nity and communicate with parents and caregivers.
Trauma informed teaching: • Equity-Centered Trauma-Informed Educa- tion by Alex Shervin Venet shares practical ways to reflect on our practice and build relationships while providing deep insight into trauma-informed education that centres equity.
Combating the notion of “learning loss”/ “learning gaps” • In his article “’Learning Loss’ is a Danger- ous Myth” (
reflectandresearch.blogspot. com/2021/07/learning-loss-is-dangerous-
myth.html) Toronto educator Mario Ma- brucco explores many of the problematic aspects of the notion of “learning loss.”
Teaching for Social Justice: • Cultivating Genius by Gholdy Muhammad highlights a historically responsive literacy framework for teaching that layers texts and focuses on the learning pursuits of identity, skills, intellect, criticality and joy. Sample lesson plans and templates are included.
GET INVOLVED IN POLITICAL ACTION
During the pandemic, the decisions made by the Ford government made a difficult situa- tion worse. The government’s indecisiveness, failure to listen to scientific and medical experts and misplaced priorities have cost thousands of lives in Ontario. Additionally, in June 2021, the Ford Conservatives used the notwithstanding clause to pass Bill 254. This bill stifles political dissent and the abil- ity of unions, public interest groups, NGOs, community groups and others to openly debate important public policy issues ahead of the June 2022 provincial election. Educa- tors need to use our collective power to help elect a new provincial government. Engag- ing in political action is key to having our voices heard as we begin to recover and re- build. As educators there are many ways we can achieve this. Becoming involved in your local’s political action committee, drawing attention to important issues via social me- dia, having conversations with colleagues, neighbours and family members about im- portant issues, organizing with community members and volunteering with a local MPP candidate’s election campaign are just a few examples. The pandemic has highlighted just how important public services such as edu- cation, healthcare, transportation and com-
16 ETFO VOICE | FALL 2021
munity support programs are, and we need to do our part to help elect a government that will respect and invest in them.
NEXT STEPS
If the pandemic has taught us anything it is that our collective ties and social infrastruc- ture are too important to neglect. This chal- lenging time has helped to reframe what is important in our schools, classrooms and communities. The practices that make these spaces more equitable, inclusive and welcom- ing are needed now more than ever as we move forward in the early stages of recovery and rebuilding in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Through our collec- tive efforts we can redefine what the “new normal” is and ensure that the recovery and rebuilding process creates spaces that are more equitable for all. Here are some resources to help guide your personal recovery and rebuilding process.
Knowing your students/building relation- ships and community with students and their families: • Start Here, Start Now: A Guide to Antibias and Antiracist Work in Your School Commu- nity by Liz Kleinrock provides advice and concrete examples of how to create spaces to affirm student identity, create commu-
• Learning for Justice (
learningforjustice.org/, formerly Teaching Tolerance) provides free social justice related resources to educators who work with students from kindergarten through high school.
Mental health: knowing your limits and connecting to community resources: • ETFO’s Member Mental Health site (etfo. ca/SupportingMembers/Employees/PRS- MattersBulletin/Pages/Member%20Men-
tal%20Health.aspx) offers information and tips related to understanding and improv- ing mental health, as well as resources for seeking support.
• Everyday Mental Health Classroom Re- source (
smho-smso.ca/emhc/) provides evidence informed mental health practices to be utilized in elementary classrooms.
Political Action: • Visit
BuildingBetterSchools.ca for various tips, strategies and resources to help you organize for public education
• Consider reaching out to your ETFO local office about how you can support the work of their Political Action Committee
• Consider volunteering with a local MPP candidate (one who respects public educa- tion).
Laura and Jonathan Temporal are members of the Peel Teacher Local.
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