As a future educator, I've always believed that teaching is about more than just academics—it's about shaping kind, thoughtful, and socially responsible human beings. That belief was deeply affirmed during the Teacher Education Conference, especially in the workshops led by Ilan Danjoux and Dr. Neil Orlowsky. While their focus was on antisemitism, the message extended beyond one form of hate: prejudice in any form has no place in our classrooms, schools, or communities.
What struck me most was the urgency. We often assume hate is a thing of the past or something that exists "elsewhere," but the real-life stories, images, and statistics shared were a wake-up call. Acts of hate are happening in our neighborhoods and in schools—not just in history books. A recent incident at Burlington Central High School, where antisemitic graffiti was discovered, underscores that these issues are present in our own communities. As teachers, we can't be passive bystanders. We have the power—and the responsibility—to address bias head-on.
In my own practicum, I've seen subtle forms of exclusion that often go unchecked: jokes, stereotypes, or even silence in the face of injustice. These workshops helped me realize that creating a safe, inclusive classroom takes more than good intentions. It requires courage, critical thinking, and a commitment to teaching students how to engage with the world around them. That means integrating media literacy, encouraging respectful dialogue, and most importantly, modelling what it looks like to speak up.
This experience reminded me that combating hate isn't a single lesson—it's a mindset. It's something I plan to carry with me into every classroom I enter.
Resources/References:
- Danjoux, I. (2025). A New Approach to Holocaust Education [Conference Workshop].
- Orlowsky, N. (2025). Unmasking Hate: Antisemitism [Conference Workshop].
- Ontario College of Teachers. (2022). Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession.
- National Post. (2023, October 27). Burlington Central High School antisemitism incident. Retrieved from https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/burlington-central-high-school-antisemitism
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