This past November, the Faculty of Education Students’ Association (FESA) hosted its annual Professional Development Conference, this year, titled SHIFT 2025, bringing together teacher candidates, faculty, and education professionals from across the GTA for a powerful day of learning, dialogue, and connection.

Designed around the idea that education is constantly evolving, SHIFT challenged future educators to think critically about how classrooms, curriculum, and teaching identities must evolve alongside students and society. Through workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, participants explored how to build more responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking learning environments.Throughout the day, attendees participated in sessions that addressed some of the most pressing issues in education today. Workshops explored Culturally Relevant and Responsive Teaching, identity-affirming practices to support student mental health, and supporting multilingual learners in the age of artificial intelligence. These sessions offered practical tools and frameworks that teacher candidates could take directly into their practicum placements and future classrooms.

One of the most impactful moments of the conference was the Alumni panel discussion, “What They Don’t Teach You in Your B.Ed.” 91��ɫ alumni working in different facets of education shared honest reflections about their early teaching experiences, offering resources, strategies, and insights that helped bridge the gap between theory and practice. For many participants, it was an opportunity to ask the questions they didn’t even know they had yet — and to leave feeling more prepared for the realities of teaching.

SHIFT 2025 was not just about professional learning — it was also about connection. The conference brought together teacher candidates from 91��ɫ and other post-secondary institutions, alongside educators and facilitators from organizations such as 91��ɫ, OCAD University, the 91��ɫ Region District School Board, and the Toronto District School Board.

By gathering diverse voices from across the education community in one space, the conference created meaningful opportunities for networking, mentorship, and collaboration. Participants were able to exchange ideas, build professional relationships, and see themselves as part of a broader community of educators working toward shared goals. These connections form the foundation for continued collaboration long after graduation.

Several sessions stood out for their high attendance and strong engagement. Anna Jupp’s workshops — “Making the Shift from Student-Teacher to Teacher-Learner: Everything You Need to Know About Learning After Graduation and AQ Courses” and “MPT: Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for the Test” were especially popular, offering clear guidance on professional pathways beyond the B.Ed.

Other well-attended sessions included “Interviewing and Beyond” led by Annette Livi, which helped teacher candidates prepare for hiring processes, and “Teaching Against the Grain: SHIFTing to Disrupt Curriculum Violence in Ontario Schools” led by Dr. Shamiga Arumuhathas, which challenged participants to critically examine how curriculum can both reflect and perpetuate systemic inequities. Dr. Lorin Schwarz’s “Our Own Language: A Clinical Investigation of Classroom Experiences” further deepened conversations about identity, communication, and learning in schools.

The theme of SHIFT continues to resonate beyond the conference itself. As education systems respond to changing student needs, new technologies, and evolving social realities, today’s teacher candidates must be equipped not just with content knowledge, but with the ability to adapt, reflect, and grow.

SHIFT 2025 provided participants with both the tools and the community to do exactly that. By connecting future educators with innovative ideas, experienced professionals, and one another, the conference reinforced the importance of lifelong learning and collaboration in teaching.

As graduates move into classrooms across Ontario and beyond, the lessons and connections formed at SHIFT will continue to shape their practice, helping them create learning spaces that are inclusive, responsive, and ready for the future.

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The Faculty of Education Student Association (FESA) is the heartbeat of the undergraduate education student community. Made up of passionate student leaders, FESA not only represents education students but also plays a key role in enriching their university experience. From hosting engaging conferences and workshops to selling exclusive merchandise, the FESA council is dedicated to fostering connection, support, and growth for all education students.

Get to know the Executives behind FESA's 2024/2025 Team and discover how they are shaping your academic journey!

President: Sadaf Sohrab

Hi! My name is Sadaf Sohrab and I'm this year's FESA President! I'm a Year 2 P/J teacher candidate. I did my undergraduate in music at 91��ɫ U with a specialization in classical violin and Canadian folk fiddle.

Vice-President (Internal): Matthew Noce

My name is Matthew and I am the 2024-2025 VP Internal. I am in my final year of undergrad majoring in Criminology. I can't wait to continue to attend 91��ɫ this Fall for Intermediate-Senior education. I hope to use my social science and English teachables to teach highschool.

Vice-President (External): Rebecca Breault

Hi, My name is Rebecca, and I’m in my second year of the Bachelor of Arts in French Studies and Concurrent Education program at 91��ɫ, Glendon Campus. I currently serve as the Vice President External for the Faculty of Education Students’ Association (FESA). I enjoy reading and exploring different histories, whether it’s cinema, literature, or cultural events from the past. I’m also an assistant coach for a girls’ softball team, and I love teaching a sport that I’ve played and been passionate about for many years.

Vice-President (Finance): Devonte Ellis

Hey! I'm Devonte and I am this year's Vice-President of Finance. I did my undergraduate degree in Music here at 91��ɫ as well and am currently BEd candidate in the Intermediate/Senior Division! My teachables are Music and French but I hope to get one in Communications Technology too! I am also currently the Communications and Marketing Assistant for the Faculty of Education and can play several instruments!

Vice-President (Administration): Tavlen Pannu

Hi! I’m Tavleen and I’m this year’s Vice President of Administration! I did my undergraduate degree here at 91��ɫ in Psychology and continued with my Bachelor of Education in the P/J division.

My motivation for getting into teaching stems from my personal journey overcoming a fear of water. Through the support of wonderful swimming instructor, I gradually overcame my fear and eventually became a swimming instructor myself!

Want to learn more about the exciting initiatives, events, and opportunities the Faculty of Education Student Association (FESA) is working on? Visit their NEW website at to stay updated and get involved in shaping the future of our faculty.

Check out what the council is doing and how you can make an impact today!

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Meet representatives from top school boards, tutoring centres, and international organizations, including:

Peel District School Board (PDSB)
91��ɫ Region District School Board (YRDSB)
Leading Out Global Teaching Network
CIS Ontario
... and many more!

FAQ Highlights:

Who can attend?
All Year 1 and Year 2 Teacher Candidates, including those at off-site locations

Cost:
The event is FREE, but registration is required

Dress Code:
Professional attire is recommended

Parking:
Please note we do not validate parking for the event

For more information and to register, visit:

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to kickstart your teaching career! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at��fesa.employment@gmail.com

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As robust as 91��ɫ's teacher education program is, there's always room to learn more about the subjects that interest us. All of PDC's workshop topics were curated for current students, and teacher candidates. Through this student-selected professional development, future graduates will have both met the foundational learning expectations of the program and been introduced to more specialized or experimental topics that may not have made their way into one of their courses just yet. The Professional Development Conference offers numerous workshops that can help you gain insight and perspective, answer questions and concerns beyond the classroom, gain new professional knowledge, and give you a chance to network with some great speakers who are professionals in the education field!

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Meet this year’s 2022/2023 FESA executives: 

Emily Mackinnon: FESA President  

"Hello! My name is Emily MacKinnon, the President of the Faculty of Education Student Association. I am in the Concurrent program and have completed my BA in Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, with a specialized honours in English. I have been on the council since my first year and have served in various roles.  As FESA President, I appreciate the opportunity and the responsibility I have to enhance the student experience here in our Faculty and am very excited for what is to come this year." 

Tharmithaa Tharumaraaj: Internal Vice President  

“Hey! My name is Tharmithaa Tharumaraaj or Thar for short! This is my 5th year on FESA and my 6th year at 91��ɫ! I’m so excited to be this year’s VP Internal and work with our amazing council to bring the best year yet for my fellow education students!” 

Joan Lee: External Vice President  

"Hi! My name is Joan Lee, the VP External of FESA. I am in my 2nd year of the BEd program, having completed my BA in Mathematics and Music last year. I have been on council since I've been at 91��ɫ. As VP External, I work more with our cohort representatives to bring forth or answer concerns/inquiries that students may have. I'm super excited to be back and can't wait to see what is to come during the school year." 

Kiara Bissoon-Kennedy: VP Administration 

“Hi! My name is Kiara (Key-are-a), and I am a 2nd Year BEd student. I have been at 91��ɫ for 6 years as I also did my undergrad in Educational Studies. I am currently working on getting my Intermediate/ Senior qualifications, with teachables in Social Science and Biology. Outside of school, I spend a lot of time with my 2 pups or going on hikes! For those that are new to the Faculty, if I had to give one piece of advice it would be to not be afraid to ask questions and talk to your profs! Whenever I've needed support or mentoring, they were some of the best people to go to!” 

Jacky Zhou: VP of Finance 

“Hello! My name is Jacky Zhou, my pronouns are he/him. I am currently in my 6^th year of completing my Bachelor of Educational Studies and the Concurrent Bachelor of Education degree program. I serve on the FESA executive as the VP of Finance, but I was previously the Professional Development co-director for the past 2 years. FESA provides the student body opportunities to enhance their journey towards becoming an educator through workshops, networking events, and a voice for the teacher candidates.”

"We're extremely excited about what FESA has to offer this year, especially since students are back on campus," said FESA President Emily Mackinnon. "Our Mentorship Program is in full swing, which allows students to rely on a mentor to seek guidance and information throughout the year. The Professional Development conference will take place in November, where students will have the opportunity to sit in on seminars about important topics that pertain to their professions. We will also host an Employment Fair in January where school boards from across the country and some international organizations will provide information about teaching abroad. Lastly, we will host a year-end formal before the March break to celebrate accomplishments throughout the year."

Find out more about what FESA is doing this year at:

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