In this episode of Enhancing Equity in Elementary Education, host Stephen Hurley engages in a powerful Speaker's Corner conversation with Atala Andratis, who is the Equity Lead for the Grand Erie District School Board. They discuss the meaning of and importance of equity in education, the need for dialogue when working to dismantle barriers, and creating inclusive environments for all students. Atala shares her personal experiences as an educator and as someone who is multilingual, emphasizing the need for an asset-based lens when working with diverse student populations.

Some key messages from this episode include:

• Equity in education involves not only providing what everyone needs, but also removing systemic barriers that prevent students from accessing what they require to be successful.
• Building relationships with students through genuine listening and working to understand their diversity, is essential for creating transformative and responsive learning environments.
• Educators hold immense power and responsibility in making decisions that significantly impact student's lives, and they must approach this sacred trust with care and awareness.

A transcript for this podcast episode can be found on the 'Podcasts' page of the Educational Equity Symposium website.