The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Derrick Miller, a teacher with the Elementary Teachers of Toronto, with its 2022 Rainbow Visions Award for his project entitled “Zion Nioz Pride.”

The award is presented to members or non-members of ETFO who develop materials and/or incorporate practices that work toward the inclusion of two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning realities.

Prior to joining his current school, Downtown Vocal Music Academy, Miller was a teacher at Zion Heights Middle School. There, he created a spoken word, literacy-based project that he launched during Pride Month in June 2021. Miller shared the program with his current school this past June.

The goal of the “Zion Nioz Pride” is to give students a voice to express their sexuality, allyship and individuality using spoken word or written prose/poetry. Students shared their work during Zion Noiz Poetry Café, a school-wide virtual assembly.

At Zion Heights, Miller started the school’s first-ever Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), “Respect the Rainbow.” He currently supports the GSA at Downtown Vocal Music Academy, created a Wall of Positivity, ensured a gender-neutral washroom was available for students, and actively seeks out speakers who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ to further empower students.

“By infusing 2SLGBTQ+ issues, artists, personalities and topics into his everyday teaching, Derrick creates spaces that are welcoming and inclusive for all,” says ETFO President Karen Brown. “Derrick’s efforts to create safe spaces in each of his schools have left students feeling like they were in a place where they were represented and where they could express themselves confidently.”

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.