Hey, I’m Heather.
I empower educators to create more inclusive and successful learning environments by centring anti-racism in their practice.
About Me
I’m a teacher, facilitator, and instructional developer. My pronouns are she/her/elle.
Born and raised in St. John’s, NL, I am the designer of anti-racist adult learning programs across the Atlantic region, Ontario, and Alberta. Prior to transitioning my career to focus on post-secondary teaching and learning, I taught elementary French Immersion in St. John's and Halifax.
I hold a Master's of International Higher Education from Loyola University Chicago, and a Master's of Learning and Teaching from Harvard University.
As a scholar-practitioner, I have facilitated hundreds of virtual learning sessions since 2020, engaging thousands of educators in developing a teaching practice that cultivates equitable learner success.
My Work
K-12
My signature initiative for K-12 transformation across Atlantic Canada is Developing An Anti-Racist Pedagogical Practice.
This virtual professional learning series for educators and educational leaders trains participants to develop an anti-racist pedagogical and educational leadership practice.
Participants leave the program with a deep understanding of how to be an anti-racist educator and tangible steps they can take to advance racial equity in their professional practice.
Since its launch in 2020, we have partnered with K-12 schools across Newfoundland and Labrador, reaching hundreds of educators. In 2022, we officially partnered with the provincial government of Prince Edward Island to train their staff.
Colleges & Universities
As an instructional design consultant and subject matter expert, I have worked with Canadian Colleges & Universities to design learning experiences for faculty and staff which centre around equity and student success.
Of note, I have worked with Canadore College and NorQuest College on creating micro-credentials related to Anti-Racism and EDI for their faculty.
A selection of my published works, conference presentations, and invited talks can be explored below.
What Participants are saying about
Developing An Anti-Racist-Pedagogical Practice
“I cannot recommend this professional learning series enough! [Facilitators] guide participants through difficult and necessary topics/discussions in a way that is educational, inspirational, and non-judgemental. The aim is education, which is the very first step in ending systemic injustices. Please, do yourself, your students, and the world a favour and sign up!”
-Sara Toope, K-6 Teacher
Winner of the 2021 Minister of Education Award for Compassion in Teaching
Alumni of Developing an Anti-Racist Pedagogical Practice
“My involvement in this program has not only made me more comfortable actively engaging in anti-racist practices in my classroom, but it has made me realize the urgency and necessity of doing so. Based on what I've learned, I also now feel comfortable and encouraged to engage in conversations with colleagues around these issues, which has not only noticeably impacted my own teaching practice, but theirs as well.”
-Sean Kennedy, High School Teacher
Alumni of Developing an Anti-Racist Pedagogical Practice
Work Samples
Anti-Racist Pedagogy Webinar
University of Northern British Columbia
A webinar developed in collaboration with Tyrell Chambers and Dr. Tari Ajadi
Challenging Curricular Violence & Identifying Whiteness
A lecture delivered at the University of Guelph
Open Educational Resource: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
A co-authored chapter in an Open-Access Textbook
CBC Interview
St. John’s Morning Show
An interview with Ramraajh Sharvendiran on current events related to Anti-Racism in Education in Newfoundland and Labrador
Conference Presentation: Student Success and Professional Learning
Presented at The Technology and Education Seminar and Showcase (TESS) hosted by eCampus Ontario
Get in Touch!
Please feel free to reach out to me using the e-mail address below.
