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  4. CONT710: Addressing Anti-Black Racism to Change Pedagogy and Practice, Part 1
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CONT710: Addressing Anti-Black Racism to Change Pedagogy and Practice, Part 1

CONT 710
Continuing Teacher Education - Ontario
3 Units
Online
Learn more about CONT710

This course offers a deep, multi-layered exploration of anti-Black racism in education, guiding candidates to critically examine how historical, social, and institutional forces shape the experiences of African, Afro-Caribbean, and Black learners. Grounded in the Nguzo Saba principles, the course weaves together African-centred knowledge systems, counter-stories, lived experiences, and contemporary research to help educators understand how racism, bias, language, power, and privilege influence pedagogy and school culture. Through a sustained investigation of Black histories, identities, communities, and ways of knowing, participants analyze their own positionality, challenge dominant narratives, and learn to design inclusive, culturally responsive, joyful, and identity-affirming learning environments. The course emphasizes advocacy, relational pedagogies, community partnership, and systemic change, supporting educators in developing the knowledge, commitment, and actionable strategies required to centre Black voices, disrupt discriminatory structures, and build equitable educational pathways for Black learners across all contexts

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Learning Outcomes

What You Will Learn and Do

In this course, you will

  • examine your obligation to provide education to African, Afro-Caribbean and Black learners in a manner that ensures equal their rights and opportunities without discrimination as per The Ontario Human Rights Code
  • explore the connections between the principles of Nguzo Saba (Swahhili for seven principles) and the instructional practices that guide pedagogy and relationships
  • examine key foundational understandings necessary to better centre and serve African, Afro-Caribbean and Black learners, families and communities
  • develop an understanding of your responsibility within the education system that informs and influences your personal philosophy of education
  • analyze counter stories and African, Afro-Caribbean and Black-centred knowledge systems to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of the histories and cultural heritage of African, Afro-Caribbean and Black peoples
  • reflect on centring the history of African, Afro-Caribbean and Black resistance and ways in which African, Afro-Caribbean and Black communities and collectives self-define liberatory tools for resistance and self-identification
  • explore what is needed to develop and sustain authentic educational partnerships and relationships with African, Afro-Caribbean and Black learners, home-support partners and communities
  • reflect on the metaphorical invisible thread that connects African, Afro-Caribbean and Black communities and identities and the complexities and intersections within African, Afro-Caribbean and Black communities
  • explore the importance of cultivating school and classroom environments that focus on enhancing joy, building positive racial identity development and affirming Black learners' experiences and identities

Assessments

Module 1

Introductions and Reflections

Module 2

Nia: Historical Context and Understanding Anti-Black Racism
Progress Update 1

Module 3

Umoja: Black Communities and Identities

Module 4

Kujichagulia: Centring the History of People of African Descent in Canada
Progress Update 2

Module 5

Ujamaa: Understanding Successful Educational Environments and Pedagogical Practices to Support African, Afro-Caribbean and Black Learners
Progress Update 3

Module 6

Kujichagulia: Affirming Culture 
Final Report