Faculty of Education Alumnus Lisa Dampier Wins Anti-Bias Teaching Award

Lisa Dampier, Grade 7-8 teacher at Thunder Bay’s Westmount Public School, has been awarded the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) 2017 Anti-Bias Award for her work teaching global citizenship and social justice.

The award is presented to educators who incorporate practices in their teaching that work toward the elimination of bias.

Lisa established a Learning Academy for her students, through which they broadened their perspectives by learning about different cultures, religions, and world issues such as the uneven distribution of water and resources. They learned about the negative impacts of bias, racism, and stereotypes. They also worked to make a difference by creating social media videos that addressed bullying and children’s rights, and repairing and restoring old bicycles to give to local children in need.

“I believe it is extremely important for young people to begin to develop a social conscience as early as possible. By learning about different cultures, world issues and events, as well as what's happening in their own community, they are able to gain greater awareness of the importance of diversity, compassion and equity. Seeing students develop a voice and passion for change, and watching the pride they feel in themselves when they realize their actions can make a difference, has been both inspiring and empowering for me as a teacher,” she explains.

Lisa is a graduate of Lakehead’s Bachelor of Education program (1993) and an Associate Teacher to Lakehead BEd students.