CTL Newsletter - April 2024
Message from the Chair
As we head into the Spring term, I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome I鈥檝e received. The good news鈥擨 survived my first 4 months as Chair, in large part because of the support I鈥檝e received from staff. A special shout out to Susanna Aubynn for stepping into the EA role and helping me stay focused and organized.
We have had a busy winter. We just concluded interviews for two Assistant Professor positions鈥 in Language Teaching and Learning and Science Education鈥攁nd are hoping to welcome two early career scholars to CTL this summer. We have also just closed applications for an Associate Professor position in Teacher Education and plan to invite short-listed candidates to campus in late May/early June. Thanks to the search committees for their work and to everyone who showed up to job presentations, had lunch with the candidates, and submitted feedback forms. We will share the schedule for the Teacher Education candidates鈥 visits and look forward to seeing you then for job presentations, sandwiches and sodas.
In early April, many of us travelled to Philadelphia for the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual conference. Research Officer, Amelia Ainsworth, went above and beyond and created a schedule of CTL presentations, jumped from room to room photographing faculty, students, and alumni in action, and organized a breakfast for the CTL community. Check out her documentary work on our socials. We are looking forward to creating a similar schedule for Congress and hope you might help us by sending in or posting photos from your sessions. More on that later in May. At AERA, I had a chance to attend many CTL sessions and talk with faculty and students at the breakfast and OISE reception. You are all doing such brilliant work鈥擨 can鈥檛 wait to brainstorm with Amelia about ways to amplify CTL research. Please reach out if you have suggestions.
I am still getting to know CTL but I鈥檝e been so impressed with the openness and enthusiasm of faculty, staff, and students. As you may know, OISE is in the middle of academic planning and we are taking our cue from that process and collectively imagining our future. We are hosting a department retreat on May 6th and there will be opportunities throughout the day for faculty and staff to share their vision for CTL. I鈥檒l be sending out a detailed agenda for the day soon but planned highlights include an afternoon panel on the question, 鈥淲hat is Educational Justice?,鈥 with Jeff Bale, Anne Marie Chudleigh, Shawna-Kaye Tucker, M谩iri McKenna Edwards, Gurpreet Sahmbi, Qui Alexander, moderated by Sandra Styres. I鈥檓 looking forward to learning from panelists how they understand the relationship between justice and education in their work. That question feels especially urgent in these times when education, and the university in particular, reveals its violent colonial history, often at the expense of students and racialized and Indigenous community members. We all live, work, and teach in this contested space. I am grateful for the work of CTL faculty who are helping me think about the complexities of university life in this moment鈥攚hether that is Jennifer Brant鈥檚 revisioning of academic 鈥溾 through an Indigenous Maternal Pedagogy or Lindsay Cavanaugh, Qui Alexander, and Rub茅n Gaztambide-Fernandez鈥 reclaiming of 鈥溾 as the grounds of teaching and learning or Mary Reid鈥檚 efforts to in schools and the university.
Finally, if we haven鈥檛 had a chance to chat, or if you have a concern or idea or suggestion, feel free to reach out and set up an appointment. I鈥檇 love to hear from you. Thanks again and looking forward to the next four months!
Warmly,
![Decorative](/home/sites/default/files/2024-04/jgilbert-siggraphic_0.png)
CTL Portals
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Important Dates
May 6, 2024 - Intersession Begins
May 15, 2024 - Grades on ACORN
May 20, 2024 - Victoria Day (Closed)
June 28, 2024 - Presidential Day (Closed)
July 1, 2024 - Canada Day (Closed)
July 2, 2024 - Summer Session Begins
August 5, 2024 - Civic Holiday
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Quick Links
Upcoming Events
May 6, 2024 | CTL Department Retreat
In-person event at Hart House for CTL Staff and Faculty (Teaching, Tenure, CLTA and Sessional)
June 5, 2024 | MT June Jumpstart
A virtual event for incoming Master of Teaching students aimed at setting them up for success
June 22, 2024 | C&P and LLE Welcome
A virtual event for incoming students to the Curriculum & Pedagogy and Language and Literacies Education programs
![OISE Wellness Half Hour graphic](/home/sites/default/files/styles/promo_633x396/public/2024-04/oisewellnesshalfhour.png.webp?itok=cL7AHd5m)
OISE Wellness Half Hour
Every Wednesday from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, staff and faculty are encouraged to prioritize practices that enhance self-care, reduce stress, and restore energy.
In the Spotlight
This section of the newsletter serves as a platform to celebrate and highlight the dedication, innovation, and exceptional endeavors within our community. From research events, publications, new initiatives, awards and accolades, "In the Spotlight" shines a light on some of the many whose passion and commitment enrich the CTL community.
![Arts Based Research Conference Flyer](/home/sites/default/files/styles/inline/public/2024-04/arts-based-research-a-one-day-conference-twitter-post_1.png.webp?itok=BV5m43_0)
On Thursday, April 18, 2024 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, Tara Goldstein hosted a one-day conference at the Jackman Humanities Institute. featured poetry, graphic stories, drawings and photographs, textiles, sound, documentary film, a podcast series, a novel and an audio-book and an opening talk by writer and animated filmmaker Karleen Pendleton Jim茅nez from Trent University.
![Career Closet shoppers](/home/sites/default/files/styles/inline/public/2024-04/careercloset_1.png.webp?itok=LlXxiZ98)
The pilot run of the, 鈥楥areer Closet鈥 clothing swap took place at OISE from April 8-17, 2024. The event was a resounding success and truly embodied the spirit of community and generosity.
This initiative, coordinated by CTL and ROSE was aimed at giving graduates of the MT and MACSE programs a head start in building their professional wardrobe and supporting environmental sustainability efforts. Over 125 students shopped the boutique to give a second life to hundreds of pieces of clothing, shoes and accessories.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks for the boundless generosity of the OISE community. The event not only fostered sustainable fashion practices but also cultivated a sense of camaraderie among attendees.
Given the success of the initiative, the Career Closet will be held again this Fall. If you would like to contribute your time, expertise or make a donation, please contact Mairi at mairi.mckennaedwards@utoronto.ca or Alex at alexandra.merrick@utoronto.ca.
![Mairi McKenna Edwards](/home/sites/default/files/styles/inline/public/2024-04/mairi.png.webp?itok=fMhGeu9P)
The OISE Staff Innovation Award celebrates the achievements of staff, individually or as a team, who have developed and implemented a creative solution that increases the productivity and enhances the value added to research, teaching and the administrative processes at OISE.
M谩iri McKenna Edwards, Coordinator, Diversity, Equity & Student Experience, Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning (CTL) was the recipient of the 2024 OISE Staff Innovation Award.
The Award for Excellence in Initial Teacher Education recognizes outstanding contributions to teaching and learning in teacher education programs at OISE impacting the development of the next generation of excellent teachers. Nominees鈥 contributions will be assessed based on demonstrated impact on teacher candidates and the ability to foster enriching teaching and learning experience, as well as demonstrated excellence in teaching and/or supervision in teacher education programs.
Kara Dymond, a Sessional Lecturer in CTL's Master of Teaching Program was the 2024 Award for Excellence in Initial Teacher Education recipient. Kara teaches a course on mental health and special education in the MT program and authored a book for teachers called "The Autism Lens: Everything teachers need to connect with students, build confidence, and promote classroom learning" to provide resources and strategies to help teachers understand neurodiversity and create inclusive classrooms. Learn more about .
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Dr. Michelle Dubek of the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning has been granted continuing status and promotion to the rank of Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Dubek鈥檚 research focuses on innovative science pedagogy and assessment as well as teacher learning in STEM contexts, with the goal of supporting teacher candidates as they interpret and integrate contemporary science education theory and policy into their pedagogical practice. She teaches Science and Environmental Education foundation courses in the Master of Teaching program.
Anne Marie Chudleigh of the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning has been granted a continuing part-time teaching stream appointment effective July 1, 2024. Anne Marie is the Associate Director & P/J Academic Coordinator in the Master of Teaching Program. Her research focuses on teacher education and teacher preparation, teaching in urban schools and self-reflective practice.
CTL Research
Upcoming Faculty Research Grant Opportunities | NOI | MRA | UofT | Sponsor |
SSHRC Connection Grants | June 13, 2024 | June 18, 2024 | June 20, 2024 | |
Spencer Foundation: Racial Equity Research Grants | May 29, 2024 | June 20, 2024 | June 27, 2024 | |
University of Toronto Call for Proposals - Southeast Asia - Notice of Interest | May 26, 2024 | Sept. 15, 2024 | ||
Manchester-Melbourne-Toronto (MMT) Research Fund 2024 | June 3, 2024 | |||
Jackman Humanities Institute Grant Writing Bootcamp 2024 | May 6, 2024 |
SSHRC Insight Grant
Insight Grant season is approaching and it's not too early to start working on your application. Let鈥檚 set you up for success! If you do plan to apply for the upcoming October 2024 round, please contact Amelia at ctlresearch@utoronto.ca to submit a . The CTL research office can assist with budget development, editorial review, drafting Research Contributions documents, navigating the SSHRC site, SSHRC requirements, etc. An Insight Grant Workbook is now available on the Research page of the CTL Faculty Portal.
2024 AERA Highlights
A huge congratulations to CTL Faculty and Graduate Students who presented at the 2024 AERA Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from April 11鈥14. A special shout out to Amelia Ainsworth, CTL's Research and Project Coordinator for her incredible coverage of the event!
Over 40 CTL Faculty and students presented or Chaired 40+ sessions at this years meeting. There were also numerous Round Table, Paper and Poster Sessions, Round Table Discussions and Workshops. Check out some of the following highlights:
![CTL Faculty at AERA CTL Breakfast](/home/sites/default/files/styles/promo_633x396/public/2024-04/aera_ctl_breakfast.jpg.webp?itok=etXS_nqb)
CTL Breakfast @ AERA
CTL hosted a Breakfast event for CTL presenters and alum at this years AERA Annual Meeting. Faculty, current graduate students and CTL Alum gathered over a delicious meal while engaging in rich conversations around research. It was a tremendous success and fostered our continued efforts in community building. This was the 1st of what will be an annual addition to the AERA event list.
![Cassie Brownell and Dean Erica Walker](/home/sites/default/files/styles/promo_633x396/public/2024-04/erica-walker_cassie-brownell_oise-reception.jpg.webp?itok=AGngyenu)
Honours and Awards
Congratulations to CTL's , recipient of the 2024 AERA Division C Jan Hawkins Award! This award recognizes an early-career individual or small collaborative team that is engaged in research that combines practice and advocacy.
Cassie's research takes an interdisciplinary approach to early childhood studies and elementary (teacher) education to interrogate how writing with a variety of communicative resources (e.g., visuals, audio, material items) facilitates new spaces for human diversities.
![CTL Students at AERA](/home/sites/default/files/styles/promo_633x396/public/2024-04/img_0938.jpg.webp?itok=u2--PMZS)
Presentation Highlights
Pictured (L-R) MingyiI Li, Sudhashree, Girmohanta; Xiaoyue Chen and Mayo Kawaguchi, presented on: Rethinking the Production of Racialized Subjects in Canada: Immigration, Multiculturalism, and Heritage Language Education. This was but one of dozens of presentations by CTL graduate students, alumni and faculty. For a full list of CTL presentations and events at AERA, view the .
CTL Equity, Diversity and Student Experience
The CTL Equity, Diversity and Student Experience Team continues to work behind the scenes to keep the CTL community informed on events and resources and provide supports around mental health, well-being, accessibility and community resources. Contact the team at oise.ctl.equity@utoronto.ca
May 4, 2024 | 9:00AM - 2:30PM
Virtual Event on
Hear from alum who will explore the rich tapestry of Asian cultures, contributions, and experiences. Specifically, he will share about his journey growing up in an immigrant family in Canada and how this has impacted his leadership approach.
June 7, 2024 | 4:30-Late
Hart House Quad
This year, U of T Community Pride will take place Friday, June 7, 2024 from 4:30 p.m. until late, at the Hart House Quad. Attendees can join the party early to enjoy a BBQ and Community Fair with local 2SLGBTQ+ organizations, or stop by later to dance the night away with a fabulous DJ. There are no tickets, and no registration required.
Resources and Support
Visit the page on the for Events, Community Resource Pages and more.
Upcoming Observances
May 5, 2024 - Red Dress Day
June 1-30, 2024 - Pride Month
Quick Links
Recent Successful Doctoral Defenses
Congratulations to the following C&P and LLE students in CTL who successfully defended their doctoral thesis in recent months. A successful defense not only signifies the culmination of years of rigorous academic work but also marks the beginning of a new chapter. The CTL community wishes you all the best as you celebrate this momentous occasion!
Daniela Bascu帽谩n, PhD
PhD in Curriculum and Pedagogy
Carrying Places: How Elementary Students Contest Historical Asymmetries and Grow Relational Knowledge About Land/land Through Origin Stories
Abraham Blair, PhD
PhD in Curriculum and Pedagogy
Factors Contributing to Mathematics Success in Grade Eight Black Males
Lauren Brown, PhD
PhD in Curriculum and Pedagogy
Undergraduate Wellbeing and Mental Health Literacy at a Large Urban University: A Narrative Inquiry
Rim Fathallah, PhD
PhD in Language and Literacies Education
Online Pedagogy for Creative Transnational Peacebuilding Learning in Design Education
Claudio Jaramillo, PhD
PhD in Language and Literacies Education
Hidden behind the Door? Unpacking the Hidden Curriculum of English Language Education in an Urban High School during the COVID-19 Pandemic Confinement
Rotem Raz, PhD
PhD in Language and Literacies Education
Planting Seeds of Hope
Wales Wong, PhD
PhD in Language and Literacies Education
Implementing Translanguaging in an English as a Second Language Continuing Education Program: A Multiple Case Study on Teachers鈥 Perspectives and Challenges
In the next Issue
The next issue of the CTL Newsletter will be released in September 2024. Do you have a story, event or newsworthy item you would like to share with the CTL Community? Complete the and a member of the CTL Communications team will be in touch with any follow up questions.
鈥&苍产蝉辫;
CTL Communications
Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning
OISE, University of Toronto
252 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON, M5S 1V6