What the Family Studies?

In this episode we had the privilege to chat with  two secondary students who have made Family Studies an important part of their course selections throughout high school!  As teachers we all know the importance of listening to student voice to make our classrooms a welcoming place where we help students to gain both the skills they need for future schooling and for life.  Join us as we listen and...

During this episode we are doing something a little different.  We are interviewing TWO current Western Faculty of Education students, Alex and Scarlett,  about their pathway to teaching,  why they decided to become family studies teachers and their perspectives on what it’s like to be a Faculty of Education student. Along the way we will learn some helpful tips for prospective associate teachers...

In this episode we interview Family Studies teacher extraordinaire Val Hodowanski.  We all know Val from the Ontario Family Studies Facebook page where she shares her amazing lessons ideas. Her creativity and ability to engage students is inspiration to us all.  Join us to hear more from Val about how she  uses student voice to increase enrollment in her courses and how she has built her program....

In this episode we interview Leisa Hucal about the value of networking. Lesia is a high school Family Studies teacher at St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario. She came into teaching with a background and full-time career in dietetics and public health promotion. Lesia works collaboratively now to reinforce current trends and strategies with both staff and students that he...

Welcome to the episode 11 of “What the Family Studies?” Today we welcome Natasha Gleeson. Natasha is Inuk, having Inuit ancestry from Nunatsiavut (Labrador). Natasha is currently with the TDSB's Urban Indigenous Education Centre, where she is an Instructional Leader, supporting Indigenous Education through community connection, classroom and professional learning instruction, student success...

In our 10th episode of What the Family Studies?   we meet Amanda Freeman.  Amanda joined the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board in September of 2022 as the Manager of the System Learning Commons. Prior to joining the Board, she spent many years working in public libraries.  As the manager of the system learning commons Amanda’s goal is to continue to nurture a love of reading in our communit...

In our 9th episode of What the Family Studies? we meet Sharon Gordon.  After working as family studies for 15 years, Sharon began a new position as a K-12 Equity Consultant at the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board in January of 2021. In this role, Sharon works with a team of 6 others to support the implementation of the board's Equity Action Plan.   During this episode we discuss how w...

In this episode we meet Dubravka Prica.  She has taughts for the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board for 15 years.  She has taught Family Studies for 15 years, with a focus on Fashion.  Her start to teaching Family Studies was unique, as she was not qualified and had never sewed.  Through some bumps in the road, she has learned to approach teaching Fashion through the lens of a sewing novice....

In this episode we have the privilege of interviewing Ary Maharaj (he/him). Ary is a Registered Psychotherapist and currently works in community education at the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC).   NEDIC (https://nedic.ca) provides information, resources, referrals and support to Canadians affected by eating disorders and has collaborated with OFSHEEA on the creation of its Diet...

In this episode we get a chance to talk to Gwen Kostal.  Gwen is an Ontario registered dietitian and the owner of Dietitians 4 Teachers.  Dietitians 4 Teachers is dedicated to supporting educators to unlearn diet culture and find safer ways to teach about food and health. Gwen has over a decade of family and child nutrition experience and also works as a healthcare leader focusing on improving sys...

Have you ever considered going GRADELESS in your classroom? Check out our latest podcast episode on What The Family Studies!? where we continue our conversation with Heather Bamford on assessment and evaluation.  Some additional resources on this topic include:  Rethinking Letter Grades - https://www.portageandmainpress.com/Books/R/Rethinking-Letter-Grades Going Gradeless 9-12  -  https://us.corwi...

In this episode we start a conversation with teacher extraordinaire and self-proclaimed assessment geek Heather Bamford.  Heather is a Family Studies Teacher at John Fraser Secondary School, who has been teaching in the Peel Board for 19 years. Heather is also in the role of Cross-Curricular Head of Assessment and Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy.  Many of us know Heather as a long-time...

In this episode we talk to Theresa Aqui. Theresa is a teacher with the TDSB and the Toronto Representative for OFSHEEA, and has participated in writing projects for both these organisations. She is an enthusiastic Family Studies teacher who recognises the potential of this subject area to lead our education system in making positive and necessary changes to both content and pedagogy.  Be sure to l...

In this episode you will have to chance to hear more about AgScape and the work they do to support family studies educators in the classroom. As the voice of agriculture in the Ontario classroom, AgScape provides factual, balanced, curriculum-linked food literacy programs and resources to Ontario's educators and students.  During this podcast we interview Cassi Brunsveld. Cassie is a Program...

Welcome to OFSHEEA's first podcast!  We are excited that you have found us.  Today you will meet our hosts, Laura and Cathy, who will interview Michelyn  Gallant, a long time family studies educator and advocate.  Michelyn will talk about her journey as an educator of family studies and her work to support students (and teachers!).   Be sure to like and follow this podcast on your favourite p...