York Faculty of Education experts ready to share back-to-school tips and comment on broader trends in education

TORONTO, Sept. 2, 2025 – Experts from York University’s Faculty of Education are sharing their tips to make the transition to back-to-school a successful one for students, parents and educators and comment on broader trends in education. 

Karen Devonish-Mazzotta

Based out of Glendon Campus, as a course director and faculty and a practicum facilitator with York and a part-time French as a Second Language (FSL) teacher/teacher-librarian with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Prof. Karen Devnish-Mazotta has a duel perspective on real-time issues facing new and practicing teachers in the largest board in Canada, particularly as they relate to FSL curriculum. 

Devonish-Mazzotta is available for interviews in English and French on: 

• FSL programming; recruitment and retention of FSL teachers across Ontario
• Resources and resourcefulness in FSL programs and the benefits of additional language learning for FSL students

• Harnessing the power of the Library Learning Commons in the TDSB
• The power of community competence in a large school board
• The importance of family engagement 

Lisa Farley

Prof. Lisa Farley’s research uses psychoanalysis in conceptualizing the meaning of childhood and education. Her book, Childhood Beyond Pathology, examines how psychoanalytic concepts can inform challenges children may experience with development, belonging, interior worlds and relationality, with a focus on debates over how children should be treated, what they might know, and who they should become. Within teacher education, Farley has explored teachers' memories of childhood and schooling as key parts of becoming a teacher. 

Farley is available to give interviews on: 

• How education is an emotional experience for students and teachers
• How teaching affects teachers 
• How teaching is shaped by early experiences of having gone to school

Carl James

Recognized nationally and internationally for his work in education and equity, Professor Carl James has written many books on race, education and immigration. In particular, his research looks at the Black experience in Canada and how anti-Black racism continues to be perpetuated in systems such as education and employment. James currently holds the position of Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora. Current projects include community outreach such as the Day at York programming that helps Black high-school students see themselves in post-secondary, the Jean Augustine Mentorship program that pairs Black students at York with those entering the university. He also has partnerships with Black researchers across Canada that will serve to create better data on race and education. 

James is available for interviews on:

• The lives of Black youth in Canada
• Race, racism and racialization in the school system
• Equity, inclusivity and social justice pertaining to marginalized Canadian students
• Masculinity and young Black males
• Athletic experiences and academic performance of racialized students
  

Sue Winton

The privatization of public education shows itself in a number of areas, says Professor Sue Winton, York Research Chair in Policy Analysis for Democracy and the author of Unequal Benefits: Privatization and Public Education in Canada. Privatization undermines the public school system and perpetuates inequalities, says Winton. 

Winton is available for comment on: 

• How policy plays a role in supporting or undermining public education 
• How increasing privatization can affect kids, families, communities, and democracy
• How school fees, fundraising, school choice, and specialized programs can all contribute to the increasing encroachment of privatization

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About York University

York University is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change, and prepare our students for success. York’s fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario’s Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. York’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

Media Contacts: Emina Gamulin, York University Media Relations and External Communications, 437-217-6362, egamulin@yorku.ca