Faculty of Education

Best of Education: 2024 Highlights

A look at some of the top stories in the Faculty of Education for 2024.

Investment in education pays off at York University

Investments made by York University’s Faculty of Education in talent, research, infrastructure and leadership have been recognized recently by its place in the Top 100 education faculties worldwide as designated by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

In the media: Student teachers only answered 60% of phonics questions correctly, survey says

University students who are studying to become teachers could correctly answer only 60 per cent of the questions on phonics, according to a new survey that highlights how equipped future educators are to teach children how to read.

Mark Beckles encourages graduands to ‘be among the brightest of lights’

At York University’s Fall Convocation ceremony on the morning of Oct. 16, an honorary degree was presented to financial services executive Mark Beckles, vice-president of social impact and innovation at the Royal Bank of Canada.

Four changemakers to receive honorary degrees during York University’s Fall Convocation

During 2024 Fall Convocation – running from Oct. 16 to 25 – York University will award honorary doctor of laws degrees to four individuals recognized as changemakers and leaders in their fields.

York U conference to demonstrate leadership in psychosocial studies

Organized by three York University professors, a two-day conference titled “Psychosocial Transformations: The School, The Clinic, and The Archive” will consider the connection between psychological and social change in challenging times, while honouring the impact that Distinguished Research Professor Deborah Britzman has had on the field.

York honours 68 outstanding faculty members at the annual Research Awards Celebration

Faculty of Education professors Gillian Parekh and Carl James were recognized at York's annual Research Awards Celebration.

York alumnus reflects on Black identity in best-selling book

York alumnus Matthew R. Morris (BEd ’11) is an educator, anti-racism advocate, writer and public speaker based in Toronto. In his recent national best-selling book, Black Boys Like Me: Confrontations with Race, Identity, and Belonging, Morris tackles the issues of identity that young Black students experience as they navigate their way through the education system.  

Abena's Adventures: A Taste of Home

With “Abena’s Adventures,” Blessing Owusu (BEd ’19, MEd ’24) embarked on a journey that blended her passion for education with a mission to fill a crucial gap in children's literature.

In the media - As more seniors head online, efforts are needed to help their digital media literacy skills

Natalia Balyasnikova, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education at York University, says common generalizations that adults 65 and older are hopeless with new technology or particularly gullible against online misinformation serve only to increase the digital divide between seniors and other demographics. Balyasnikova weighs in on the importance of age-appropriate training to help seniors do daily tasks and avoid misinformation.