The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Alyssa Gray-Tyghter, a middle school teacher with the Peel Elementary Teachers’ Local (PETL), with its 2022 Anti-Bias Award. This award is presented to an active ETFO member or a group of members who develop and teach units and/or incorporate practices which work toward the elimination of bias.

Gray-Tyghter completed a master of education in critical studies, focused on critical race theory and Indigenous education. Her curriculum resources and current work as a doctoral student focus on anti-Black racism and Indigenous epistemologies. She is often called into spaces to be an educational equity consultant because of her commitment to anti-bias and equity.

She is the co-creator of a podcast called Teachers Like Us and Herstorically Speaking, a curriculum series podcast. Teaching Like Us focuses on what it means to be educated for today's modern learner, exploring the ins and outs of today's education system through the lens of equity and social justice. Herstorically Speaking excavates Black history in Canada, its connection to Indigenous history, and what settlers can do to teach students/children about these histories. The resources Gray-Tyghter creates and shares build consciousness of the realities of living on colonized land.

“Alyssa’s passionate and creative approach to educating future world leaders through an anti-bias and anti-oppressive lens is inspiring,” says ETFO President Karen Brown. “She is a true educator whose instincts to share her skills underpin her activism and commitment to social justice. As a widely respected leader, her work has made a lasting impact on the world of education and will continue to do so for years to come.”

ETFO represents approximately 83,000 members, including public elementary teachers, occasional teachers, designated early childhood educators, education support personnel, and professional support personnel. Visit BuildingBetterSchools.ca.