Lessons from the Faculty of Education

Nilmini Ratwatte-HenstridgeBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Knowing yourself as a teacher is an important consideration. The importance of knowing you will face or witness racism is a consideration. Teamwork opportunities and reflection afterward are other important considerations. Equity and Inclusion Reflection Questions Do you know yourself really well as an educator? What kind of institutional racism have you witnessed in education? How have you set … Read More

Age is really just a NUMBER!

Nilmini Ratwatte-HenstridgeBlog, Engage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Ageism is a valuable topic to reflect on and discuss. There are collaborative strategies you can use to increase student engagement in discussions. As the year goes by, we think of our age as an accomplishment, a number that made meaningful moments matter and time really does fly by. What is important to consider is how age contributes to … Read More

Let’s Talk about Religion as an ism!

Nilmini Ratwatte-HenstridgeBlog, Connect Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Individuals all have their own religious or faith-based practices they bring into the classroom. Take the time to learn about all the different beliefs and holidays. Reevaluate the options you are giving to students and staff. Make everyone feel welcome. I was taught by my father, my Thathi who said never ever to discuss this topic since it’s political. … Read More

Equity & Inclusion: Diving Deep Into Understanding Classism

Nilmini Ratwatte-HenstridgeBlog, Differentiate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Create opportunities to “level the playing field” for your students. Address classism; it benefits everyone by us doing so. Educators hold the key to making a difference when it comes to addressing classism. Deep Diving Into Understanding Classism: Equity & Inclusion Out of all the blogs I have ever yet written, this topic holds the closest spot to my … Read More

See the Ability Behind a Disability

Nilmini Ratwatte-HenstridgeBlog, Differentiate Better

TL;DR: Understanding differing abilities help us define the obstacles and the bias about ableism. Lesson plan ideas on talking about abilities and special needs by putting the person first. Explore a growth mindset while learning about biased perspectives. Equity and Inclusion Reflection Questions: Why does the society we live in consider able-bodied individuals as having more value? Think of a … Read More