-Life as an Awarded Teacher-
Introducing
Katy Whitfield is Toronto based award-winning History, French and Drama teacher. She has taught students of all pathways and has held curriculum leadership positions focussing on school-wide initiatives, arts, equity and community partnerships as well as in Canadian and World Studies.
Professional Accomplishment & Award
In 2015 she was the recipient of the Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching for her inquiry-based learning unit on Toronto’s St. John’s Ward. She also won a Toronto wide Excellence in Teaching Award in 2011.
Educational Background
Katy holds a Masters of Education in Curriculum Studies and Teacher Development from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto (2015), which focussed on inquiry-based learning, communities of practice and social justice education.
Professional Background
In 2016-2017, she served as the Education Coordinator for the Vimy Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that educates Canadian, British and French youth about the legacy of the First World and empowers them to share their learning experience in their local communities.
Most recently, Katy’s curriculum writing work has focussed on the inquiry-based learning for intermediate drama courses using historical objects in the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.
Educational Approaches
As a French as a Second Language, History and Dramatic Arts teacher, Katy’s teaching philosophy lends itself to interdisciplinary and cross-curricular approaches to learning.
She is passionate about finding authentic and meaningful ways of connecting teachers locally, nationally and globally through collaborative inquiry-based activities and is committed to finding effective opportunities to engage teachers’ and in particular students’ voices in all areas of the curriculum.
Reasons to Listen
This talk represents a clear look at what the profession of teaching can and should look. It also serves as an excellent model for aspiring teachers as per shining light on topics that matter, philosophical approaches to the craft and what kind of mindset is required to consistently deliver impact for students.
This will be a talk worth listening to for:
- those interested in finding out about what it takes to succeed within teaching
- those curious to learn how one’s personal life and private endeavours can also have a positive impact in the classroom
- those who are looking for inspiration and role model type guidance relating to the art of teaching
Listeners will come away with insights on:
- what it was like being awarded as the top high school history teacher for the entire country of Canada
- what distinguishes Katy’s awarded approach to the craft of teaching
- what intrinsic challenges of her work paradoxically make it so utterly rewarding for Katy
- the additional duties a teacher must take on to find success
- how she views her role as a teacher outside of the obvious and traditional associations with the craft
- what it meant to her to have had a documentary made about her teaching
- an engaging activity she uses to teach students a life long philosophy towards learning
- the extent to which she lives, breathes and embodies the profession of teaching
- a meaningful quote that has guided her in her career
- how her passion of travel to 60+ countries connects up to her passion within the classroom
- an inspiring story illustrating how education can meet student needs in more ways than might initially be considered
- Katy’s thoughts on what’s holding global educational reform back
- how to enact change within education
- her thoughts on AI in terms of its potential impact within education moving forward
- why AI can be a great addition to educational educational systems the world over
- much more!
A Memorable Quote from the Episode:
“I want my students to know that somebody sees them, that somebody hears them, that they’re in a space that is safe, where they can negotiate with each other, where they can try things out, where they can be called out on some of their behaviour so that when they leave my space or the space that we’ve co-created together, that they’ll be able to cope with whatever.”
-Katy Whitfield
Check out the Video Conversation:
For those who desire to view the full video conversation of this discussion, you can do so via Youtube.
Discover More
For those interested in learning more about Katy and her work, be sure to check out her out on these platforms:
Keep Listening!
I hope you enjoyed the episode. For more, check out additional episodes here!
