Congratulations to Dr. Laurie Faith on receiving the OISE Faculty Award!
We are thrilled to share that our very own Dr. Laurie Faith has received the Faculty Award for Excellence in Initial Teacher Education as part of the OISE Teaching Excellence Awards!
Below we sat down with Dr. Faith to learn more about her journey in academia and where she hopes to go next.
Interestingly, Dr. Faith's academic career began after seventeen years of classroom teaching. "I had become fascinated by a specific approach to classroom instruction and needed expand my network, build research skills, and learn more; OISE was my first and only choice. Here, I’ve been able to finish a bestselling book, start another, publish several papers, begin my research, and help train preservice educators in the Child Study and Education program", says Dr. Faith.
Although having many years of teaching experience, a rich mentorship for university level teaching started almost immediately after she arrived at OISE in 2016, first as a practicum supervisor, then as a TA, and then as an instructor. Over the years, Dr. Faith says she has been lucky to teach alongside some very impressive faculty members, including several other teaching award winners.
We asked Dr. Faith what this award meant to her, and she responded by saying that "...the heart to heart, human to human culture at OISE is very special. We share in wonderful gatherings, ceremonies, academic discussions, celebrations, and traditions, but, for me, the strongest connection can be found within the teaching and learning relationships. It is quite incredible to feel as though, in addition to my bond with the students, I am also part of an attentive, appreciative, supportive, and caring relationship with the broader institution".
Can you give us an overview of your research and how this award impacts that?
My research is tied closely to classroom practise. I’m interested in the ways that mainstream pedagogy can be tailored to incorporate more support for metacognition, strategic thinking, and self-regulated learning. This work requires a lot of trust, time, and dedication from my education partners – we are trying to build an approach that will transform the everyday experience of learning in school, and it takes a lot of tinkering. For example, in December of 2024, an Ontario school allowed me to come and conduct research full time for several weeks. I arrived at 8 and left at 4, spending my days gathering video data, having morning meetings, and talking to students about their experiences of learning. Over the last 10 years, I’ve partnered with about ten other local school boards on projects such as these. Together with my brave and dedicated front line partners, I’m readying a prototype to test in a large scale random controlled trial. Every advantage I get, be it recognition like this, funding, research support, or even just collegial encouragement, bolsters me and moves me closer to that ultimate goal.
What does it feel like to be a part of OISE?
I’m glad you asked, because an answer to this question has been on my mind since I started. You’ll have to use your imagination a little. Picture me in an orchard of fruit trees on a sunny day. There is fruit all over the ground, dropping plentifully from the trees. Being part of OISE feels like having access to so much of that ripe and delicious fruit that I cannot even carry it with my hands. It feels joyful and blessed, like a child piling those apples, pears, and peaches into every possible pocket and fold of my shirt. OISE has provided me with more opportunity than I can even handle.
Below we got to know Dr. Laurie Faith a little more with a few personal questions!
What is your favourite thing about Toronto?
I love the Island! How amazing is to ferry over there and watch the sunset over the city? A close second is the 1-2 punch of Pho Hung for noodles, followed by a massage at Tuina on Dundas.
Where can we find you on the weekend?
In the winter, after a big snow, I like to cross country ski around the city streets in my beat up old second hand skiis (Play it Again Sports!). Fantastically embarrassing for my sons. In the summer, I perform feats of extreme gardening and wind up injured, stung, or covered in hives about half the time. Worth it!
What is your favourite cuisine?
Well, I do like Pho, but I’m also partial to a good, spicy Thai fish stew!
