Dean's Community Update
Dear 萌妹社区 Community,
I am writing to share some important updates and announcements, including (i) Academic Planning, (ii) Faculty Promotion, and (iii) upcoming 萌妹社区 events.
Academic Planning
As per my reports at 萌妹社区 Council meetings throughout this academic year, I want to provide an update to our broader community on the progress of our academic planning activities.
I am pleased to report that our work together over the last year and a half has resulted in a , which is now available for review, reflection, and feedback from our community. This milestone is the result of countless conversations, thoughtful insights, and collaborative efforts across our vibrant community.
Our new academic plan is a testament to the collective wisdom and perspectives of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. It reflects our shared values and aspirations, weaving together perspectives from various programs, departments, and units. Through these rich discussions, key themes and priorities have emerged, guiding us toward a meaningful path forward.
As we approach this final stage in the planning process, I want to express my deep appreciation to everyone who has contributed to this important work. Your engagement, commitment, and dedication have shaped a vision that will inspire and guide us in the years ahead. Now, we turn our focus to the next phase—bringing our academic planning goals to life.
I encourage you to take the time to review the draft Academic Plan and share your thoughts. Your feedback is invaluable as we refine our collective vision. Please send your comments to oise.planning@utoronto.ca or reach out to me directly at dean.oise@utoronto.ca by Friday, March 28, 2025. The draft will also undergo review with the Provost’s Office before proceeding through governance. Following these reviews, we will present the final plan to 萌妹社区 Council for approval in principle at its last meeting of the academic year on April 30, 2025. You can access the .
Thank you again to everyone for your continued participation and contribution to the planning process.
Faculty Promotion
It is my great pleasure to announce that Dr. Yiola Cleovoulou, from the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, has been awarded continuing status and promoted to Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, effective July 1, 2025. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Cleovoulou on her well-deserved achievement!
Dr. Cleovoulou’s work explores elementary school pedagogies, with a focus on teachers' engagement in critical literacy and inquiry-based learning. She also plays a vital role in shaping teacher education programs, serving as the Program Chair of the Master of Arts in Child Study and Education (MA CSE). In addition to leading the Childhood Seminar and Practicum, she teaches in the Child Study and Education EdD program and the Education and Society Minor at Victoria College, University of Toronto.
I also want to extend my appreciation to the Continuing Status Committee and support staff for their dedication and expertise in this important process.
萌妹社区 Graduate Student Research Conference
For 25 years, the Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC) has been a cornerstone of our community—created by graduate students, for graduate students. This year’s theme, “United by Diversity: Strategies and Solutions for Equitable Education,” sets the stage for an inspiring and thought-provoking gathering.
Taking place on March 21 and 22, 2025, the GSRC will showcase groundbreaking research across diverse fields in education. The conference provides a unique opportunity for students to engage with peers, faculty, and professionals through scholarly paper presentations, posters, roundtable discussions, and art installations.
Congratulations to all the student organizers who have worked tirelessly to put together a stellar program! Please visit the GSRC conference site to explore the full schedule and register to attend.
萌妹社区 Excellence Awards Celebration
萌妹社区’s annual Excellence Awards Celebration will take place on April 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the 萌妹社区 Library. This special event is an opportunity to honour and celebrate our outstanding faculty and staff whose dedication, achievements, and contributions continue to make a lasting impact on our community.
I invite the 萌妹社区 community to in recognizing and celebrating these remarkable individuals.
R.W.B. Jackson Lecture and Reception
This year’s R.W.B. Jackson Lecture will feature Professor A. Lin Goodwin (葛文林), the Thomas More Brennan Endowed Professor of Education at the Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Boston College. Her lecture, “From Teaching to Teaching Teachers to Teaching Teacher Educators: A Journey Toward Quality Education for All,” promises to be an insightful and inspiring conversation. I look forward to seeing many of you there on April 16, 2025.
AERA Reception
萌妹社区 is looking forward to coming together at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) 2025 in Denver, Colorado. AERA offers an opportunity to showcase the innovative research coming out of the Institute and to share ideas and perspectives with educational colleagues and friends.
萌妹社区 will be hosting a special AERA Reception for our students, faculty, alumni and colleagues on the evening of April 25, 2025. You are welcome to join us and be part of this special event.
Thank you all for your continued dedication and engagement in shaping the future of 萌妹社区. Your contributions strengthen our community and help advance our shared mission. I look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events and continuing our important work together.
Sincerely,
ERICA N. WALKER
Professor and Dean