government today? OISE Professor Creso Sa discusses the role of government science advisers in his latest 'Policy & Practice' column at University Affairs. "If we want more reliable, research-based knowledge to be considered in policy-making, we need more than a cheerful 'team science' crowd to elevate the status of science in government." Read more.
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October 04
OISE professor Njoki Wane and student Chizoba Imoka honoured at U of T African Scholars Awards
Professor Njoki Wane and student Chizoba Imoka were two of the recipients of this year's African Scholars Awards - a recognition given to faculty, students, alumni and community leaders by the African Alumni Association at U of T. Read more.
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October 04
Dr. Jennifer Brant joins OISE as Assistant Professor of Indigenous Education and Literatures
Meet Dr. Jennifer Brant, who joined OISE as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning in August. She recently spoke to OISE News about what ignited her passion for Indigenous literature and women's issues, and what she's looking forward to at OISE. Read more.
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October 03
OISE named #1 school for education in Canada by University Magazine
OISE has been named the best school for education in Canada by University Magazine. Supported by a strong community of faculty, staff, students and alumni, OISE is widely recognized as a centre for excellence in education. Read more.
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October 01
Prof. Niva Piran receives prestigious publication award from Association for Women in Psychology
Congratulations to OISE Professor Emeritus Niva Piran who has received the 2018 Distinguished Publication Award for her book, "Journeys of embodiment at the intersection of body and culture: The Developmental theory of embodiment" from the Association for Women in Psychology (AWP). The Awards recognize published works that contribute significantly to research and theory that advance our understanding of the psychology of women and/or gender. Read more.
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October 01
OISE's Robertson Program to co-host three-day conference focused on land-based learning and culturally-responsive teaching
From October 2-4, the Robertson Program will co-host a conference in Fort Frances, a town in northwestern Ontario located on Treaty #3 territory. The event will bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators, policy makers, and academics to improve teaching within a framework of reconciliation and reciprocal learning. Read more.
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September 26
Master of Teaching student Rija Saleem conducts curriculum research abroad with U of T scholarship
The University of Toronto has now made it easier for students to find funding for global learning opportunities. Just this summer, OISE Master of Teaching student Rija Saleem went abroad after being awarded a Queen Elizabeth Scholarship to conduct research at a school in Rwanda. "When you go abroad, you get time to learn about yourself and develop a sense of independence. At the same time you're highly social because you don't know people, and you learn cross-cultural communication skills," Saleem says. Read more.
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September 26
Prof. Tricia Seifert and team aim to uncover the factors that lead to effective student affairs programs
OISE Professor Dr. Tricia Seifert's research finds that organizational culture is pivotal in supporting student success. To help understand the factors that lead to effective student affairs programs, Dr. Seifert and team including academics from OISE and Memorial University started the Supporting Student Success project. The team developed a '360 degree' understanding of how students, staff, faculty and senior administrators perceive their institutions' culture around student success, and presented the findings at two major conferences this year. Read more.
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September 25
Dr. Bonnie Burstow establishes new scholarship for research into violence against Indigenous women
A new scholarship has been established at OISE by Dr. Bonnie Burstow. Burstow's Scholarship for Research into Violence Against Indigenous Women: In Memory of Helen Betty Osborne will be directed to a graduate student whose thesis focuses on violence against Indigenous women. Read more.
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September 24
OISE alum Rumeet Billan shares research on women, work and ideas for creating equitable workplaces
OISE alumna Dr. Rumeet Billan has released new survey research that shows the prevalence of women who experience or witness acts of being cut down or discredited based on gender in the workplace (also known as Tall Poppy Syndrome). The research, based on 1500+ responses from Canadian women across industries, sectors and roles, suggests both men and women participate in undermining or undervaluing women at work. Watch Dr. Billan speak about her findings and what can be done to create better workplace environments.
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September 24
Dr. Bonnie Burstow's book shortlisted for Vine Award in Canadian Jewish Literature
Dr. Bonnie Burstow's novel, The Other Mrs. Smith, has been shortlisted in the fictional category for the Vine Award in Canadian Jewish Literature. Read more for the announcement, along with an excerpt from the novel.
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September 21
Prof. Kang Lee breaks down the science of lying on AsapSCIENCE
OISE Professor Kang Lee and his student Sarah Zanette of Dr. Kang Lee's Development Lab break down the science of lying and show off their innovative 'lie-detection technology' in a new AsapSCIENCE episode, "Can you spot a liar?" Watch here.
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September 21
PhD student Adam Davies discusses the issue of toxic masculinity in gay communities
"For a lot of gay men, just by being gay, there is this sense of insecurity of being a failure because they're not performing their masculinity in the way that they (feel like they) are expected to," says Adam Davies, doctoral candidate in education, gender and sexuality studies at OISE. Davies discusses the issue of toxic masculinity in the gay community. Read more in HuffPost.
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September 20
New course aims to arm OISE student teachers with stronger skills in math teaching and research
Starting this fall, OISE student teachers will be required to take a 24-hour course on basic arithmetic on top of 54 hours focusing on math pedagogy and research. This comes after OISE researchers found that about one-third of new student teachers scored at or below 70 per cent, the provincial standard, on a Grade 6 and 7 level math test. Read more in The Globe and Mail.
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September 19
OISE alum Dr. Brian Hodges named fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
Congratulations to OISE alumnus Brian Hodges, professor at U of T Medicine and OISE, for being named fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. As one of the highest honours in the country's health sciences community, fellows are recognized for their leadership, creativity and commitment to advancing academic health science. Read more.
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September 17
OISE ranked top education institute in Canada, 11th in the world
For the second consecutive year, the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto has been ranked the 11th best educational institution in the world by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. Read more.
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September 12
Prof. Lauren Bialystok discusses Ontario reverting to outdated sex-ed curriculum in Washington Post
OISE Professor Lauren Bialystok discusses the Ontario provincial government's recent announcement that it was scrapping the sex-education curriculum updated in 2015 and replacing it with a version from 1998. Bialystok says the rollback would put the health and safety of children at risk and lead them to adopt "dangerous conceptions of sexuality, consent and body image." Read more at Washington Post.
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September 11
OISE alum Renee Connors featured for moving from Toronto to teach in remote First Nations community
OISE alum and Indigenous teacher Renee Connors is headed to Fort Severn First Nation to teach grades 7 and 8 for the first time. "She's going to make a big difference up in Fort Severn," said Kyle Hill of Teach For Canada, a non-profit which helps teachers adjust to working in Northern communities. "A lot of the kids in the north see teachers come and go. Having stability and the teacher in the school is absolutely correlated with student success and trust in education." Read more at Cape Breton Post.
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September 10
OISE community shares words of advice for incoming students
For new and returning students, the first day of class often brings both excitement and nervousness. To help ease the transition, OISE faculty, staff, students, and alumni share their words of advice with incoming students in a new video. Watch here.
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September 10
Prof. Jack Quarter selected as finalist for SSHRC Partnership Award
Congratulations to OISE Professor Jack Quarter who has been selected as one of the finalists for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partnership Award. The Partnership Award recognizes outstanding achievement in research, training, knowledge mobilization or developing a new partnership approach to research. Read more.
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September 07
Prof. Michael Skolnik discusses Canada's number one international ranking in post-secondary education
OISE Professor Emeritus Michael Skolnik explains the factors behind Canada's leading international performance in post-secondary education and how the education system compares to other countries. Read more.
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September 06
Prof. Creso Sa discusses the Ford government and free speech on university campuses
Do Ontario universities need free speech policies? OISE Professor Creso Sa weighs in: "Most with a working knowledge of higher education would agree we are nowhere near a free speech crisis in colleges and universities, let alone one justifying government intervention." Read more in University Affairs.
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September 05
Prof. Mary Reid debates sex education and math scores on TVO's The Agenda
From Queen's Park to the classroom, OISE teaching expert Dr. Mary. Reid weighs in on how classrooms will be affected by Ontario's recent education policy changes. Watch on The Agenda.
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September 04
Prof. Charles Pascal explains why split grade classrooms can be a win-win for all students
Are split grade classrooms something parents should be concerned about? OISE professor and former deputy minister of education Charles Pascal says there's no need to worry - split classrooms can be a win-win for all students, especially when teachers take advantage of the learning environment and remain attentive to individual needs. Listen on CBC Ontario Morning.
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September 03
Prof. Clare Brett weighs in on the TDSB's decision to lift its social media ban
Social media use in classrooms can be beneficial to students, and even has the potential to create a meaningful impact on how curriculum is delivered, says OISE professor Clare Brett, in response to the Toronto District School Board lifting its ban on popular social media and video streaming sites including Snapchat, Instagram and Netflix. Read more.
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August 31
Learning to lie has cognitive benefits, finds new study by Dr. Kang Lee
It's a tenet of Parenting 101 that kids should tell the truth. But a recent study co-authored by OISE professor Kang Lee suggests that learning to lie can confer cognitive benefits.
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August 29
Lecturer Dr. Angela Nardozi offers tips for teachers on selecting resources with Indigenous content
OISE alum and lecturer Dr. Angela Nardozi offers tips for educators on assessing and selecting resources with Indigenous content across the grade levels. The free webinar features insights from guest speaker Dr. John Doran, Assoc. Professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of PEI. Watch here.
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August 28
Prof. Eve Tuck and alum Sheila Cote-Meek discuss promises, challenges of universities as spaces for Indigenous knowledge
OISE Prof. Eve Tuck and alum Dr. Sheila Cote-Meek discuss bringing Indigenous knowledge into academia and decolonizing the classroom on CBC Radio: Unreserved: "One role that has emerged for the university is that it is the sole place where knowledge generation is seen as legitimated. I would like to see Indigenous communities be understood as also sites of knowledge generation and creation." Listen here.
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August 28
OISE's back to school hub: Tips and resources for parents and educators
With the new school year just around the corner, OISE has rounded up top tips and resources from our education experts to help parents and educators prepare for back to school. Learn how to foster inclusivity among children, create LGBTQ-friendly spaces, integrate Indigenous content into the curriculum, and more. Read more.
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August 27
Prof. Creso Sá explains why the Trump effect has little to do with international student flow in Canada
Professor Creso Sá, Director of OISE's Centre for the Study of Canadian & International Higher Education, weighs in on the impact of the Trump presidency on international students choosing Canadian universities. "Canadian officials have seized too easily on the Trump effect as an explanation," suggests Prof. Sa, whose research found that international student flow is mostly "decoupled from political and policy changes." Read more.
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August 24
Professor Lauren Biaylstok weighs in on Ontario's interim sex-ed curriculum
Mixed messaging in Ontario's interim sex education curriculum is likely to confuse teachers and prevent students from learning about fundamental concepts, says Dr. Biaylstok. Read more.
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August 24
Dr. Hilary Inwood shares insights on the benefits of eco-art education
In a recent interview with the Ontario College of Teachers, OISE lecturer and art researcher Dr. Hilary Inwood discusses the benefits of eco-art education and shares insights from her research on teacher preparation and environmental learning. Read more.
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August 20
Dr. Michel Kouadio appointed Director of Education Commons at OISE
On August 13, Dr. Michel Kouadio joined OISE as Director of Education Commons. In addition to holding a PhD in Computer Science, Dr. Kouadio has over ten years of career experience in various leadership roles, attesting to his expertise in technology and management. We warmly welcome him to the new role. Read more.
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August 16
OISE alum and former poet laureate Dionne Brand shortlisted for 2018 Toronto Book Awards
OISE alumna and honorary degree recipient Dionne Brand has been shortlisted for the 2018 Toronto Book Awards with her anthology "The Unpublished City" that features poetry and prose from emerging, unpublished Toronto writers. Dionne is an award-winning author and poet and Toronto's former poet laureate. Read more.
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August 15
OISE alum and world-renowned sociologist Dorothy Smith's work will frame new health studies course at UTSC
Scholarship from OISE will be used as readings in a new course combining health studies, feminism and public policy taught by Dr. Laura Bisaillon at University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC). The unique course is framed by the contributions of world-renowned sociologist and OISE alum Dorothy Smith. Read more.
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August 14
OISE alum Carrie Chassels appointed Vice-Provost, Student Affairs at U of Guelph
OISE alumna Carrie Chassels has been appointed Vice-Provost, Student Affairs at the University of Guelph where she will lead student development, well-being and success. Previously, Carrie was director of OISE's Office of the Registrar and Student Services. Read more.
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August 14
Prof. Mary Reid introduces new math-content course at OISE to better prepare future teachers
Many teacher education programs focus on math theory and how children learn, but fail to refresh basic concepts, says OISE Professor Mary Reid. To address this issue, Dr. Reid has created a new standalone math-content course for students in OISE's Master of Teaching program. The course will focus on refreshing basic math concepts like fractions and arithmetic, with the goal of better preparing future teachers to teach the subject. Read more via Globe and Mail.
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August 13
Dr. Shahzrad Mojab appointed Director of the Equity Studies program at U of T
Congratulations to Professor Shahzrad Mojab, internationally renown scholar, teacher and activist, who has been appointed Director of the Equity Studies program at the University of Toronto. The OISE professor began her 5-year term on August 1, 2018. Read more.
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August 09
12 OISE researchers receive SSHRC Insight Grants
12 OISE researchers have received SSHRC Insight Grants for 2018. Funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Insight Grants are awarded to both emerging and established scholars for 2-5 year research projects that contribute in significant ways to our knowledge of people, societies, and the global community at large. Read more.
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August 07
School demands on parents hit low-income and minority students hardest, says PhD student Max Antony-Newman
Involvement in a child's education is shaped by gender, race and cultural norms, explains OISE PhD candidate Max Antony-Newman, whose research looks at how school demands on ethnic minority and low-income parents can increase inequality. In The Conversation Canada, Antony-Newman explains why schools and teachers should adopt a more holistic definition of parental involvement. Read more.
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August 07
Prof. Creso Sa explains why the conversation about international education in Canada needs a reboot
In a new op-ed, OISE Professor Creso Sa calls attention to the gap between rhetoric and reality in international education for professionals, researchers, service providers and advocates. Sa explains why the conversation about international education needs a reboot and how it influences Canada's policy thinking. Read more.
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August 03
PhD candidate Max Antony-Newman shares research on immigrant parents, family engagement and schools
In a new podcast, OISE PhD candidate Max Antony-Newman explores how immigrant parents are involved in their children's education and why it would be beneficial for Canadian schools to adopt a new view of parental involvement. Listen here.
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August 03
OISE alum Syrus Marcus Ware, artist, educator and activist, explains the role of art in the struggle for rights
"If activists are the soldiers, then artists are the street medics," says OISE alumni, visual artist, activist, researcher, youth-advocate and educator Syrus Marcus Ware. In a new TEDxUofT talk, he discusses the role of art in the struggle for rights. Watch now.
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August 02
Healing the Human Spirit: OISE alum Kahontakwas Diane Longboat helps CAMH patients embrace their Indigenous heritage
OISE alum Kahontakwas Diane Longboat is helping patients and clients at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) embrace their Indigenous heritage. Using the hospital's medicine gardens, sacred fire and sweat lodge, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit patients and clients now have access to culturally relevant care for the first time. Read more.
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August 01
OISE alum Dr. Karen Edge co-authors report on teacher motivation, retention in the workforce
OISE's Dr. Karen Edge, Chair of OISE Alumni Association-UK, with support from OISE Professor Kathy Broad and alumna Dr. Angela Nardozi, co-authored the report, "Securing the 21st Century Teacher Workforce: Global perspectives on teacher motivation and retention" (2017). The report looks at how global governments, districts, schools and more are working to support teachers, with a focus on teacher motivation and retention. Read the report.
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July 26
Viewpoint: Prof. Rinaldo Walcott on Toronto's gun violence reduction plan and its impact on racialized communities
Watch OISE Prof. Rinaldo Walcott of the Department of Social Justice Education as he outlines gaps in Toronto's approach to reducing gun violence and how education can play an essential role in supporting racialized communities. Walcott says education opens pathways to better employment opportunities and helps people understand the experiences of individuals from other communities. Watch here.
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July 24
Prof. Emeritus Keith Oatley offers insights from his research on reading and personal growth
Reading makes us think and feel in new and different ways, says OISE Professor Emeritus Keith Oatley. "You give up some of your own habits and thoughts, and you take on your own idea of being a different person in circumstances that you might otherwise never had been in." Prof. Oatley offers insights from his research on the benefits of reading fiction. Read more via NBC News.
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July 24
OISE alum Amanda Parris, CBC host and community activist, unpacks gun violence in Toronto and calls for new strategy
OISE alum Amanda Parris, host at CBC, explores why Toronto's anti-violence activism of the early 2000s was largely unsuccessful in disrupting structures of power and systems of inequity that lead to gun violence. Drawing from her own experiences as well as those of other activists and community organizers, Parris calls on the city to learn from its history to address gun violence today. Read more.
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July 23
Indigenous children's rights advocate Dr. Cindy Blackstock delivers 2018 R.W.B. Jackson Lecture
On June 13, OISE held its signature event, the R.W.B. Jackson Lecture. Over 800 faculty, students, staff, alumni, and members of the OISE and University of Toronto community gathered to hear renowned Indigenous children's rights advocate Dr. Cindy Blackstock in conversation with award-winning CBC journalist Connie Walker.
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July 20
Prof. Lauren Bialystok discusses Ford government's plan to repeal 2015 sex-ed curriculum
"Revoking the 2015 curriculum and going back to the 1998 version is preposterous, is terrible for education, and is bad for democracy," says OISE Professor Lauren Bialystok, in response to the Ford government's plan to scrap an updated health curriculum before the 2018-19 school year in favour of the version used in the 1990s. Read more.
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July 20
OISE alum Rebecca Jamieson, leading light in Indigenous education, receives Order of Canada
OISE alumna Rebecca Jamieson has received the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honours, for her longstanding service and commitment to advancing Indigenous education. President and CEO of Six Nations Polytechnic, Jamieson has spent 30 years improving outcomes for Indigenous students and bridging gaps in understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures. Read more.
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July 19
OISE librarian Desmond Wong's guide to freely accessible Indigenous education resources goes viral
Desmond Wong, a librarian at the OISE Library, responded to the cancellation of TRC curriculum writing sessions by creating the now viral OISE Library guide to freely accessible Indigenous education resources. "I compiled these items so that teachers would have something that they could look to that are largely created by Indigenous educators, artists, and authors to bring those authentic world views into their classrooms," said Wong. Read more via CBC.
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July 19
OISE Library offers 50 freely accessible resources on Indigenous education for educators
In response to the Ministry of Education's recent cancellation of a project to include more Indigenous content in Ontario classrooms, the OISE Library has compiled a list of 50 freely accessible resources on truth and reconciliation and Indigenous education for educators. Read more.
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July 16
Viewpoint: Dr. Lauren Bialystok discusses the Ontario government's decision to revert back to an outdated sex-ed curriculum
OISE's Dr. Lauren Bialystok discusses the Ontario government's decision to revert back to an outdated sex education curriculum, and how students' health will be affected. "The 1998 curriculum was written before kids had cell phones, before the internet was the primary source of information for most people, and before social media. Children live in a very different world," Dr. Bialystok explains. Read more.
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July 13
Viewpoint: Prof. Jeffrey Ansloos on the importance of Indigenous content in classrooms
Teaching students about Canada's historical oppression of Indigenous peoples is necessary for moving towards reconciliation, says Professor Jeffrey Ansloos. Watch him discuss the Ministry of Education's recent decision to cancel curriculum writing sessions aimed at bringing more Indigenous content into Ontario classrooms. Watch here.
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July 12
Prof. Lance McCready appointed Interim Director of U of T's Transitional Year Program
OISE Professor Lance McCready has been appointed Interim Director of the University of Toronto's Transitional Year Program. This important program helps adults without a high school diploma qualify for university admission. Congratulations! Read more.
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July 12
OISE alum Sidrah Ahmad shares story as 'reality-check' for parents who support repeal of Ontario's sex-ed curriculum
OISE alum Sidrah Ahmad shares her experience as a Muslim who was denied sex education in public school to highlight why Ontario's sex-ed curriculum must move forward, not back. "My lived experience serves as a reality-check for those parents who believe that removing children from sex ed, or preventing sex ed from happening, will somehow enable them to control their children's destinies," says Sidrah, a public educator and anti-gender based violence advocate. Read more.
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July 10
PhD student Sachin Maharaj argues there is no place for elite specialized schools in Canada's public system
In a recent op-ed, OISE doctoral student Sachin Maharaj argues that eliminating elite specialized public schools may help reduce racial disparities in Canadian school systems. "Policies and programs that have the effect of dividing students along lines like race and socioeconomic status, and that create exclusive benefits for small groups of students, should have no place in a publicly funded education system," said Maharaj. Read more.
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July 10
OISE's Dr. Angela Hildyard weighs is on new program designed to close gender gap in higher education leadership roles
A new program by the Centre for Higher Education Research and Development seeks to address the gender gap in university leadership and encourage women to pursue higher academic administrative roles. The first of its kind in Canada, the program will operate out of Winnipeg, Manitoba this fall. Former OISE senior academic administrator Dr. Angela Hildyard weighs in. Read more.
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July 09
Prof. Creso Sá discusses the impact Ontario's PC government might have on higher education
With the recent election of Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative government, how will higher education in Ontario be impacted? In a recent op-ed, OISE Professor Creso Sá says that the new government's vague stance on higher education issues means that significant changes are unlikely to happen. Read more via University Affairs.
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July 06
Prof. Rhonda Martinussen appointed Director of Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study at OISE
Congratulations to Professor Rhonda Martinussen who has been appointed Director of the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study for a three-year term starting July 1, 2018. "I have no doubt that she will provide JICS with exceptional leadership over the next three years," said OISE Dean Glen Jones. Read more.
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July 05
OISE launches new, one-of-a-kind Master of Teaching Research Journal
The Master of Teaching (MT) program is proud to announce its latest innovation, the Master of Teaching Research Journal (MTRJ). Officially launched in June 2018, the mandate of the MTRJ is to share the research of MT students and instructors with the world. Read more.
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July 04
Professor Normand Labrie appointed first Interim President of l'Université de l'Ontario français
Professor Normand Labrie has been appointed first Interim President of l'Université de l'Ontario français (UOF), Ontario's first French-language university. With a distinguished career as a professor of sociolinguistics, as a renowned university researcher, in particular on the topic of post-secondary education, and as a director of various research organizations, the UOF's first leader assumed his duties on July 1, 2018. Read more.
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July 03
Prof. Charles Pascal talks to NY Times about the benefits of multicultural schools in Toronto
Young learners at the Fraser Mustard Early Learning Academy - a school in the Thorncliffe Park neighborhood of Toronto - speak 40 different languages and are mostly the children of immigrants. "You have kids from different cultures, with different levels of income. That's why later they don't understand homophobia and racism," says OISE Prof. Charles Pascal on the benefits of multicultural schools in Toronto. Read more.
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July 02
PhD grad Abraham Blair quoted on power of U of T Black Graduation to give voice to minority students
"Whenever you're a minority in any situation there's no voice, [but] there's a voice now," OISE doctoral student Abraham Blair on the importance of U of T Black Graduation. Learn more about the recent second annual event. Read more.
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June 29
Canada Day: OISE-bound award winner aims to improve university experience for new Canadians
As a Canadian immigrant, Sara Asalya experienced first-hand the difficulties of being both a newcomer and a university student. Now, the incoming OISE student is committed to making this process easier for others.
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June 28
OISE student Bruno Vompean explores benefits of programs where university and incarcerated students learn together
Canada is lagging behind when it comes to providing education programs in prisons, says OISE student Bruno Vompean. In a new article for University Affairs, he discusses the benefits of programs where university and incarcerated students learn together. Read more.
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June 27
OISE releases public opinion survey on issues in education
OISE's 20th survey about educational issues was released on June 27 providing valuable insights into how the public feels about education across the province. Find out how people across Ontario feel about public funding of religious schools, equity and access, EQAO testing and more. Read more.
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June 26
UofT's youngest graduate Sakina Rizvi begins her journey at OISE this fall in curriculum studies
At only 18 years old, Sakina Rizvi already has a bachelor's degree under her belt, making her U of T's youngest graduate. We're looking forward to welcoming her at OISE in September, where she will begin her Master's in curriculum studies. Watch her and Joseph Goren, who at age 77 is U of T's oldest graduate, chat about their university experience. Watch here.
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June 25
Prof. Charles Pascals weighs in on new report showing rich-poor divide in Ontario school child care
A new report from People for Education finds that schools in lower-income communities with less educated parents have less before and after-school child care than schools in higher-income communities with more well-educated parents. Professor and former deputy education minister Charles Pascal weighs in. Read more.
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June 25
Alum Zanana Akande given Key to the City for life's work as community leader, champion for equality
Congratulations to OISE alumna Zanana Akande who was given a Key to the City this past weekend. She was honoured for dedicating her life's work to addressing equity issues in the community, and improving the social, economic, cultural and political status of women in Toronto. Read more.
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June 22
OISE alum and honorary degree recipient Dionne Brand delivers powerful convocation address
On Wednesday, OISE's graduating class of future teachers were given a special message: "You are more and better than the status quo. You are teachers and activists fighting to make the world better and I know this because that is why you came to OISE, as I did 30 years ago." These words were delivered by OISE alum and honorary degree recipient Dionne Brand in a powerful and poetic convocation address that earned a standing ovation. Watch now.
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June 21
Dr. Jeffrey Ansloos offers 5 things to know about National Indigenous Peoples Day
Beyond celebrations, National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn about culture and history. OISE's Dr. Jeffrey Ansloos, Professor of Indigenous mental health, offers five things to know about the Day and its importance in moving Canada forward. Read more via Global.
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June 21
How can libraries become part of the reconciliation process? Julie Blair and Desmond Wong offer ways forward
Libraries are facing challenges in the era of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples as First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities are reclaiming their voices and building a new framework for its relationship with other Canadians. How can library staff become part of the reconciliation process in Canada? OISE staff member Julie Blair and librarian Desmond Wong offer strategies for moving forward in their paper, "Moving in the Circle: Indigenous Solidarity for Canadian Libraries." Read more.
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June 19
Alum Dr. Mark Wade awarded Governor General's Gold Medal
OISE alumnus Dr. Mark Wade considered a career as an anthropologist, pediatrician and even a journalist before dedicating himself to studying child psychology - a decision that's more than paying off: the PhD grad was recently honoured with the Governor General's Gold Medal - one of the most prestigious awards a Canadian graduate student can receive. Read more.
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June 19
OISE announces five-year Academic Plan
The vision, developed through extensive community consultation, will guide the next phase of the institute's development. Read "Learning and Leading from Within."
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June 18
Starbucks should 'take a page' from educator and OISE alum Roopa Cheema for its anti-bias curriculum, says Toronto writer
Toronto writer Andray Domise says that Starbucks anti-bias training - coming after the April arrest of two black men in a Philadelphia Starbucks - will accomplish little. "What I saw was very a basic racism 101 conversation," said Andray, who argues activists and educators like OISE alum Roopa Cheema should be consulted to ensure the coffee giant's anti-bias curriculum has an impact. Read more.
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June 14
OISE celebrates the life of Walter George Pitman, former OISE director
The OISE community celebrates the life of Walter George Pitman, who recently passed away at age 89. The father of four was a passionate educator, author and activist who served as OISE's Director from 1986 to 1992. "Walter Pitman was a kind, thoughtful leader who was extremely devoted to education, the arts and social justice," said OISE Dean Glen Jones. "He made an enormous contribution to OISE during his term as Director." Read more.
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June 13
Artist Kelly Jazvac demonstrates creative solutions to plastic waste with kids at OISE's Jackman Institute
In 2017, artist-in-residence Kelly Jazvac brought her work to the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study. The sculptor invited students to transform items they no longer wanted using salvaged materials into something they would want again. The exercise was designed to find creative solutions to today's plastic waste problem. "It's going to take some openness," said Jazvac, "and some creative problem-solving." Read more.
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June 11
Dr. Mary Reid weighs in on Doug Ford's promises to update Ontario's curriculum
OISE Professor and teaching expert Dr. Mary Reid weighs in on Premier-designate Doug Ford's contentious promises to update Ontario's curriculum. One promise includes removing 'discovery math' from math curriculum to focus on basic arithmetic. Dr. Reid believes inquiry-based math needs to remain and the curriculum should be remodeled so that students are learning both operational skills and problem-solving. Read more.
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June 11
Post-doc fellow Grace Karram Stephenson explores what Doug Ford's victory means for universities
OISE post-doctoral fellow Grace Karram Stephenson explores how policies and promises by Doug Ford's new Progressive Conservative government will affect higher education in Ontario and why "Ford is unlikely to be a good neighbour" to universities. Read more.
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June 10
OISE alum Tracey King connects and supports Indigenous peoples within the workplace
In a new spotlight, OISE alum Tracey King reflects on her work as an Aboriginal Hiring Consultant at Ryerson University where she supports Indigenous candidates and community members on a wide range of issues and areas within the university. "One thing that I love about my role is using my Indigenous knowledge, community connections and lived experience," says Tracey. Read more.
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June 08
Dean Glen Jones' national study on university autonomy highlighted by David Suzuki hon doc controversy
A national research study on Canadian university autonomy led by OISE Dean Glen Jones finds that universities in several provinces are experiencing greater government oversight. These findings are highlighted by the recent controversy surrounding David Suzuki's honorary degree from University of Alberta - as universities face less freedom in decision-making and increased pressure to show that students are landing jobs. Read more.
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June 05
Writer, activist and OISE grad Dionne Brand to keynote U of T's 2nd Annual Black Graduation Celebration
University of Toronto's 2nd Annual Black Graduation Celebration will take place on June 26 at Hart House for over 400 proud graduates and their families. Co-organizers Matthew Campbell-Williams, Ayann Abdulle and Anyika Mark hope to build on last year's success. This year, OISE alumna Dionne Brand, who served as Toronto's third poet laureate, will keynote the event. Read more.
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June 04
Alum Dr. Pamela Osmond-Johnson writes about re-imagining teachers as activists and influencers
In her latest article, alum Dr. Pamela Osmond-Johnson explores activism in teaching that goes beyond strikes and work-to-rule situations and gets "teachers to embrace their collective voice and refuse to yield to narrow, managerial, understandings of teacher professionalism." She adds, "We need to re-imagine teachers as leaders, learners, and policy actors whose influence goes beyond the walls of any one classroom." Read more.
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June 02
Professor Mary Reid weighs in as Ontario premier candidates try to tackle school closures in rural areas
School closures in rural areas have become a topic of great concern for some communities and also one of interest for Ontario premier candidates, who promise to take on the issue. OISE's Dr. Mary Reid says more than a 'band-aid' solution will have to be made to mitigate the number of school closures in remote areas. Read more.
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June 01
Professor Cecilia Morgan discusses the symbolic legacy of Canada's Laura Secord
Canada's national symbols and their contentious histories: Professor Cecilia Morgan weighs in on the legacy of Laura Secord to help explain why the chocolate lady is both a unifying and dividing force in Canada. Read more.
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May 30
U of T medicine garden a labour of love for student Roy Strebel and daughter Shay-Lee
For the past five years, OISE student Roy Strebel and his daughter have tended the U of T medicine garden. By teaching Shay-Lee to care for the scared plants, Strebel is also teaching her about her Anishinaabe identity and family roots. Through this experience, Shay-Lee has also become a teacher of Indigenous traditions in her own right. Read more.
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May 28
Alum Denise Dwyer receives 2018 InspirED Award
Advocating for what is right is a core principle for Denise Dwyer, winner of OISE's 2018 InspirED Award. The honour, given annually by OISE's Young Alumni Council, recognizes administrators and leaders who have made immense contributions to the education sector. Dwyer, who holds the position of Assistant Deputy Minister of Indigenous Education and Well-being in Ontario, recently received the recognition at an OISE reception. Read more.
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May 25
OISE promotes six faculty members
Six OISE faculty members have recently received approval for promotion. Congratulations to Bonnie Burstow, Mark Evans, Michal Perlman, James Slotta, Rinaldo Walcott, and Leesa Wheelahan on this richly deserved achievement. Learn about the contributions and impact of each of these scholars. Read more.
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May 25
Alum Zanana Akande, a trailblazer in Ontario politics, named YWCA Woman of Distinction
Congratulations to OISE alum Zanana Akande, recipient of the 2018 YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction Award for Public Service. Trailblazer and lifelong activist for social justice and equity, Zanana was the first black woman elected to Ontario's Legislature, where she helped pass Ontario's first Employment Equity Legislation. Read more.
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May 24
PhD student Jacqueline Scott discusses why participation in outdoor recreation is lower among people of colour
Doctoral student Jacqueline Scott looks at the 'adventure gap' in Toronto - and why participation in outdoor recreation is lower among people of colour. "People of colour, we're 50% of the city's population. But you take a look at any outdoor advertising, you don't see us. Look at outdoor recreation in general, you don't see us. What is it about that space that says people of colour 'do not come'?" Read more via National Post.
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May 23
Professor Tanya Titchkosky co-authors letter on treatment of disabled persons in the UK
Professor Tanya Titchkosky of OISE's Department of Social Justice Education co-authors a letter addressing the treatment of disabled persons in the UK, amid concerns over misleading claims by Britain's Department for Work and Pensions regarding disability benefit. Read more via The Guardian.
