Making Space

Race, Gender and Sexuality Inclusion in the Classroom

This conference empowers K-12 French and English educators to deepen their commitment to anti-racist teaching practices while fostering environments where every student feels valued, safe, and seen.

As educators, we have a powerful opportunity to shape inclusive and supportive learning spaces that promote both mental well-being and cultural understanding. In our rapidly evolving educational landscape, this isn’t just an addition to our teaching practice—it’s the foundation. Through engaging workshops and meaningful conversations, we will address the real challenges educators face in creating inclusive classrooms and discover powerful strategies to build affirming spaces particularly for 2SLGBTQ+ and gender diverse students of color.

This conference will equip you with:

  • Practical tools and strategies for fostering anti-racist classrooms

  • Deep insights into the intersection of cultural competency and student well-being

  • Authentic approaches to supporting 2SLGBTQ+ and gender diverse students of color

Move beyond theory to action, and join a community of educators committed to creating spaces where all students can see themselves, express themselves, and be themselves. Together, we’ll create the inclusive classrooms our students deserve.

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Andrew B. Campbell

Dr. Andrew B. Campbell (DR.ABC) is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream in Leadership for Racial Justice in Education in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning (CTL) at the University of Toronto – Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE).

His scholarship and teaching focus is on anti-racist pedagogy and diversity in educational leadership. 

He teaches courses in anti-discrimination education, leadership and diversity, educational change, urban education, and Black educators. Dr. ABC previously taught at Queens University, the University of the West Indies, Niagara University, Seneca College, and Durham College, in addition to past experience as a classroom teacher and administrator in Jamaica and the Bahamas.

2025 Educators Anti-Racism Conference Website Images (300 x 400 px)

Event Agenda

8:00 - 8:30 am
Registration and Refreshments
8:30 - 8:55 am
Welcome and Opening Activity
8:55 - 9:05 am
Educator Award Presentation
9:05 - 10:05 am
Keynote with Dr. ABC
10:05 - 10:20 am
Break
10:20 - 11:50 am
Workshops
11:50 am - 12:40 pm
Lunch
12:40 - 12:50 pm
Leadership in Education Award Presentation
12:50 - 1:20 pm
Large Group Activity
1:20 - 1:30 pm
Transition Break
1:30 - 3:00 pm
Workshops
3:05 - 3:30 pm
Community Closing

Workshops

2025 Educators Anti-Racism Conference Website Images (300 x 400 px)-Teddy Syrette
2Spirit History and Identities

Ozhawa Anung Kwe / Yellow Star Woman, 2-Spirit Advocate, Storyteller, Facilitator

This presentation discusses 2Spirit identities and historical experiences.  Participants will be introduced to how diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are on Turtle Island, even before European colonization.  This workshop will present how historical and modern forms of colonization and cultural erasure still exist. Participants will walk away with resources and be shown examples of 2Spirit/Queer-Trans Indigenous inclusion in policies and procedures. 

Deborah Buchanan-Walford - 2025 Educators Anti-Racism Conference.png
Power in the Pen: Poetry as a Pedagogical Tool for Liberation

Deborah Buchanan-Walford, President, Ontario Alliance of Black School Educators

In the English classroom, poetry is often one of the more challenging of the genres to teach. It is especially challenging to incorporate complex themes on race, racism and their intersectionalities in a fulsome manner. In this workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to explore just how to do that in authentic, meaningful and practical ways. Beginning with a historical overview of poetry as a tool for Black liberation and expression, the workshop will discuss key Black authors and their use of poetry to challenge the status quo and the systemic barriers of racism and homophobia, and end with several ready-to-use strategies for the classroom.

Shafiq Aziz - 2025 Educators Anti-Racism Conference
Building Networks to Address Critical Challenges
Shafiq Aziz, Director of Programs, Harmony Movement

This workshop session is intended for staff and leadership at the school board level, Equity Leads, and HREAs to discuss the pressing challenges facing our schools today. Participants will identify core issues impacting their school board, and discuss successful strategies and best practices to foster inclusive and equitable learning environments. This interactive session will also help participants find a path to collaborate with colleagues from other school boards, enabling ongoing discussions and resource sharing to address emerging issues and strengthen collective impact.

Trish and Taraneh - 2025 Educators Conference
Building Solidarity: The Role of White Allies in Anti-Racism
Trish Yeates, Harmony Board Member and retired principal & Taraneh Vejdani, Harmony Program Facilitator

This workshop empowers white educators to actively support anti-racism efforts by building meaningful solidarity with racialized colleagues, students, and communities. Participants will explore strategies to identify and challenge systemic inequities, leverage their privilege to create inclusive spaces, and foster authentic partnerships that center equity and justice. Through reflection and actionable tools, attendees will leave equipped to be effective allies in the fight against racism.

OPHEA - 2025 Educators Anti-Racism Conference Website Images (300 x 400 px) (1)
Let's talk about race, gender, and disability, in the gym: An exploration that moves us from harm to greater ease, and joy
Myrtle Henry Sodhi, Tammy Shubat and Andrea Haefele, Ophea
Learning environments can be a site of potential harm for many students, especially gender-diverse students, racialized students, students with disabilities, and especially students experiencing intersecting marginalizations. Join us in this session to participate in a discussion around shifting practices to create the conditions for safe, supportive, and identity-affirming conversations throughout school communities. Learn about strategies to disrupt harm and open up space for new ways of being, engaging, and experiencing joy in the gym, and beyond.
Tracey and Justine - 2025 Educators Anti-Racism Conference
Restorative Connections: Empowering Educators of Colour
Justine Hicks and Tracey Koranteng, Harmony Movement Program Facilitators

This workshop is designed specifically for educators of colour, creating a space for healing, connection, and empowerment. Participants will explore practical strategies for cultivating personal and collective wellbeing. This session offers a unique opportunity for educators of colour to connect, heal, and strengthen their professional practice through a lens of compassion and collective empowerment.

Taraneh + Victor - 2025 Educators Anti-Racism Conference Website Images (300 x 400 px)
The Power of Language: Fostering 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion in Our Classrooms
Victor Zhang, Education and Training Specialist at The 519 & Taraneh Vejdani, Program Facilitator at Harmony Movement

This introductory workshop is designed to help you and your team build a deeper understanding of 2SLGBTQ students while exploring ways to foster affirming and inclusive environments in your classroom and beyond. Using an intersectional and cross-cultural approach, we’ll examine the power and impact of language, considering how colonial histories and imposed laws have shaped attitudes toward gender and sexual diversity. Participants will engage in discussions about discriminatory language and explore inclusive alternatives that can replace harmful expressions. The session will provide practical insights and strategies for promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity while allowing space for thoughtful dialogue and adaptability.

Addressing Anti-Palestinian Racism in Education: Stories, Shared Experiences, and Strategies for Change
Toronto Palestinian Families and Toronto Jewish Families

This workshop and panel discussion is designed to help educators understand and address Anti-Palestinian Racism (APR) in schools while also recognizing the interconnected experiences of Jewish families who face exclusion and silencing when advocating for justice and liberation for Palestinians.  The session begins with a foundational exploration of APR, helping participants understand its roots in systemic racism, colonialism, and other forms of oppression. Educators will gain the tools, language, and historical context necessary to identify and challenge APR while fostering safe and inclusive spaces where Palestinian, Jewish and other students and families can thrive.

In the second half of the session, families will share their stories in a panel discussion, reflecting on the impacts of APR, the challenges of navigating exclusion, and the support they needed and wished they would have received. To close, educators will gain insights and practical strategies for creating inclusive, supportive environments that embrace diversity of thought, foster allyship, and empower all families to feel valued and heard.

Agir pour des pratiques anti-oppressives et antiracistes
Ruth Stacy Emmanuel, Agente de développement inclusion, diversité et leadership, FrancoQueer

Cet atelier vise à outiller les participant.e.s pour reconnaître et aborder le racisme ainsi que les multiples formes d’oppression, en particulier celles qui touchent les personnes immigrantes racisées 2SLGBTQIA+. Il explore les fondements des perspectives anti-oppressives, les obstacles systémiques à des services équitables et les stratégies pour promouvoir des pratiques antiracistes et culturellement sécuritaires. À travers la réflexion et les discussions, les participant.e.s acquerront des outils pour favoriser l’équité, l’inclusion et la justice sociale au sein de leurs organisations et communautés.

Vaincre le Racisme en Ontario Français, un pari sur l’avenir - l’apport des jeunes noirs et racialisés dans la nouvelle histoire du Canada de demain
Leonie Tchatat - Fondatrice et directrice Passerelle-I.D.E. et co-presidente du comite viseur Resolutions

Cet atelier met en lumière le rôle crucial des jeunes Noirs et racialisés dans la transformation de l’Ontario français et leur contribution à bâtir une société canadienne plus équitable et inclusive. Nous discuterons des obstacles et pistes de solution, des initiatives qu’ils mènent, et de leur vision pour un avenir plus juste.

Stay tuned more workshop announcements coming!

Tickets

Student Tickets

$175 + HST

Regular Tickets

$195 + HST

Invoicing for school boards is available, email info@harmony.ca for details.

Venue and Accommodations

Venu Event Space
2800 Hwy 7, Vaughan, ON

Free parking is available on site.

The venue is a ten minute walk from the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre subway stop.

Availability at the following hotels:
  • Courtyard Toronto Vaughan – phone  1-866-239-3202
  • Residence Inn Toronto Vaughan – phone  905-695-4002

The group rate has now expired as of January 20, 2025. The information for available hotels will remain above.

Take action to create more inclusive schools

Register today to join a community of educators committed to learning and taking action at the Educators Anti-Racism Conference!

 
Click Here To Get Your Ticket

Event Partners and Sponsors