Page History

Who are we? Identities

We are continuously examining how our identities¹ sometimes afford us privileges and other times, result in oppression. We recognize that our personal identities are deeply connected to our professional identities, and contribute to how we work with our students, communities and colleagues.

I am self-aware. I recognize who I am and who I am becoming in terms of my multiple identities.

We research and inquire to better understand our students, curriculum and teaching across school subjects², and our own dispositions and practices as teachers. We continue to grow our professional identities to support our work of building inclusive and anti-oppressive classrooms, schools, and local and global communities.

I am a learner. I will grow my teaching into more powerful practices and share them with others.

What do we value? Values

We value educational justice, inclusiveness and continuous learning, and we are committed to being teachers who take on the challenges and risks associated with teaching in service of these values.

I value courage and determination. I will view all challenges that confront me as opportunities to grow and change.

We value the multiple cultures, languages, knowledges, and experiences of our students and the communities we work alongside, and we see these as essential to a healthy and productive society.

I value learners’ differences as strengths. I will respect and engage with differences and will craft my teaching to build upon and sustain the abilities, cultures and languages my students bring to school.

We value shared responsibility over individual accountability within educational systems. As teachers, we are committed to  working collaboratively with our students, teacher colleagues, families, and communities in the pursuit of our collective growth and well-being.

I value shared responsibility. I will hold myself responsible for all my teaching and will share in this responsibility with others to build a community that contributes to the growth and well-being of students.

What do we practice? Practice

We continuously reflect on how our diverse perspectives and identities¹ matter when working with others, including students, families and colleagues. This continual reflection allows us to build trusting relationships and engage in humanizing practices.

I practice reflection on action. I will build humanizing practices and trusting relationships through my ongoing critical reflection.

We recognize students’ identities¹  and strengths and honor the resources they bring. We question the materials, curriculum, and instructional methods that are in place. We continually adapt and redesign our teaching practices in response to changing opportunities and demands in our transnational society. We dream of possibilities for students’ educational futures.

I practice imaginative change. I will imagine the possibilities of a student-centered curriculum that is transformative for students and our collective communities.