Faculty of Education News Bulletin

Top Stories

Faculty of Education (ED) launches new video as a part of Pan-University Faculty video series and its ED Faculty new identity video series – Among the finest anywhere, York’s Faculties introduce students to a broad perspective of the world that results in original thought and theory. Our flexible cross-discipline programming, innovative course design, and diverse experiential learning provides students with an amazing variety of academic opportunities where learning and debate are not only valued; they are encouraged. Watch video

New Look at Learning – After more than five decades of inspiring critical thinking and influencing the field of education, York University’s Faculty of Education has undertaken a transformative renovation of its original 1960s-era building on the Keele Campus. The extensive project, which began in 2018 with a comprehensive space-needs analysis, has breathed new life into the facility, positioning it as a modern, welcoming and accessible hub for the next generation of educators. Read more

Reeta Roy urges Faculty of Education graduands to ‘make a difference in the lives of learners’ – Reeta Roy, president and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation – an international non-governmental organization focused on empowering young Africans with education – offered several calls-to-action to Faculty of Education graduands to help shape the future of education. Read more

Scholars’ Hub @ Home | Renewing our Democratic Commitment to Public Education – Professor and York Research Chair in Policy Analysis for Democracy, Sue Winton, was the featured speaker for the Sept. 4 edition of Scholars’ Hub. During her talk, Winton highlighted policies that are privatizing public education across the country and also discussed how these policies shift responsibilities to the private sector, reproduce patterns of social inequality, and undermine democracy. Watch video

Volume 38 of Canadian Jewish News titled “Jewish Education in Canada” was co-edited by professor and Koschitzky Family Chair in Jewish Teacher Education, Laura Wiseman together with Dan Held, PhD – a graduate of JTE and now Chief Program Officer of UJA Federation, and Karen Gazith, PhD, Director of the Bronfman Education Centre in Montreal. Several of the articles in the volume are by graduates of the Faculty’s Jewish Teacher Education Program who are now professionals in the field. Read volume

Assistant professor John Hupfield was amongst a group of York U professors to receive support to advance DEDI – Eight professors from across Faculties and campuses have received reductions in their course load from the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Service Course Load Reduction Program to further York University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment that values the contributions of diverse voices. Read more

Educating for a Sustainable Future: Green Skills in Canada – Listen to this new podcast with York University UNESCO Chair Charles Hopkins. The urgency of the climate crisis is undeniable. The transition to a clean economy demands significant changes in skills, occupations, and attitudes. In this episode, the hosts of the Conference Board of Canada delve into the challenges, opportunities, and strategies associated with developing higher education graduates who are equipped to lead and grow a sustainable economy. Listen now

Course director Jafar Hussain presented a paper titled “Instructor experience-developing global competency in university students through globally networked learning (GNL) collaborative activities at the 16^th annual International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies

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. Read more

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.  Read more

Education alumnus enhances French language skills through international exchange to France – In navigating the transformative path of international education, Liam Bekirsky’s (BEd ’18) story is a testament to the enriching power of studying and working abroad. Read more

Awards & Recognitions

2024 York University Research Awards Celebration – The annual event, hosted by the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation on Sept. 19, celebrated the successes of the University’s research community in 10 categories, including the four winners of the President’s Research Awards. Congratulations to the following faculty members who were recognized in the following categories:

• President’s Emerging Research Leadership Award (PERLA) – Gillian Parekh, Associate Professor
  The PERLA recognizes two full-time faculty members—one in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and one in the social sciences, humanities and arts (SSHA) – within 10 years of their first academic appointment, who have had a notable impact on their field and made a significant contribution to advancing the University’s international reputation for research excellence while significantly and positively contributing to one or more aspects of the York community’s intellectual life

• Prestigious Fellowships, Honours & Awards – Carl James, Professor
  For being named as a Distinguished Research Professorship in recognition for outstanding contributions to York University through research as well as work within and outside of the University

A full list of the 68 honourees can be found on the Research & Innovation website

Associate professor Vidya Shah recognized with President’s University-wide Teaching Award – Shah was one of three York faculty members to be recognized during the 2024 Spring Convocation ceremonies for enhancing the quality of learning and demonstrating innovation and excellence in teaching. Read more

Associate Professor Aparna Mishra Tarc was awarded The Ted T. Aoki Award for Distinguished Service given by the Canadian Association for Curriculum Studies.  Mishra-Tarc received the award on Friday June 14^th at the annual CACs Celebration of Scholarly works.  The award of distinction was established in honour of the life and work of Canadian curriculum scholar Dr. Ted Aoki. His ground-breaking unique contribution to reconceptualizing curriculum through attentiveness to pedagogical relationship, subject matter, and culture has significantly shaped the field of curriculum studies. The award recognizes individuals who have made major contributions through research, teaching and professional serve in the field of curriculum studies. Candidates who receive the award have made major contributions to the field of curriculum studies through scholarship and service over an extended period of time, usually over ten years and must be Canadian or work in Canadian institutions  

Congratulations to professor Roopa Desai Trilokekar for being selected as a recipient of this year’s Catalyst Award presented by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE). The award is conferred to an individual or group for bringing cutting-edge knowledge to the field of international education. The CBIE Excellence Awards will be presented at the CBIE Annual Conference during an in-person ceremony on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 4:30 PM at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa, Ontario

Professor Susan Dion’s project Illuminating Lenape Language, History and Cultural Heritage was one of twenty-two projects led by York University researchers to receive funding from the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to pursue innovative initiatives – many tied to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Read more

Doctoral graduate wins two national awards – Isaac Garcia-Sitton, a recent PhD graduate from the Faculty of Education, has been honoured with two prestigious national awards for his doctoral dissertation in the field of international higher education. Garcia-Sitton received the Michel Laferrière Research Award by the Comparative & International Education Society of Canada and the George Geiss Award by the Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education for his dissertation titled “Policy Making in Times of Crisis: The Case of Immigration and International Students in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Read more

Dean’s Office

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. Read more

Academics Program Office

The Office of Academic Programs is celebrating the centenary year of iconic writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin with three events as part of the Pondering Pedagogy Series organized by the Office of the Associate Dean, Academic Programs

• On Monday, September 16 the Office of the Associate Dean, Academic programs hosted a lecture by professor emeritus Warren Crichlow titled “James Baldwin at One Hundred: An Extracurricular Reflection” – This hybrid event brought together former and current students, faculty colleagues, and collaborators from York and across universities. Aligned with this lecture, Professor Crichlow returns to the Faculty of Education this fall semester to teach a special topics graduate-level seminar featuring James Baldwin’s works

• Writing Workshop
  Friday, September 27 | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | 519 Kaneff Tower
  A writing workshop to support writing informed by James Baldwin as well as other writing projects related to humanities-related thesis, dissertations, and other creative/ research-creation writing. Resources relevant to workshop discussions of writing are made available for all participants. All are welcome to attend

• Symposium
  Wednesday, October 23 | 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
  Panels, guest speakers, and a short film. Discussions about James Baldwin’s influence, educational thought, and representation – image, art, cinema, sound/music. Stay tuned for more details

Just announced!

• The Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies is launching The Annual Warren E. Crichlow Awards in Critical Canadian Studies for undergraduate students at York University. The awards are designed to reflect Dr. Crichlow’s academic approach to advancing civism in Canada through fostering a culture of understanding, writing, and thinking. These awards are meant to celebrate contemporary interrogations of civicness in Canada amid fundamental political divides, social polarization, and technological transformation. Stay tuned for more details

Cyclical Program Review (CPR) Faculty Consultation – The Bachelor of Arts (BA) Educational Studies and the Master of Leadership & Community Engagement (MLCE) degrees are both undergoing a cyclical program review. The next faculty consultation and feedback session on these programs is September 24 from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. The CPR report is due in October, and external reviewers will be joining us in the Winter for the next steps in the process 

New Faculty Orientations – Two orientation sessions were held in the summer to welcome new faculty members to the Faculty of Education. The next orientation session will be held on September 26 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. As part of a year-long series, these sessions are designed to offer opportunities for mentoring and professional development in support of teaching courses in the 2024-25 academic year. Topics include, but are not limited to, designing a course syllabus, providing support to students, teaching and learning resources, among others. All new faculty members are encouraged to join us throughout the year

Student Services Office

Welcome to the Faculty of Education the new Bachelor of Education and BA Educational Studies students

Ontario Universities’ Fair (OUF) – OUF is being held Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6, 2024 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre – South Building.  The fair is an opportunity to meet and chat with our future students and their families about both the Bachelor of Education and BA Educational Studies program. Learn more

Research Office

Celebrating our Research, Teaching & Community 2023 – 2024 – On Monday, June 3, 2024, faculty, instructors, and graduate students met in person to celebrate this year’s teaching, research and scholarly contributions and achievements at the Faculty of Education’s Annual Research and Teaching Celebration. Drawing on their areas of research and scholarship, faculty members and graduate students participated in panels on teaching and research addressing this year’s theme, ‘Diversity, Equity, Sustainability and Indigeneity in Research and Teaching’

Associate professor Cristina Delgado Vintimilla received a SSHRC Partnership Engage Grant for a project titled Reimagining museum practices with Cañari campesinxs in Andean Ecuador

Associate professor Nombuso Dlamini will supervise Dr. Hye Jin Kim’s Fellowship for a Postdoctoral Research project titled Implications of the Future Education Discourse: A Case Study of Diasporic Korean Youth awarded by the Korea Foundation

Selected Funding Opportunities

• SSHRC Insight Grants  – October 1, 2024
• SSHRC Exchange KMb Grant – October 31, 2024
• SSHRC Explore Grants – October 31, 2024
• SSHRC Connection Grants – November 1, 2024
• SSHRC Exchange – Conference Grant – November 1, 2024
• NFRF 2024 Exploration Competition – November 5, 2024
• SSHRC Partnership Development Grants – November 15, 2024
• Minor Research Grants – November 15, 2024
• Knowledge Synthesis Grants: Envisioning Governance Systems that Work – December 12, 2024
• Spencer Foundation: Research Grants on Education: Large 
  Intent to Apply: January 14, 2025
  Full Proposal: February 11, 2025
• SSHRC Insight Development Grants – February 2, 2025
• SSHRC Partnership Grants – Stage 1 – February 10, 2025

Upcoming SSHRC Webinars:

Graduate Program Office

The Graduate Program in Language, Culture and Teaching welcomed a new cohort of 80 MEd students and 17 PhD students at this year’s Grad Orientation. Thank you to representatives from the Faculty of Graduate Studies, York Graduate Students in Education, and the Associate Dean Academic for making this kick off to the new academic year such a great success

Upcoming Funding Application Deadlines:

• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)/Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) – October 8, 2024
  
• The Faculty of Graduate Studies offers workshops to support student grant writing towards these awards. While the PhD workshops happened earlier this month, MEd students can still sign up for workshops in October by registering here

NEW COURSE – Research in Mathematics Education

Upcoming Events

• York Graduate Students in Education (YGSE) annual Fall Social
  Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 3:30 – 5:30 pm | Winters College
  Stay tuned for more details

Professional Learning Office

Back to school and back to raising your AQ – Registration is now open for our Fall AQ session which runs October 1 – December 6. The deadline to register for courses is September 24 (select courses will remain open until course start date). Learn more

We are pleased to announce that Wendy Wenzhen Yu has joined the Professional Learning team as a Program Assistant as of August 12, 2024

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Office

This past June, Professor Pam Millett was elected Chair of the Board of Directors of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO), the provincial health care regulatory body for audiologists and speech-language pathologists

INFORMATION NIGHT- The DHH Program will be hosting an Information Night on Monday November 4 | 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. online via Zoom, for certified teachers who are interested in learning more about the application process for the DHH program. Applications will be available on our website in mid-December and are due March 21, 2025. Learn more and register

New Publications

Associate professor Qiang Zha and his colleague Xiaojie Li have co-authored a new article titled How Canadian Universities Are Caught in the Geopolitical Tensions: Perspectives of Faculty of Chinese and Non-Chinese Origins in the latest issue of Canadian Ethnic Studies

Associate professor Qiang Zha and his colleague have co-authored a new article titled Racial Profiling amidst Geopolitical Tension: Chinese Professors in Canada in International Higher Education

SSHRC postdoc Edmund Adam (who is working with professor Qiang Zha) has a new article titled Power Paradigm Unleashed: The (Re)Configuration of International Higher Education Arising from the Russia-Ukraine Conflict and What it Means for Higher Education in the Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

Course Director Tanya Berg has written a book inspired by Integration Through Arts called: Arts-based Pedagogies: Integrating Culturally Relevant Creative Processes in K-12 Education. York colleagues Emily Burgis, Artina Voz, and Collette Murray have all contributed chapters 

In The Media

Where are all the Black astronomers and physicists? Racism, isolation keeping many away
Professor Carl James was quoted in an article on The Black Hot Fire Network August 14

As more seniors head online, efforts are needed to help their digital media literacy skills
Assistant professor Natalia Balyasnikova was quoted in an interview on CBC News July 26

Higher Education grapples with Generative AI
Professor Emeritus Ron Owston was quoted in an article on AI, academia, and the Future web site July 20

News From The Community

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – York will recognize The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, on Sept. 30, by offering events and resources throughout the month for its community members to learn about the history of residential schools in Canada and the lasting impacts on Indigenous community members today. Read more

Nominations open for the 2025 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 – Do you know a York graduate who is making positive and impactful change? Nominate someone you know, or even yourself, no later than Oct. 14. Learn more 

York University’s global leadership in sustainability gains momentum – York University is gaining prominence through partnerships with Canadian and international governments, multinational corporations and non-profit organizations for its impactful global leadership in sustainability, research expertise, state-of-the-art training facilities and overarching commitment to a sustainable future. Read more

York University launches new solution for financial aid, awards and scholarships – York University’s new FAAS (Financial Aid, Awards and Scholarships) App has officially launched, making York U one of the first universities in Canada to implement a sophisticated awards solution for its students. Learn more

Faculty encouraged to use York’s new online curriculum vitae tool – York University is unveiling a new tool—Discover York Academics—that will help faculty members centralize and showcase their academic and professional work online. Discover York Academics is an electronic curriculum vitae tool that acts as a searchable, online database for faculty to document and share their research, publications, scholarly and creative works, as well as related teaching and professional activities. Faculty can also display their availability for graduate student supervision, academic and industry collaborations and more. The tool provides full control for each user to decide what information is for public display and what remains private. All data is stored on Canadian servers with industry-standard encryption. Learn more

Anderson Coward
Communications & Marketing Specialist

Adam Riley
Web Designer & Developer

Mariana Michaelis
Communications & Marketing Assistant

Barb Rodezno
Director – Strategic Communications, Marketing & Outreach