CTL Newsletter - December 2025
Message from the Chair
Dear CTL Community,
As we step into 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on what an extraordinary year we’ve had together. Our community has accomplished so much—from groundbreaking research publications and successful grant proposals to welcoming enthusiastic new student cohorts, expanding program offerings, and celebrating the achievements of graduates who crossed the stage at convocation. The energy and dedication across CTL continue to inspire me.
What strikes me most about our community is the generosity that flows through it daily. Beyond the visible accomplishments, there is a web of support that sustains us all—colleagues mentoring one another, staff problem-solving behind the scenes, and students building networks of mutual care and encouragement. As we begin this new year, I hope we will all find opportunities to acknowledge and strengthen these connections that make CTL such a special place to learn and work.
I’d like to highlight a few examples of the collaborative spirit that defines us:
Bessie Giannikos, Louise Hoshiba Schuch, and their team successfully orchestrated our move from the 10th floor north, clearing the way for our long-awaited renovations to begin.
Faculty across both the LLE and C&P programs are engaged in important conversations about reshaping the Master of Education—building programs that leverage our incredible faculty expertise while attracting a diverse and talented student body.
The MT program has brought together faculty from across the department for curriculum renewal, collectively reimagining teacher education in ways that reflect our shared values and prepare teacher candidates for the realities of today’s classrooms.
I’m honored to be part of this community and always welcome your thoughts, ideas, and questions about where we’re headed. Please reach out to schedule a time to meet, or simply stop by for a cup of coffee—my door is open.
As 2025 comes to a close, I hope you’ve had a chance to rest and reconnect with what matters most to you. May the new year bring renewed energy, meaningful work, and moments of joy.
With appreciation and warm wishes for the year ahead,
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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
December 2025 News & Updates
Language and Literacies Education Program
December 2025 News & Updates
Master of Teaching
Program
December 2025 News & Updates
Feature Stories
Spotlight on Master of Teaching Mock Interviews:
Courage Meets Classroom Reality
December 12, 2025 marked the third and culminating day of the Professional Preparation Conference. The MT program welcomed seven principals from across our partner boards to lead Year 2 Teacher Candidates in mock interviews and a dynamic panel discussion. David Finkelstein (TDSB), Elaine Blake (TDSB), Emma Nichols (TDSB), Melissa Francis (PDSB), Michelle George-Patrick (TDSB), Kim Tavares (Independent School), and Samir Chawla (PDSB) generously dedicated their afternoon to conducting interviews and sharing insights in the OISE Library.
Year 2 Teacher Candidates volunteered to take the hot seat in real-time mock interviews conducted in front of their peers—transforming practice into a powerful learning experience. Candidates received candid, constructive feedback directly from hiring principals, while classmates gained valuable insight by observing the questions, responses, and feedback in action. The room buzzed with curiosity and courage as principals highlighted what truly matters in the interview process. Many candidates noted that the experience gave them new confidence and a clearer sense of how to present themselves professionally.
Following the interviews, all Year 2 candidates joined the principals for an hour-long panel discussion, where they learned how to make a strong impression, the leadership qualities principals value most, and a range of practical tips for navigating the hiring process. A reception followed, offering candidates the opportunity to connect and network with our board partners.
A heartfelt thank-you to our partner principals for their generosity, our fearless Teacher Candidates for embracing the challenge, and the CTL and ROSE teams for organizing this impactful session. It was professional preparation at its best—equal parts nerve-wracking and inspiring—and a true confidence builder for future educators as they prepare to enter the profession with clarity, confidence, and purpose. By Alex Merrick and Leslie Stewart Rose
Learn more about the Professional Preparation Conference (PPC).
A Legacy of Mentorship and Mathematics Education
, former CTL Chair, faculty member, and a founding force behind OISE’s Master of Teaching program—is reflecting on legacy in a deeply meaningful way. This fall, the Professor Douglas McDougall Scholarship in Mathematics Education was announced, supporting the next generation of mathematics educators entering the Master of Teaching program. Rooted in McDougall’s decades-long commitment to mentorship, inclusive mathematics education, and student support, the scholarship reflects a career dedicated to helping others learn and thrive. Read the full story by Perry King.
Faculty 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.
Sluggish EQAO results: Why are kids struggling to meet the standards?
, Associate Professor (Teaching Stream) and math education expert at OISE, joins Amanda Pfeffer on CBC’s Ontario Today to discuss the Ontario Minister of Education’s newly launched review of Ontario’s standardized tests. The episode features questions and concerns from parents and examines contributing factors such as increased screen use, declining academic outcomes, and the lack of sustained government support for effective educational programs.
Listen to the episode, “” now available.
Women Who Inspire Award recipient Dr. Sameena Eidoo
Congratulations to CTL's , recipient of a Women Who Inspire Award! Launched in 2007 by the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW), the Women Who Inspire Awards celebrate Canadian Muslim women who have made remarkable contributions in their fields and communities. CCMW affirms the identities of Canadian Muslim women and promotes their lived experiences through community engagement, public policy, and amplified awareness of the injustices they face in Canada.
Read more about the recipients.
Mitacs Accelerate project will “bridge the gap” for English language learners in math education
, co-founder of the , is leading a grant focused on co-developing multilingual math e-learning games aligned with the Ontarian curriculum. Working alongside PhD candidates Rosalia Cha and Ye Jia, Dr. Le Pichon-Vorstman is partnering with , a multilingual digital education platform. These multilingual e-learning games aim to support minoritized students and language learners in Ontario and across Canada, who remain significantly underrepresented in math education.
Faculty Research Insights: 2024-25 Academic Year
As we wrap up 2025, the CTL Research Office is proud to share a look back at faculty research achievements over the previous 2024-25 academic year. Our faculty submitted dozens of funding applications and successfully secured multiple new grants, exploring topics from AI and cognitive science to drama education and climate studies. These projects span countries around the world, reflecting CTL’s commitment to global engagement and impact. This snapshot celebrates both the creativity and rigor of our seasoned and early-career researchers, as well as the meaningful contributions they continue to make in education, society, and their communities.
During the 2024-25 academic year, CTL faculty served as lead applicants on 27 research funding proposals totalling $3.7M.
During the 2024-25 academic year, CTL faculty submitted 15 Tri-agency applications as lead applicants.
CTL faculty secured a total of $753K in new research funding as Principal Investigators during the 2024-25 academic year.
CTL faculty received nine new Tri-agency research grants during the 2024-25 academic year as Principal Investigators, totalling $687,752 in funding.
At a Glance | 2024-25 Submitted Research Applications | 2024-25 Awarded Research Grants |
|---|---|---|
| Total Faculty Submissions / Awards | 27 applications (as lead applicants) | 12 new grants (Principal Investigators) |
| Early Career Faculty | 7 applications (as lead applicants) | 3 grants (as Principal Investigators) |
| Key Topics / Keywords | Language Ed; Indigenous Literatures; Mediation; Refugee Ed; Multilingualism; Teacher Ed; Critical Language Awareness; Science Ed; Drama Ed; Biography; Climate Ed; Financial Literacy; Precarious Immigration Status; Early Childhood Studies; Storying | Drama Ed; Climate Ed; Biography; Mathematics Ed; Activism; Financial Literacy; Precarious Immigration Status; School Science; Arts-based research; Verbatim Playwriting; Science Ed |
| Research Locations | Canada; South Africa; Nigeria; Ireland; Greece; India; Italy; Austria; Czechia; France | Canada; Nigeria; Ireland; Chile; Greece; India; United States |
Research Insights provided by Amelia Ainsworth, Research & Projects Officer
Upcoming Faculty Research Grant Opportunities
Grant Opportunity | NOI | MRA | UofT Internal Deadline | Sponsor |
| N/A | JAN.12.2026 | JAN.12.2026 | JAN.12.2026 | |
| OISE Internal Nomination Deadline: JAN.28.2026 | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| N/A | TBD | JAN.31.2026 | JAN.31.2026 | |
| N/A | JAN.21.2026 | JAN.28.2026 | FEB.1.2026 | |
| N/A | JAN.22.2026 | JAN.28.2025 | FEB.2.2026 | |
| N/A | FEB.3.2026 | FEB.3.2026 | FEB.3.2026 | |
| N/A | FEB.16.2026 | FEB.16.2026 | FEB.16.2026 |
*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.
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) Let's Get Set Together
January 12th, 2026 | 12:10pm-12:55pm | 11-244 and
January 19th, 2026 | 12:10pm-12:55pm | 11-244 and
January 26th, 2026 | 12:10pm-12:55pm | 11-244 and
Join other students to be guided through a reflection of the past week, planning for the upcoming week, sharing tools to help us stay on top of our work.
2) Growing Families
January 13th, 2026 | 12:10pm-1:00pm | 11-164
A community for OISE students who are parents and/or caregivers of dependents. Join us this session for a welcome back social.
3) Let's Sit With This
January 15th, 2026 | 3:00pm-5:00pm | 11-164
January 29th, 2026 | 3:00pm-5:00pm | 11-164
CTL community members are invited to come and join. It's a quiet space to just be together. There’s some art supplies, puzzles and space to work.
Winter Break Stressing You Out?
For many people, this season can feel isolating, overwhelming, or just a lot. Feelings of loneliness can get amplified when routines shift, campus closes, or everyone else seems busy with their own plans. If that’s you, please know you’re not alone. Sometimes it’s the stress of being home, too many social expectations or the financial weight of the holidays that makes this time challenging. Winter break doesn’t have to be all celebrations or big gatherings. Sometimes connection looks like taking a small adventure, finding a cozy corner in the city, or simply sharing space with others — even quietly. And if you’re someone who is feeling okay this season, a quick check-in with someone who might be struggling can make a world of difference.
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For more information from the CTL Student Experience & Equity Team, visit the page on the for Events, Community Resource Pages and more.
Upcoming Observances
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CTLSA & MTSA - News & Updates
Your 2025-2026 Executive Team
The CTL Student Association represents all CTL graduate students and works closely with CTL, OISE, and the Graduate Students’ Association to support academic and professional needs. Join us in congratulating the 2025–2026 CTLSA Executive Team: Phoebe Xu (President), Victoria Mata (Vice-President), Erin Yip (Treasurer), and Sarah Van Slyck (Communications & Events).
Email: oise.ctlsa@utoronto.ca
Instagram:
Office: 11-261, OISE 11-North
MTSA January 2026 Programming
The MTSA works to enhance the MT experience through social, academic, and professional opportunities, advocates for student voices with faculty and the university, and supports students with questions or feedback throughout their program. Through events, initiatives, and ongoing communication, the MTSA fosters a strong, inclusive community for Master of Teaching students.
Email: mtsa.oise@utoronto.ca
Instagram:
Office: 11-239 A, OISE 11-North
Spotlight on CTL Students and Alumni
This section highlights current CTL students and alumni, celebrating their awards, honours, scholarships, fellowships, career updates, book publications, and other professional achievements. We showcase where our students and alumni are now and the impact they continue to make in their fields and communities.
Master of Teacher Candidates: Making an Impact Beyond the Classroom
CTL teacher candidates continue to excel in real-world educational settings, bringing equity, leadership, and compassion into the communities they serve. We are proud to congratulate Faduma Elmi, recipient of the 2025 Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship, whose commitment to inclusive education and youth empowerment has also been recognized through awards such as the William Waters Graduate Award and the Dr. ABC Educational Foundation Journey Award.
about the 2025 Ontario College of Teachers scholarship recipients and their inspiring achievements.
Where Are They Now: Dr. Yecid Ortega’s Impact on Language Education
Dr. Yecid Ortega, PhD alumnus of OISE’s Language and Literacies Education program, is making waves with his innovative work in . Drawing from research in marginalized communities in Bogotá and beyond, he challenges traditional language education through critical ethnography and decolonial approaches.
Yecid’s work highlights the importance of Global South perspectives, promoting more inclusive and socially just language teaching and research. As an active member of CERLL, he continues to advance equity and innovation in linguistic education, demonstrating the lasting impact of CTL alumni in the field.
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. Thelma Akyea
PhD in Curriculum & Pedagogy
Thesis Supervisor: Carol-Ann Burke
Thesis Title: Black Women’s Educational Experiences in Canadian Post-Secondary Physics and Astronomy
Dr. Lindsay Cavanaugh
PhD in Curriculum & Pedagogy
Thesis Supervisor: Rob Simon
Thesis Title: Femme Futurities: Dream-Mapping for Soft Education
Dr. Zahra Safdarian
PhD in Language and Literacies Education
Thesis Supervisor: E. LePichon Vorstman
Thesis Title: In Pursuit of an Equity-Based Approach to Parental Engagement: Afghan and Iranian Newcomer Families Navigating Education in Ontario
Upcoming Events
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 OISE of the 11th Floor, South from Monday to Friday from 8:30am - 4:45pm where someone will be pleased to assist you.
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In the next Issue
The next issue of the CTL Newsletter will be released in January 20256. 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: ctlcommunications@utoronto.ca
Thank you to the contributors of the December 2025 newsletter:
Jen Gilbert, Amelia Ainsworth, Leslie Stewart Rose, Alex Merrick, and Shakina Rajendram
—&Բ;
CTL Communications
Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning
OISE, University of Toronto
252 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON, M5S 1V6
