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Message from the Chair

As we head into the Spring term, I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome I’ve received. The good news—I survived my first 4 months as Chair, in large part because of the support I’ve 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— in Language Teaching and Learning and Science Education—and 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’ 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—I can’t 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’ve 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’ll be sending out a detailed agenda for the day soon but planned highlights include an afternoon panel on the question, “What is Educational Justice?,” with Jeff Bale, Anne Marie Chudleigh, Shawna-Kaye Tucker, Máiri McKenna Edwards, Gurpreet Sahmbi, Qui Alexander, moderated by Sandra Styres.  I’m 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—whether that is Jennifer Brant’s revisioning of academic “” through an Indigenous Maternal Pedagogy or Lindsay Cavanaugh, Qui Alexander, and Rubén Gaztambide-Fernandez’ reclaiming of “” as the grounds of teaching and learning or Mary Reid’s efforts to in schools and the university.  
 
Finally, if we haven’t 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’d love to hear from you. Thanks again and looking forward to the next four months! 

Warmly,

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

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