Beats, rhymes and education: U of T's Marcus Singleton channels the spirit of hip hop into the classroom Happy Black History Month! This issue, we are spotlighting Black excellence at OISE. First up is rapper, educator, and soon-to-be alum Marcus Singleton. Growing up, hip hop offered the Chicago native a way to talk about the violent, unpredictable life of his hometown. Today, the OISE student is giving back by building a leadership development curriculum around the art form. Read more .

What's New at OISE

How Suleyman Demi used his OISE research to improve lives in Ghana  Demi, a new alum, made his home country the core of his research at OISE – studying everything from how the country feeds itself to the role local farming plays in the future of the environment. Read more. 

Prof. Jennifer Wemigwans works with Indigenous communities to bring their traditional calendar systems online These calendars are invaluable sources of Indigenous traditional knowledge. Many of them were outlawed during colonization and hidden away for generations. Read more. 

OISE launches new doctorate with focus on international education leadership and policy This online doctorate is perfect for those working in international organizations, government and nongovernmental agencies. It will enhance your education and refine your practice. Read more. 

OISE'S Robertson Program launches teacher placement initiative with Aroland First Nations This April, teacher candidates in the Master of Arts and Child Study and Education program will gain invaluable experience teaching in a First Nation school. Read more. 

OISE’s Black faculty discuss the future at Black History Month panel What's it like being Black in Canada? On Feb. 11, six faculty from OISE began a conversation about critical issues affecting Black communities at U of T, in the GTA and beyond. Get a taste of what they had to say. Read more. 

Cassie Brownell creates space for children to discuss serious issues While teaching in post-Katrina New Orleans, Dr. Brownell realized how important it was to create space for children to discuss social issues. Those experiences now drive her research in critical literacies. Read more 

Year in Review: Highlights of 2019  In 2019, our community materialized innovative ideas, grew relationships around the world, and achieved honours at the top of their fields. Here's a look back at a stellar year. Read more.

More OISE news

Remembering Professor Bonnie Burstow On Jan. 4, Dr. Bonnie Burstow passed away at 74. She will be deeply missed by our community. She was an innovative scholar, a feminist therapist, passionate activist, and a beloved friend. In her honour, we compiled a list of her lasting achievements. Read more.  Of her many legacies, Bonnie was perhaps most proud of the scholarships she established at OISE. Help us honour her memory today by making a donation to one of them.

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Celebrating Our Own: Alumni Stories

Inside Ronald McDonald House school, where seriously ill students learn and heal together Katie Doering (BEd 2003, MA 2008 and PhD 2019) shares her experience as principal of the Ronald McDonald House school, which serves children facing severe health problems. Read more.  

Ahmed Ali Ilmi named OISE's first Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellow With this fellowship, Ilmi (MA 2009 and PhD 2014) will explore how Black boys are being socialized in Canada’s K-12 classrooms. He says that highlighting their voices is key to countering racism and improving educational outcomes. Read more. 

Beverley Biggar innovates education with her new app, Speax Imagine you’ve taken a trip to Paris, and you’re learning to speak French with the local. But, imagine doing all of this from the comfort of your home. A new app by Beverley Biggar (MA 2010) allows you to do just that. Read more.

 From coffee plantation worker to education policy leader Carlos Ruano (EdD 1999) discusses his role as Education Expert at the United Nations World Food Programme, and what it takes to launch a career in global education and policy. Read more. 

How OISE’s Black alumni are making an impact At one time, they were graduate students at OISE. Now, they’re using their knowledge and experiences to make a difference in Toronto and around the world. Meet some of our change-making alumni, whose ranks include politicians, award-winning authors, and education, community and non-profit leaders. Read more.

Upcoming Events

February 28 – Black History Month Luncheon at Hart House  Celebrate Black History Month with a delicious luncheon and a special honorary guest. Break bread with friends and colleagues, and enjoy special musical performances and engaging speakers. Learn more. February 29 – OISE Master of Education Open House  Are you looking to advance your career or begin a new one? With part-time and coursework-only options, online and evening courses, learn how a Master of Education from OISE can help you achieve your goals. Find out more at our upcoming open house. Register now. March 5 – LGBTQ2+ Alumni and Student Career Networking Night Do you have questions about navigating identity in professional spaces? Connect with LGBTQ2+ alumni in law, healthcare, government, non-profit and more as they share their experiences on navigating their diverse career paths. Register now. March 17 – Marlies Game Day for U of T Alumni and their Families Spend the Tuesday of March Break cheering on your AHL home team! Your $15 ticket gets you special alumni perks. Register now. March 20 – 2020 Leadership Forum: Confronting Complexities in Higher Education Explore the issues confronting policy and practice in higher education at the 2020 Leadership Forum, presented by OISE's Centre for the Study of Canadian and International Higher Education. Connect with colleagues and experts in the field, and hear from The Honorary Bob Rae and Kelly Hannah-Moffat, Vice President of the University of Toronto. Register now. March 24 – Robbie Case Memorial Lecture with Dr. Herbert Ginsburg Spend the evening hearing insights from Columbia University's Hebert Ginsburg, a leading researcher on children’s understanding of mathematics with particular interests in mathematics education, testing, and assessment. Register now. March 26 – Robbie Case Memorial Lecture with Doug Clements Hear from Doug Clements, a world-renowned researcher and curriculum developer who directs research funded by the National Science Foundation and the Institute of Education Sciences. Dr. Clements has spent nearly his entire career researching best practices in early mathematics education. Register now.

More events

Alumni Giving Back

The power of mentorship A big thank you to the 250+ alumni who are volunteering as mentors in this year's OISE Mentorship Program. At our launch, a student mentee told us, "Before tonight, I honestly wasn't really sure I belonged at OISE. After connecting with my mentor, I finally feel at home." You are truly making a difference! View photos from the launch.

Arbor Awards celebrate nine outstanding OISE volunteers In October, the University of Toronto honoured nine OISE community members with Arbor Awards. This annual award recognizes volunteers, including alumni, who have generously lent their time and talent to the University. Learn about the contributions they are making. Read more.

Alumni Perks

Enjoy discounts on special attractions Save on museums, aquariums, sports games, and more. Perfect for the weekend or March Break! Learn more.

OISE job boards and career services Looking for new opportunities or career connections? Visit our jobs board and discover helpful career services for alumni. Learn more.

We hope you enjoyed this edition of the OISE Alumni and Friends Newsletter. Until next time...stay connected! Come out to an event , join our Facebook volunteer group , or follow us on social media.

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