2021 Substitute Teachers' Conference

This is the second year the Substitute's Convention is held online, and I think after everyone had over a year to learn to navigate through this virtual meeting technology, this year's conference was much smoother.

I am also very pleased that the conference has brought into focus current issues such as LGBTQ+ and Indigenous education. I have attended the Keynote session held by Marni Panas, who is a trans-woman herself. She has talked about her struggles as she finds herself, acceptance, and what people in the community can do to show kindness and how that can translate into the classroom. I have also attended a session on Anti-Indigenous Racism, hosted by Annette Fox Bruised-Head and Crystal Clark. This session also educated us about the ongoing injustice Indigenous folks experience and the various positive language and actions we can use to help the reconciliation process.

In today's world, it is very important to be aware of the struggles of fringe groups and advocate for their rights which they are entitled to as human beings. We also need to show kindness, use positive language, and positive actions just as we would do to any other persons. These people suffer so much discrimination and other negative actions that they are more susceptible to self-harm, suicide, and other unfortunate violence. I hope the convention will continue to bring in current social issue topics to create awareness and teach us how we can show more compassion, not just as teachers, but as human beings.