Keynote Presentation for the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO)
Presenting to members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario.
TORONTO—I was recently invited by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) to deliver the keynote presentation for their annual conference on anti-Black racism. The ETFO is an educators union, representing over 80,000 members in Ontario. Addressing anti-Black racism through, policy development, professional learning, and curriculum resources is at the heart of their work. I would like to thank Sonia Ellis-Seguin for extending the invitation. I would also like to thank Meagan Perry for hosting me on the podcast. Earlier in the year the ETFO used my book, #BlackInSchool, in a training workshop for members around understanding how colonization impacts the classroom.
The idea behind this year’s conference theme—Unapologetically Black—is to move beyond an understanding of anti-Black-racism into real action, by using knowledge to inform practice. I had the wonderful opportunity to share my experiences in high school as captured in my book, as a way to offer strategies to help teachers dismantle anti-Black racism in the classroom. Central to my discussion was encouraging teachers to ensure that Black students feel they belong in the classroom. It was a real pleasure to present to teachers from across the province and I am delighted to have received such kind words of appreciation from everyone. Once again, thank you ETFO for the warm welcome.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:
https://www.etfo.ca/news-publications/publications/podcast-elementary
