CTL Newsletter - April 2025
In the April 2025 Issue:
Message from the Chair
Dear CTL Community,
I want to begin with a heartfelt thank you to all the staff whose dedication keeps CTL running smoothly throughout the year. While faculty and students move through the rhythms of the academic calendar, the administrative work behind the scenes follows a different tempo鈥攐ne that often accelerates just as the campus begins to quiet down. I want to acknowledge how deeply I value your time, your care, and the often-unseen contributions that support our teaching, learning, and research.
For many faculty, May marks a welcome shift into a more focused season of research and writing鈥攖he time to finally return to projects set aside during the year. I hope spring brings both momentum and time to rest and decompress after a demanding year.
To our students鈥攃ongratulations on completing the winter term! As you transition into the spring and summer鈥攚hether you're beginning new courses, pursuing work or research opportunities, or simply taking a well-earned break鈥攚e wish you continued success, growth, and rest.
As this newsletter highlights, it鈥檚 been a rich and active season in CTL. From supporting students and securing grants to expanding program opportunities, celebrating achievements, and sharing our research鈥攐ur collective efforts continue to make a strong impact. I鈥檇 like to highlight just a few standout contributions from recent months:
A special thanks to the MT practicum team, whose work this spring resulted in the successful placement of over 800 students in schools. Your thoughtful coordination of alternative placements and steady navigation of student and institutional challenges has been exemplary.
To the Curriculum Inquiry (CI) team鈥攜our ongoing dedication to fostering a rigorous, socially engaged academic platform continues to inspire. is a testament to the bold, critical, and innovative scholarship that speaks directly to justice, equity, and systemic transformation.
And to Tara Goldstein, my deepest gratitude for stepping into the role of Interim Associate Chair of Student Experience during Rob Simon鈥檚 study leave. Tara鈥檚 unwavering support for students and her mentorship have been invaluable鈥攏ot only to students, but to me and to the leadership team. Her insight and generosity have enriched my understanding of both CTL and the broader institution.
I look forward to seeing many of our faculty and staff at our upcoming retreat on May 7th at Hart House. In the meantime, my door remains open鈥攑lease don鈥檛 hesitate to reach out with your questions, concerns, or ideas. Your voices continue to shape our direction in meaningful ways.
Wishing you all a bright, restorative, and inspiring spring season,
CTL Student Portal
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萌妹社区 Student Success Centre (OSSC)
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News & Updates from Our CTL Programs
This section is a vital resource for staying current on important developments across each of CTL's graduate programs: Curriculum & Pedagogy, Language and Literacies Education and Master of Teaching. It offers key updates on faculty appointments, events and program initiatives and changes. We encourage all members of our community to stay informed about each of our programs to promote collaboration, uncover opportunities for research intersections, and strengthen our sense of community.
Curriculum & Pedagogy Program
April 2025 News & Updates
Language and Literacies Education Program
April 2025 News & Updates
Master of Teaching
Program
April 2025 News & Updates
Faculty Research Spotlight
This section highlights the diverse and impactful research outputs of our faculty, showcasing their latest books, articles, media appearances, research initiatives, and more. It offers a glimpse into the innovative work being done across a range of disciplines, celebrating the contributions of our faculty to advancing knowledge and making a meaningful impact in their fields.
Research Advisory Committee (RAC): Storyboard and Connect
CTL鈥檚 Research Advisory Committee (RAC) hosted its inaugural 鈥淪toryboard and Connect鈥 research session on March 27th! Co-facilitated by Dr. Fikile Nxumalo and Dr. Qui Alexander, the session brought together faculty from across the department to create visual storyboards that documented their research activities, history, and trajectory. Prompts like 鈥淭he research approaches or methods I have used in my projects since my thesis are ___鈥 and 鈥淲ho is my research for?鈥 helped guide the design. Faculty members then had the opportunity to explore and connect with others' research through a gallery of storyboards, identifying shared theoretical and methodological connections. RAC plans to document all storyboards and create a visual story web to track ongoing research connections across CTL. Stay tuned for more updates!
Collaborative Approaches to Multilingualism, Drama,and Identity in Teacher Education
, an article by Nancy Bell, Christine Jackson, Mara Reich and Dania Wattar, sessional lecturers in CTL, was published in a Special Issue of TESL Canada Journal - Preparing Teachers to Support Multilingual Learners and Counter Raciolinguistic Ideologies in Teacher Education. The article discusses the development and implementation of a multilingual drama workshop for teacher candidates in a CTL course titled "Supporting English Language Learners" which adopts a critical approach to language learning, challenging the dominance of colonial languages and promoting multilingual and translanguaging pedagogical strategies. It also emphasizes the affirmation of identity through activities and communication that celebrate students' linguistic, cultural, and individual backgrounds.
Losing Childhood Innocence
Professor Julie Garlen recently appeared on CBC's Ideas podcast in an episode titled "." She argues that framing childhood as a time of innocence does a disservice to children. Instead, Garlen believes childhood should be viewed through the lens of justice, acknowledging the complex and often difficult experiences children face. She points out that idealized images of childhood as carefree and blissful ignore the reality that children, even those who are privileged, experience sadness, disappointment, and adversity. Garlen emphasizes that children have rights and should have some control over their lives, and recognizing their struggles is crucial for their development. She also highlights the challenges of discussing difficult subjects like racism in a politically polarized environment, stressing the need for a more nuanced understanding of childhood. CBC recently published an article titled "" based on Garlen's episode.
Nonviolence and Holistic Education
In a recent interview with Professor Hongyu Wang titled "," Professor John (Jack) Miller reflects on his lifelong commitment to peace and transformative education, shaped by his experiences as a young American during the Vietnam War and his move to Canada in 1969. Drawing on Gandhi鈥檚 concept of 鈥渟oul force,鈥 he explores the deep connection between nonviolence and holistic education, emphasizing their shared aim to nurture the whole person鈥攂ody, mind, and spirit鈥攚hile fostering compassion, inner strength, and social responsibility. A leading scholar in the field, Professor Miller has spent over four decades advancing holistic and contemplative education at 萌妹社区, University of Toronto, and is the author of several influential works, including The Holistic Curriculum, Love and Compassion, The Contemplative Practitioner, and his memoir A Holistic Educators Journey: Seeking Wholeness in America, Canada, Japan and Asia, with his latest book, , set for release in August 2025.
CTL @ AERA 2025
Over 40 CTL faculty and students participated in the 2025 in the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado! As the world鈥檚 largest gathering of education researchers, this event featured groundbreaking studies across a wide range of fields. Check out some of CTL's contributions.
Recently Awarded Faculty Research Grants
We are pleased to announce several recently funded research grants. These grants not only highlight the exceptional work being done by our faculty, but also provide invaluable opportunities for our students to gain hands-on research experience.
Congratulations to Assistant Professor Alexandre Cavalcante! Dr. Cavalcante was awarded a for his project, 鈥淚nformal Financial Literacy: A Mathematizen Exhibition.鈥 The outreach project will create an immersive and interactive exhibition that brings financial literacy to life for middle school students and support teachers in the teaching of this new area of the mathematics curriculum.
Congratulations to Professor Tara Goldstein! Dr. Goldstein was awarded a for her project, 鈥淰erbatim Script Writing, Song Writing, and Costume Design: A Four-Day Arts-based Research Methods Skills-Building Workshop.鈥 The four-day arts-based research skill building workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to build skills in three arts-based research methods -verbatim script writing, song writing and costume design and will be designed and facilitated by an international and intergenerational knowledge mobilization leadership team from Canada and Australia.
Congratulations to Professor Doug McDougall! Dr. McDougall was awarded a for his project, 鈥淒estreaming Secondary Mathematics: A Knowledge Mobilization Series.鈥 This initiative provides research-based sessions to equip teachers with innovative strategies and practices in implementing Ontario's new Grade 9 destreamed mathematics course, fostering an inclusive and effective learning environment for all students.
Congratulations to Professor Rub茅n Gaztambide-Fern谩ndez! Dr. Gaztambide-Fern谩ndez was awarded a to develop a research partnership between the University of Valpara铆so and University of Toronto with a focus on using participatory action research methodologies to explore the experiences of first generation and Indigenous students in higher education.
Congratulations to Associate Professor Jennifer Brant! Dr. Brant was awarded an International Network of Educational Institutes (INEI) Seed Fund for her project 鈥淓lders as Teachers of Environmental Knowledge: Centering Climate Justice within Land and Country Education.鈥 In collaboration with University of Melbourne, this project will involve place-based and virtual visits with Elders and Indigenous Knowledge holders through a process of storywork with the intention of co-developing curriculum guides for centering climate justice in Land and Country Education.
Upcoming Faculty Research Grant Opportunities
Grant Opportunity | NOI | MRA | UofT Internal Deadline | Sponsor |
| N/A | APR.24.2025 | APR.28.2025 | MAY.1.2025 | |
| MAY.5.2025 12 PM CT | JUN.11.2025 | JUN.18.2025 | JUN.25.2025 | |
| MAY.14.2025 12 PM CT | JUN.3.2025 | JUN.10.2025 | JUN.17.2025 | |
| N/A | JUN 2025 (TBA) | JUN 2025 (TBA) | JUN.15.2025 | |
| N/A | SEPT 2025 (TBA) | SEPT 2025 (TBA) | OCT 2025 (TBA) | |
| N/A | NOV 2025 (TBA) | NOV 2025 (TBA) | NOV 2025 (TBA) |
*If you intend to apply to any research funding opportunity, please contact CTL Research & Project Coordinator, Amelia Ainsworth, at ctlresearch@utoronto.ca early in the process.
Staff Spotlight
In this section, we highlight administrative staff in CTL who have recently received recognition from 萌妹社区 and the University of Toronto. These accolades honor their dedication, passion, and contributions in serving and strengthening our community. Check out the full story on the 2025 萌妹社区 Staff Excellence Award winners.
Amelia Ainsworth
Research and Projects Coordinator, is this years recipient of The Innovation Award.
"I am so touched that I was selected for the Innovation Award! In my role, I have the pleasure of collaborating with faculty as they develop their research programs, leading research initiatives and special projects across the department, and supporting students as they apply to research scholarships.
This recognition is a reflection of the collective effort and collaboration within our community. I truly value the relationships I鈥檝e built over the past year in CTL; my colleagues have truly been instrumental as I鈥檝e built my foundation at 萌妹社区, and I share this success with you all! I look forward to continuing our work together and contributing to the growth and success of our department.
Thank you so much."
Lisa Juan
Communications and Events Coordinator, was this years recipient of the Dr. Claire Alleyne Staff Excellence Award.
"I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award, especially in a role I am so passionate about. This moment holds special significance for me, as I had the privilege of working under Dr. Alleyne鈥檚 leadership as Registrar during my time in the 萌妹社区 AQ office twenty-five years ago, in one of my very first positions here so receiving an award in her honor is a full-circle moment.
To my colleagues and the CTL leadership team, your support, expertise, kindness, and collaboration are invaluable to the work I do. Thank you for always encouraging our professional growth and supporting our personal well-being. I am profoundly grateful to be part of our incredible team and community. With gratitude and thanks."
M谩iri McKenna Edwards
Coordinator, Diversity, Equity & Student Experience, was a recipient of the .
"My profession isn't one you enter expecting recognition, but visibility and appreciation matter. Often, I'm in spaces where we feel upset and want to tear things down. I'm deeply grateful that at 萌妹社区, when we do this important work, we are listened to and can also build. My work involves constructing something, often brick by brick. I hope that when students engage with any of the programs that we built鈥攚hether it's chatting while picking up a blazer at the Career Closet, working on their goals and weekly plans with me one-on-one, attending events with peers, sharing a difficult or amazing story, or grabbing supplies from the Resource & Supply Station鈥攖hey feel cared about. In winning this award, I feel seen and appreciated in a powerful way. Thank you."
CTL Student Experience & Equity
The CTL Student Experience & Equity 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
1) Welcome Ashlyn Gill, MSW Intern
Please join us in welcoming Ashlyn Gill, our new MSW intern with the CTL Student Experience & Equity Team. Ashlyn is currently completing her Master of Social Work with a collaborative specialization in Sexual Diversity Studies. As a Registered Social Worker in the health care system, she brings valuable experience and perspective to her role with the team.
2) The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+
First Nations House is hosting a ceremonial fire as a space for U of T community for Red Dress Day: The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+. Smudge bowl & sage, Tobacco, Sweetgrass and Cedar will be available on-site. All U of T students, staff & faculty are welcome to attend.
May 5th, 2025 | 12:00pm-3:00pm | Ziibiing (Hart House Circle)
3) Building Inclusive Environments: Addressing Anti-South Asian Discrimination in University Environments
In recognition of Asian History Month, join the Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO) for a keynote address exploring both the historical roots and present-day realities of anti-South Asian discrimination, and how they intersect with other forms of bias, including xenophobia.
May 15th, 2025 | 10:00am-1:30pm |
4) Healing Academic Trauma and Navigating Academic Bullying
Hosted by the 萌妹社区 BIPOC Thesis Group, this workshop offers a compassionate, supportive, and trauma-informed space for BIPOC graduate students to acknowledge, process, and begin healing from experiences of academic trauma and bullying, which disproportionately affect racialized and marginalized students.
May 21st, 2025 | 2:00pm-4:00pm |
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For more information from the CTL Student Experience & Equity Team, view the or visit the page on the for Events, Community Resource Pages and more.
Upcoming Observances
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Quick Links
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Resources and Support for 24-hour community crisis:
Call or text 9-8-8
1-844-451-9700
1-866-925-5454
416-978-8030
416-978-2222
Upcoming Student Award Opportunities
Award | Required Legal Status | Degree | Student Submits To | Student |
| Domestic & International | Doctoral | Department | JUN.2.2025 | |
| Azim Premji Foundation Fellowship | Domestic | Doctoral & Master's | See award description | JUN.30.2025 |
| Keith A. McLeod Bursary | Domestic & International | Doctoral & Master's | See award description | JUN.30.2025 |
| William Pakenham Fellowship | Domestic | Doctoral & Master's | See award description | AUG.1.2025 |
*Please visit the Scholarships and Awards section of the CTL website prior to applying for up-to-date and accurate information and to access full award listings.
New Student Association Executive Teams
CTLSA 2024-2025 Executive Team
Stephanie Salib, Communications Coordinator
Michelly Peixoto, Internal Coordinator
Douglas Severo, External Coordinator
The CTL Student Association (CTLSA) represents all CTL graduate students, collaborating closely with CTL and 萌妹社区 administration, as well as the Graduate Students' Association (GSA), to address and promote students' academic and professional needs. (Pictured left to right)
Contact the CTLSA
CTLSA OFFICE鈥, 10-212鈥, 10th Floor North
萌妹社区, University of Toronto
Email: oise.ctlsa@utoronto.ca
Instagram: @ctlsa.oise
MTSA 2025-2026 Executive Team
Vanessa Gayle, President
Nerissa Almeida, VP Finance
Cassandra Kiosses, VP Academic Development
Afnan Musa, VP Professional Development
Sabrina Hamade, VP Student Experience
Faduma Elmi, VP Outreach and Communications
Mayuran Sriharen, VP Social Engagement
Chloe Jones, VP Fundraising
Join us in congratulating the incoming MTSA 2025-2026 Executive Team (Pictured left to right). The MTSA represents MT students by providing social, academic, and professional development opportunities.
Contact the MTSA
Email: mtsa.oise@utoronto.ca
Instagram:
Recent Doctoral Defenses
CTL extends our heartfelt congratulations to our doctoral students who have recently defended their theses. This significant achievement reflects your dedication, perseverance, and intellectual growth throughout your academic journey. We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and excited to see the impact your research will have on your field. Best wishes as you move forward into the next chapter of your academic and professional careers!
Dr. Michael Koslowski
PhD in Language and Literacies Education
Thesis Supervisor: Enrica Piccardo
Thesis Title: Beyond the Binary: Deconstructing a Monolingual vs. Multilingual Opposition in English Language Teaching
Dr. Chelsie Leger
PhD in Curriculum and Pedagogy
Thesis Supervisor: Doug McDougall
Thesis Title: Relationship-Building in Destreamed Grade 9 Mathematics Classrooms: Exploring Best Practices and Challenges
Dr. Sara Joan MacLean
PhD in Curriculum and Pedagogy
Thesis Supervisor: Fikile Nxumalo
Thesis Title: As Above, So Below: Studying Black Radical Film Practice
Dr. Kristina Salciccioli
PhD in Curriculum and Pedagogy
Thesis Supervisor: Erminia Pedretti
Thesis Title: Success Stories in Urban Education
Dr. Dina Soliman
PhD in Curriculum and Pedagogy
Thesis Supervisor: Marlene Scardamalia
Thesis Title: Knowledge Building鈥揗odeling to Enhance Systems Thinking and Metamodeling
Dr. Lindsay Valve
PhD in Curriculum and Pedagogy
Thesis Supervisor: Kathleen Gallagher
Thesis Title: Research as Public Pedagogy: Exploring the Social Impacts of Doing Research
Spotlight on CTL Alumni
In this section, we shine a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of CTL alumni. From impactful careers to community leadership, these graduates continue to make a difference in their fields and beyond, earning prestigious awards and honours along the way.
Dr. Mama Adobea Nii-Owoo
Dr. Mama Adobea Nii-Owoo, recent alum of the Language and Literacies Education doctoral program, is the recipient of the 2025 CIESC Michel Laferriere Award for her doctoral dissertation titled Language Policy as Personal Experience: A Southern Perspective of Language Policy through Ghana鈥檚 Practice of Medium of Instruction Policies.
Mama鈥檚 debut research film, No Vernacular! is also being screened at film festivals across city. You can learn more about the film here: . Congratulations Mama!
Dr. Kara Dymond
Dr. Kara Dymond, an alum of the Curriculum and Pedagogy doctoral program, has been honored with the , a Governor General Award for Service. Nominated by Autism Canada, Kara was recognized for her dedication to improving the lives of autistic individuals and supporting communities across Canada through her work, .
In addition to this prestigious recognition, Kara has authored a new book, , which is now available for pre-order and set for release in July 2025. Congratulations, Kara!
Dr. Preeti Nayak
Dr. Preeti Nayak, recent graduate of the Curriculum and Pedagogy doctoral program, is the recipient of the . This award recognizes a dissertation of exemplary conceptual, methodological and rhetorical quality on an important topic that addresses social contexts of education.
Preeti is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Sustainability Education Research Institute. Congratulations Peeti!
Upcoming Events
MAY.21st, 22nd, 26th & 28th.2025
萌妹社区 | 12-136
萌妹社区鈥檚 Department of Curriculum, Teaching & Learning, in collaboration with the ROSE, 萌妹社区 and SCAN runs the , professional clothing. Check out the May 2025 Boutique schedule.
MT June Jumpstart
JUNE.09.2025 | 4:00PM-5:30PM EST
Zoom Event
A virtual information session for incoming Master of Teaching students beginning their programs in September 2025. The event will provide key details to support a successful start. Registration coming soon.
C&P & LLE June Jumpstart
JUNE.14.2025 | 9:30AM-11:00AM EST
Zoom Event
A virtual information session for incoming Curriculum & Pedagogy and Language & Literacies Education students beginning their programs in September 2025. The event will provide key details to support a successful start. Registration coming soon.
Contact Us
Have a departmental inquiry and not sure who to reach out to? We're here to help! Contact us by email, join a drop-in session or visit the Administration & Staff Team at 萌妹社区 of the 11th Floor, South from Monday to Friday from 8:30am - 4:45pm where someone will be pleased to assist you.
Departmental Inquiries
Program Specific Support (C&P, LLE, MT)
Awards, Funding, and Student Employment
Finance, HR, and Operations
Online Meetings and Virtual Drop-in Hours
Staff Directory
Leadership Administration
Executive Assistant & Finance Administration
Graduate Program Administration
Special Offices
In the next Issue
The next issue of the CTL Newsletter will be released in September 2025. 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. Have a communications related questions? Email:
鈥&苍产蝉辫;
CTL Communications
Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning
萌妹社区, University of Toronto
252 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON, M5S 1V6
