As an educator and social worker by practice, I systematically see the consequences of current educational practices in individuals I work with – students are not being given the academic and social-emotional support they need to succeed. More importantly, with each classroom I work in, I recognize teachers' and professionals’ indisputable lack of inclusive education training. Teachers are not taught to develop, apply, or evaluate strategies or resources needed to support diverse learners or at-risk students, nor are they taught that equitable and inclusive practices are essential to creating a collaborative classroom community where students can flourish and grow.

The Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Quebec does not equip teachers with the tools needed to manage their classrooms, let alone support the learning and social-emotional needs of a diverse student body. However, McGill offers these classes in the form of Continuing Education as a Certificate in Inclusive Education – a program I have just completed.

As a BLUE Fellow, I propose revolutionizing teacher training in Quebec by merging key teachings from these two programs. To do so, I would conduct a two needs assessments, one with teachers who have completed the BEd and a second with those who have completed the BEd and Cert. in Inclusive Education to determine which aspects support teacher education.