Joel Westheimer

Dr. Joel Westheimer is a full professor in the Faculty of Education, former University Research Chair in Democracy and Education, and education columnist for CBC Radio's Ottawa Morning show. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, an elected member of the prestigious U.S. National Academy of Education and a fellow of the American Educational Research Association He received his PhD from Stanford University and his BSE from Princeton University. He is co-founder and executive director of Democratic Dialogue, a research collaborative dedicated to the critical exploration of democratic ideals in education and society.  

A widely published author, researcher, radio and television presenter, Professor Westheimer grew up in New York City where he was also a public school teacher. Before moving to Ottawa, he taught at Stanford University and at New York University. He lives with his wife and two children in Ottawa where, in Winter, he ice-skates to and from work. Learn more about his research at Joel Westheimer.org .

Ann Lopez

Dr. Ann Lopez is a Jamaican-born professor of Educational Leadership and Policy at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto, and Director of the Centre for Leadership and Diversity and Special Advisor to the Dean on School and Community Partneships. Ann is an author, speaker, mentor, advisor, and researcher who advocates for embedding equitable, antiracist, and decolonial praxis in all aspects education and schooling – teaching, learning, and leading. Her academic career includes positions as Provostial Advisor Access Programs, University of Toronto and Academic Director Initial Teacher Education.  Dr. Lopez’s teaching and research explores school leadership praxis broadly across contexts, decolonizing educational leadership, decolonial methods and approaches, school leadership in global south contexts and the impact of coloniality. She has shared her work in educational spaces local and globally. She is the author of several books and is co-Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of School Leadership and Co-Series Editor of Studies in Educational Administration. Ann has won multiple awards recognizing for her many contributions to education. Learn more about Ann at https://drannlopez.com/ .