From Pandemic Pivot to Exit (Cardus Education Event) (Past Event)

Quick Summary

How did independent schools successfully respond to lockdowns and the pandemic? As we look to exit COVID, what can all schools learn from their pivot? Join us and a panel of experts for an encouraging and hope-filled discussion, based on Cardus’ latest research.

Details

Thank you for your interest in this webinar. We're looking forward to keeping the conversation open, do email any questions or comments you may have to info@cardus.ca. 

You can view the recording of this webinar at this link.

As we near the end of the school year, educators are rightly ready for a much-needed summer break. But before hitting the lake, join us for a 45-minute discussion, where we will dive into the latest research on how independent schools’ navigated COVID. These findings will springboard our discussion to also explore how all schools can become truly responsive, nimble, and community-oriented. 

If you’re an educator, school administrator, policymaker, researcher, or parent, join us to hear from Dr. Derek Allison (Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Education at the University of Western Ontario), Dr. Deani Van Pelt (Cardus Senior Fellow and President of Edvance), and Amanda Dervaitis (Executive Director of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools). Together, we will discover what independent schools have done well and how we can realize a better future for education across Canada and North America.

Dr. Derek Allison

Dr. Derek J. Allison is a Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Education at the University of Western Ontario. Allison began his teaching career in England, before moving to Alberta, where he was a school principal. After completing his graduate work at the University of Alberta, he accepted a position with the faculty of education at the University of Western Ontario, where he taught social and legal foundations of education for 36 years, and skillfully guided hundreds of graduate students through advanced research and study. He gained acclaim for his teaching, especially his outstanding lectures, and his skill as a mentor and advisor to graduate students. He has an extensive record in research and publication with particular interests in the organization and operation of schools, theories of leadership, and the philosophy of inquiry. He is the recipient of 10 teaching awards and the Distinguished Service Award of the Canadian Association for the Study of Educational Administration.

Dr. Deani Van Pelt

Dr. Deani Van Pelt, an Ontario certified teacher, is the president of Edvance Christian Schools Association, a Cardus senior fellow, and former director of the Barbara Mitchell Centre for Improvement in Education at the Fraser Institute, where she is now a senior fellow. Previously associate professor and director of teacher education at Redeemer University College, and formerly a secondary-school teacher in both Christian and public schools, she has a BComm (McMaster University), BEd (University of Toronto), and master’s and Ph.D. in education (Western University, where she received a medal for excellence in graduate studies). Van Pelt has researched and published frequently on school choice in Canada, education spending, and school-sector enrolments. She has initiated and led international research collaborations funded by the Social Science and Humanities Research Council and recently received the Charlotte Mason Institute’s Charlotte Mason Tribute award.

Amanda Dervaitis

Amanda Dervaitis is the executive director of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools and the founder and principal at Summit Micro School in Toronto. Amanda received her BEd from McGill University and has had a career in education for over 20 years, including teaching in both public and independent sectors in Quebec, Nova Scotia and Ontario, curriculum development, school development and educator training. Amanda’s innovative and progressive K-8 program at Summit Micro School has garnered international attention from teacher education programs in Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, United States, and Turkey, and education researchers in the United States, in particular for her school’s integrated project curriculum, assessment practices, and methodologies for supporting neurodiverse learners. Amanda is also currently working with the organization Teach the Future developing curriculum to introduce foresight and futures thinking into K-8 education.