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A program that would have been unthinkable five years ago is strengthening guidance and connections for students pursuing a career in teaching.

The Faculty of Education鈥檚 Alumni Network has launched a pilot mentorship program that pairs alumni with 快播视频 BEd students to provide career insights and build professional relationships.

鈥淲e relaunched the network after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, and we are rebuilding,鈥� says Jason Singh, a 2011 York graduate and director of education for Medix College鈥檚 health care programs, who serves as Chair of the group. 鈥淧ost-COVID, people want to connect and our objective is to engage them and connect them back to the Faculty and 快播视频.鈥�

Read the full story in the December 17, 2025 issue of Yfile

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The 快播视频 Education Alumni Network (YUEAN) has been named the 2025 Network of the Year by the 快播视频 Alumni Board (YUAB). This annual award is given to a network that has demonstrated its dedication and commitment to York through engagement, impact, and mentorship. Through influential programming, YUEAN has strengthened relationships, expanded professional pathways, and created opportunities for meaningful dialogue within the York community. 

鈥淪electing the Network of the Year is always a challenging task, but the Education Alumni Network鈥檚 impact was undeniable,鈥� reflects Ali Badruddin (BBA 鈥�09), Chair of the Networks Committee on the 快播视频 Alumni Board. 鈥淭heir commitment to mentorship, leadership development and inclusive programming has strengthened the York alumni community.鈥濃�� 

A central focus of the network鈥檚 efforts this year was the establishment of its mentorship program in partnership with the Faculty of Education Student Association (FESA) and the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Robert Savage. Alumni and students were paired based on professional goals, teaching interests and areas of specialization, creating one-on-one relationships rooted in guidance, support and shared experience.鈥�� 

鈥淭his work of our alumni is an invaluable part of our wider supports to our current students,鈥� says Robert Savage, dean of the Faculty of Education. 鈥淥ur students benefit enormously from all initiatives, and particularly the mentoring provided by the recent direct experience of our alumni. It has been great to help co-create a structure for this win-win for all involved, and I am delighted to see YUEAN rightly recognised for all the excellent work they do.鈥濃�� 

Beyond mentorship, YUEAN curated thoughtful and impactful events that connected and engaged a wide community of educators. This year鈥檚 highlight was the alumni panel on AI, careers and digital learning, which brought together alumni experts to discuss how emerging technologies and evolving career landscapes are reshaping the field of education and strengthen the bridge between students and alumni working in leadership roles across the sector. 

鈥淵UEAN鈥檚 accomplishments this year reflect not only dedication, but vision,鈥� says Dennis Garces (BA 鈥�92), Vice-Chair of the Networks Committee on the 快播视频 Alumni Board. 鈥淭hey have created opportunities that bridge generations of educators and create a true sense of connection. We are thrilled to celebrate their achievements.鈥濃�� 

Through mentorship, meaningful events and storytelling that centres the experiences of educators, the Education Alumni Network has demonstrated the transformative power of alumni leadership. The 快播视频 Alumni Board congratulates the entire Education Alumni Network Leaders:  

• Jason Singh (BEd 鈥�11), Chair   
• Esther Martinez (BEd 鈥�21, BA 鈥�21, MEd 鈥�24), Vice-Chair  
• Blessing Owusu (BA 鈥�17, BEd 鈥�19, MEd 鈥�24), Secretary  
• Mizgin Semsur (MEd 鈥�21, BEd 鈥�19, BA 鈥�17), Co-Director of Engagement and Events  
• Jennifer Tran (BA 鈥�23), Co-Director of Engagement and Events  
• Yasmine Mensah (BA 鈥�20), Alumni Engagement Officer 

For more information about this award and the Alumni Networks program, contact Yasmine Mensah, Alumni Engagement Officer at mensahy@yorku.ca.

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快播视频鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 awards program is a prestigious annual recognition of outstanding young alumni who are making significant contributions in their fields and communities. This year, the Faculty of Education proudly highlights alumna Blessing Owusu, a three鈥憈ime 快播视频 graduate, as one of the honorees. Blessing is an educator, children鈥檚 book author, and dedicated advocate for equity and inclusivity in education.

A leader in inclusive teaching, her master鈥檚 research on Black students鈥� experiences in schools led to the creation of Abena鈥檚 Adventures: A Taste of Home, a children鈥檚 book inspired by her Ghanaian鈥慍anadian heritage that is now used in classrooms to celebrate cultural identity and belonging. She also launched Lessons With Blessing, an online platform offering resources to help educators create equitable, affirming learning environments. These innovative contributions, reflecting her commitment to 鈥渂ringing inclusivity and equity to the forefront鈥� of teaching, research and advocacy earned her a place on York鈥檚 2025 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 list.

For the complete list of recipients and their profiles, visit 快播视频鈥檚 official Top 30 Alumni Under 30 awards page.

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Article by Deirdre Kelly ()

Photography by Horst Herget

Marnie and Rena Schwartz are a force to be reckoned with. The identical twins, who both earned double degrees (BA 鈥�01, BEd 鈥�01) from 快播视频, have spent more than two decades transforming the Greater Toronto Area鈥檚 dance scene through their ViBE Dance and Fitness Studio.

Founded in 2002, ViBE is no ordinary dance school. From its inception, the Schwartz sisters envisioned a space where creativity trumped competition 鈥� a sprawling 12,000-square-foot studio in Vaughan where students of all ages could focus on self-expression rather than scorecards or trophies. 鈥淲e wanted to create a place where everyone felt welcome,鈥� says Marnie, who oversees the business side of operations. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about joy, not judgment.鈥�

That vision has resonated with thousands of students over the years. ViBE鈥檚 inclusive approach treats every dancer equally 鈥� whether they鈥檙e three years old, or an adult 鈥� and emphasizes fun over pressure. 鈥淲e believe in building confidence through movement,鈥� adds Rena, who leads the artistic side of their business.

Education has always been central to their lives. Their mother, Susan Schwartz (BA 鈥�80), is an accomplished educator and author of teaching manuals used at York and beyond. Growing up surrounded by her passion for learning and teaching left a lasting impression on Marnie and Rena, who credit their own time at the University for shaping their approach to leadership and innovative thinking. 鈥淵ork taught us how to manage our time and think creatively. It really ignited our passion for lifelong learning.鈥�...

For more, check out the full article in the

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By Dennis Bayazitov special contributing writer

From Canada's lush landscapes to the historic lecture halls of Freiburg, Germany, Sarah Weston's (BEd 鈥�13) academic path embodies the transformative essence of 快播视频's international exchange experience, offered within the Faculty of Education鈥檚 Bachelor of Education degree program. Her natural curiosity and love for diverse cultures propelled her into a global academic quest, significantly molding her life and career.

Sarah was raised in a family that valued discovery and cultural understanding. 鈥淚've always had an interest in travel because I love exploring new cultures, food, and people of different backgrounds,鈥� she says. 鈥淢y parents took my brother and I on a road trip across Canada when we were kids to ensure we explored our own country before going abroad. This sparked my interest in the diversity of the country and how people live in different parts of the world. I continued to travel through high school which included visits to New York, Italy, and Cozumel.鈥�

Sarah鈥檚 academic journey led her to 快播视频, where the chance to study in Freiburg in Breisgau, Germany, became a pivotal chapter in her life. This opportunity was more than just a means to earn academic credits; it was a portal to immerse in a new culture, learn with diverse peers, and forge lasting international friendships. 鈥淚鈥檓 most proud of the relationships I made and the travel I accomplished while in Germany,鈥� she shares. 鈥淭hrough being surrounded by people who also love to travel, we spent a lot of our free weekends visiting neighbouring cities and countries. A few highlights include Prague, Slovenia, Munich, The Royal Wedding in London, and Amsterdam.鈥�

In Freiburg, a city at the Black Forest's base, Sarah found a vibrant community that blended traditional architecture, sustainability, and modern urban life, providing a unique setting for personal and academic growth. Her experiences in Germany were highlighted by the relationships she built and her travels across Europe, enriching her world view. Moving into a career in education, Sarah's narrative shows the wide applicability of her overseas experiences. Currently serving as an Assistant Director of Career Coaching and Education at Stanford University in California, her career trajectory鈥攕panning a decade as an elementary school teacher in the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) across various roles including ASD classroom teacher, learning resource teacher, and intermediate classroom teacher鈥攗nderscores the remarkable versatility of educators.

鈥淚t's important to highlight that our career paths don鈥檛 always need to be linear,鈥� she says. 鈥淎fter moving to California for my husband's work, I worked as a tutor, a curriculum specialist-turned Chief of Staff at an EdTech startup, and now in postsecondary education. Our skill sets as teachers are broad, and when paired with international experience and curiosity, any career path is possible!鈥�

For those intrigued by international education, Sarah's message is clear: "Do it!鈥� 鈥淚f you have any inkling that international education is interesting to you, go for it and sign up,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t may seem scary and hard, but it鈥檚 so worth it! Not only do you build incredible relationships, you also expand your understanding of your future students by learning about other cultures and experiences across the world.鈥�

Sarah's experience is an inspiration to York students and beyond, illustrating how international experiences can reveal diverse paths, fostering growth, comprehension, and a profound respect for the global community. 快播视频's Faculty of Education continues to promote these life-changing experiences, encouraging educators to adopt global perspectives and influence the future of education.

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The Faculty created a consulting initiative called ED Global, which will work collaboratively with school boards, educational organizations, governments and diverse communities to help them maximize positive change.

Investments made by the Faculty in talent, research, infrastructure and leadership were recognized by its place in the Top 100 education faculties worldwide as designated by the 2024.  

The Faculty launched a new promotional video as a part of York鈥檚 Pan-University Faculty video series and its ED Faculty new identity video series.  

Professor Carl James was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate from McGill University.

Doctoral graduate Isaac Garcia-Sitton (PhD 鈥�24) was awarded two prestigious national awards for his doctoral dissertation in the field of international higher education.  

The 快播视频 Education Alumni Network (YUEAN) hosted its first in-person event centered around the question, 鈥淲hat professional pathways can a degree in Education lead to, in addition to the classroom?鈥�

The Faculty completed a transformative renovation of its original 1960s-era building on the Keele Campus positioning it as a modern, welcoming and accessible hub for the next generation of educators.

Alumna Pamela Farrel (BEd '07) was recognized in the 2024 Top 25 Women of Influence list for her impact and contributions to driving meaningful progress and to the advancement of women in her respective fields.  

The Faculty launched a new certificate in Undergraduate Educational Studies to enhance preparation and career options in the field.

Associate professor Vidya Shah was recognized with President鈥檚 University-wide Teaching Award at the 2024 Spring Convocation ceremony.  

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Join the Faculty of Education Alumni Network
Alumni networks are a great way to stay connected to your alma mater, forge new connections and expand your professional networks. To become involved and to be a part of the ED Alumni Network, contact Yasmine Mensah at mensahy@yorku.ca.

Catch all the memorable moments and inspiring connections by watching the event highlights in the video below.

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鈥淭here鈥檚 this unwritten moral code of culture that exists and has prevailed for Black males to feel compelled to fit within one of two boxes,鈥� says Morris. 鈥淵oung Black men may feel that if they identify with hip hop culture and dress or look a certain way, subconsciously, it suggests that they are giving up a part of their intellectual capacity and academic priorities.鈥� 

In his book, Morris addresses the specific identity issues he faced in the classroom, when compared to peers of other cultures. He notes the social disadvantage that many students in his community faced. 

鈥淎 chapter in my book is titled, 鈥�The Fresh Prince syndrome鈥� after the popular TV show in the 鈥�90s, where I speak about the Will Smith and Carlton Banks characters and how young Black men must feel like they have to choose between one type of identity or the other,鈥� says Morris. 鈥淚t鈥檚 unfair for them to have to deal with this, whereas most other cultures are allowed to exist in a fluid continuum without any contradictions; it boxes them into limited possibilities.鈥� 

Morris鈥� introspection on his life and his desire to tell his story is partly inspired by his time as a student at York鈥檚 Faculty of Education. He recalls the York experience that helped him think about his identity and find his calling as an educator to help inspire and drive positive change in his community.   

鈥淭eacher鈥檚 college at 快播视频 was the first time in my life that I started to reflect on my experience as a Black male and how that is juxtaposed with being a Black student,鈥� says Morris. 鈥淢y time as a York student was originally where I thought of sharing a narrative of what it was like to navigate the school system as a young Black Canadian. Now as a teacher, I want to act as a role model for other young Black men growing up to prioritize academics and just because you look a certain way or prescribe to certain parts of culture, doesn鈥檛 mean you can鈥檛 prioritize academics.鈥�  

When Morris remembers his time at York, he identifies a York professor who helped shape his experience as a student and consequently the career path he sought out after graduation. 

鈥淭here was an instructor named Chris D鈥橲ouza, teaching Foundations of Education. As a student, it was really the first time I experienced a teacher who prioritized marginalized people,鈥� says Morris. 鈥淚 felt like I didn鈥檛 have to conform to anything in his class and that experience helped me validate my lived experience and felt like there was something worth reflecting on and eventually writing about.鈥� 

When deciding where he wanted to pursue his plans of one day becoming a teacher, Morris points out the sense of community, acceptance and inclusivity that York provided.  

鈥淵ork just represents Toronto. When you stop on campus at 快播视频, it鈥檚 a true representation into what Toronto looks and feels like.鈥�
- Matthew R. Morris

鈥淭he idea of inclusivity and belonging was key,鈥� says Morris. 鈥淲hen I was at York, it felt like I was back in high school in terms of diversity and representation. York just represents Toronto. When you step on campus at 快播视频, it鈥檚 a true representation into what Toronto looks and feels like.鈥� 

Morris hopes that by giving back to his community, he can inspire future generations of 鈥淏lack boys like him鈥� to follow in his footsteps and to pay it forward to their own communities. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 important to try to give back to your community in your own way,鈥� says Morris. 鈥淔or people from marginalized communities, give back to the next generation so that they have multiple models to look up to.鈥�  

Original article written and posted on the Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends blog August 1, 2024

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In navigating the transformative path of international education, Liam Bekirsky's (BEd 鈥�18) story is a testament to the enriching power of studying and working abroad. His educational journey first started at 快播视频鈥檚 Glendon College, fueled by a deep-seated passion for the French language and an understanding that true comprehension extends beyond grammar and writing to embrace the rich tapestry of cultural narratives that shape its use.

鈥淭eaching a language not only requires the ability to speak, read, and write the language, but also to understand the contexts and cultures in which it is used,鈥� he says. 鈥淎nd what better way to get this experience than going abroad to France!鈥� Driven by this conviction, Liam embarked on a remarkable journey that would take him from the historic battlegrounds of Vimy in France to the lecture halls of Sciences Po Paris, and eventually, to the University of Oxford.

The leap into international waters was motivated by Liam's desire to fully immerse himself in the French language and culture, grounding his theoretical knowledge in lived experiences. Securing a position as a tour guide at Canada's National War Memorial at Vimy, Liam found himself at the intersection of education, history, and personal growth. This government-supported role not only provided a platform for professional development but also served as a gateway to the authentic exploration of French cultural life. 鈥淚t was my first time living abroad, and gave me the chance to immerse myself in French culture through work, life and travel,鈥� he says.

During his time at York, Liam鈥檚 professors played a pivotal role in his journey, encouraging him to explore international avenues while nurturing his love for French language and culture. Their support was crucial as Liam pursued a dual Master's Degree at Sciences Po Paris and the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto. Spending a year in Paris, Liam's academic and professional horizons expanded, culminating in an internship at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) where he did work focusing on education policy. "Transitioning from teaching French as a Second Language to engaging with international education policy, broadened my professional scope,鈥� he notes.

Liam's international experiences were marked by significant achievements, notably the extensive network of friends and professionals he developed. This network, spanning several countries, started to emerge from his time in Arras in 2017, providing a valuable professional and personal support system. 鈥淚 got to experience the joys of living in a small French town, having drinks on the town square, visiting the shops, and enjoying the scenic side of the country,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t was also centrally located which made it easier to travel to neighbouring cities like Lille and Brussels.鈥� His academic success, highlighted by completing his dual master's degree and securing multiple scholarships, formalized his expertise in international education.

Now at the University of Oxford for his doctorate, Liam investigates how educators form professional networks, inspired by his OECD work and the diverse education systems he encountered. Teaching in UK schools has further enriched his research, underscoring the value of his global experiences. 鈥淎ll this to say, without my international experience, I never would have had the inspiration to apply, and the qualifications to get into Oxford,鈥� he affirms.

Liam stresses the importance of international experiences for early-career educators. 鈥淭hese experiences are vital for understanding and engaging with the varied student populations educators encounter,鈥� he says. 鈥淓ducation - what it means and how it is structured and practiced - is different all over the world. It takes on its own national and local character, and is shaped by trends from all over the world. To only know what education looks like in one place is not sufficient for educators, who must take a step back and critically reflect on their own practice and experiences,鈥� he adds.

To York students interested in international education and exchange opportunities abroad, Liam's message is clear: "Just go for it despite any potential hesitations that you may have鈥攂e it funding, family commitments, or fear of the unknown鈥攖he personal and professional growth that such experiences bring is invaluable to both your personal and professional growth鈥�. 鈥淵ou will miss your family and friends, but they will be fine, and even more appreciative of the time you will give them and the experiences you will share when you are back,鈥� he continues. 鈥淎nd the whole point of going abroad is to meet new people and make friends for life. Be optimistic. You will have a successful career as an educator, and this opportunity will make it all the more enriching.鈥�

Liam's path clearly showcases the fulfilling nature of international experiences. "You never know who you will meet abroad, and how they may change or help you redirect your life," he muses, reflecting on the many connections and opportunities that have shaped his path鈥攆rom chance encounters that led to professional ventures, to the cultural and social explorations that broadened his worldview. Chief among these serendipities, perhaps, was meeting his partner in the UK, a personal milestone that underscores the boundless possibilities that await when one embraces the adventure of studying abroad.

Article by Dennis Bayazitov special contributing writer

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