Congratulations to Tianying (Sky) Li (BEd graduate, 2024), who has received the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) Faculty of Education Award. This award is granted to a graduating Intermediate/Senior Teacher Candidate who exemplifies award criteria, including engaging in social activism to promote the professional nature of teaching and demonstrating leadership among Teacher Candidates.
Tianying (Sky) demonstrated dedication to social activism and leadership throughout his time in the BEd program. In course work and teaching placements, he has advocated for equal opportunities for all students, including international students and those who speak English as a second language. He has facilitated communications between parents, school boards, students, and teachers to promote an inclusive environment for students from diverse cultures, and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+. He has also privileged Indigenous ways of learning in the classroom by inviting Indigenous guest speakers and holding sharing circles with classes.
“Respect and dignity are values I hold dear,” Tianying (Sky) explains. “In my classroom, I encourage students to reflect on social justice issues and political systems, express their voices, organize events, and think about their contributions to their local community. I strive to foster a sense of community and encourage students to advocate for themselves.”
One of his Associate Teachers, who provided a reference letter to OSSTF, noted: “I am especially impressed with Mr. Li’s skill at promoting mental health, wellbeing and community building in our school. He has developed and implemented daily routines and practices of mindfulness, gratitude, reflection, and self-awareness that has improved the interconnectedness of our students and opened up conversations, in very professionally appropriate ways, that support well-being and personal balance.”
Congratulations Tianying (Sky) on this achievement!