Honours and leadership
Faculty of Education researchers were recognized in their fields with numerous prestigious awards and distinctions. They achieved such honours as becoming a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada; earning a Knowledge Mobilization Excellence Award from the University’s Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and the Prix Gilles-Paquet from Acfas; being named an honorary member of the Association canadienne d’éducation de langue française; and receiving the Pickering Award for Outstanding Contribution to Developmental Psychology in Canada.
Four professors also took on new or extended leadership roles. These included the first Canadian Armed Forces Indigenous Knowledge Keeper; the University Research Chair on Inclusion, Mental Health and School Attendance; the inaugural Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue Professorship on Public Policy; and the Canada Research Chair in Youth Mental Health and Violence Prevention, which was renewed for another seven years.
In the media
Our Faculty members’ expertise in education research, technology, and public policy made them go-to sources for news outlets and podcasts. They commented on issues in education and shared insights on critical social topics throughout the year.
Garnering more than 20,000 reads, their contributions to The Conversation Canada reached wide audiences. These articles examined language classes for newcomers, the use of deficit terminology for students who struggle, the importance of school recess for well-being, and teaching youth to be hopeful about democracy.
More notable headlines from 2025
The influence of women in STEM as social media role models
We spoke with Golshan Mahjoub about her path to graduate studies and being among the first recipients of the Flight PS752 Commemorative Scholarship Program from Global Affairs Canada.
New professor brings expertise in school workplace wellness
Alice Levasseur brings rich professional and academic experience to the Faculty of Education, with insight into work design and school-staff psychological health in Quebec, Canada, and Europe.
Research on discrimination and mental health supports for Black students in Ontario
“When I took up medicine, I sought out every opportunity I could to study the brain. That’s why nearly everything I’ve done since then has been related to brain research, neurological disorders, and mental health,” says Dr. Aly Julien.
Sex ed in Canada: Equipping teachers to talk about consent
Teaching youth how to think critically about consent, explains Béatrice De Montigny, is an essential aspect of comprehensive sexual health education in school curricula.
Education in the post-pandemic era: What have we learned?
The pandemic created seemingly insurmountable obstacles to learning and wellbeing. Amid these disruptions, Faculty of Education researchers lead crucial initiatives during the public health crisis and its aftermath.
Listening to Black youth in Franco-Ontarian communities
A conversation with Elie Ndala on his research with Black youth in francophone minority contexts, and a focus on improving equity and inclusion initiatives in schools.
Sociologist connects immigrant experience, education and social justice
Roberta Soares, a first-generation scholar and newcomer to Canada, says her immigration experience has shaped her teaching and research.
Supporting vulnerable students and improving school attendance
Missing more school days is linked to poor long-term life outcomes, especially for those with disabilities and mental health challenges.
Conversations for reflection: Amplifying 2SLGBTQI+ voices and mental health
The moment Sarah Hobson (MA '25) picked up the textbook in her high school psychology course, she had a feeling her career path would somehow lead to helping others.
Grants to drive innovation in education and interdisciplinary research
Our researchers were awarded funding for projects addressing antiracism, bilingualism, cellphone bans, climate science, digital citizenship, evaluation, francophone education, law, mental health, public policy and neuroscience.
Strengthening the FSL teaching landscape through a community focus on retention
Mentorship and relationships are crucial supports for educators who teach French as a second language.
Joel Westheimer elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
Westheimer’s election to the 2025 cohort of Royal Society of Canada Fellows is a recognition of more than thirty years of research excellence and contributions to public life.
Bridging Indigenous traditions and military service
It’s been a year since Robert-Falcon Ouellette was named the first Indigenous Knowledge Keeper in the Canadian Armed Forces. He sees this role as a full-circle moment in the larger story of reconciliation.
Truth, reconcilia(c)tion, and a birch bark basket
With a birch-bark basket dedicated by Indigenous leaders from Kitigan Zibi, Nicholas Ng-A-Fook embarked on a journey across Turtle Island this past summer.
Tracy Vaillancourt honoured with prestigious award in developmental psychology
Vaillancourt wins the 2025 Pickering Award for Outstanding Contribution to Developmental Psychology in Canada.
“Make or break”: Supervising therapists in training
A personal loss was pivotal in guiding Shawna Button (MAEd '25) toward a career as a psychotherapist and in deepening her commitment to mental health care.
How virtual reality is transforming math education
Could virtual reality (VR) reshape the way future teachers learn to teach math? Babak Yazdani-Fazlabadi thinks so.
Carole Fleuret wins 2025 Acfas Gilles-Paquet Award
Fleuret honoured for outstanding contributions to research in minority French-speaking communities in Canada.
New Faculty appointments bring diverse expertise in education
New assistant professors in health professions education and Indigenous histories and contemporary issues.
Phyllis Dalley honoured for service to French education
Professor Dalley’s many contributions to francophone education were celebrated during the 78th annual conference of l’Association canadienne d’éducation de langue française.
