OISE Alumni & Friends

Today, we remember and celebrate Nina Dixon, an extraordinary Master of Teaching student whose presence is deeply missed as we mark this year's Convocation.

Nina’s inspiring journey and the lasting impact she made on the OISE community will not be forgotten.

If you would like to make a donation in Nina’s memory, please give to a scholarship at the University of Toronto in Nina Dixon’s name: www.bit.ly/nina-dixon

Please join us in remembering Nina — a natural leader, loyal friend, and bold adventurer: www.oise.utoronto.ca/alumni-friends/in-memoriam/02-11-26-memoriam-nina-sophia-dixon-oise-student

From creating collaborative learning experiences to empowering a community-first mindset, OISE alum Dr. Emmanuel Tabi is inspiring the next gen of educators.

🏆 And it shows. Earlier this month Dr. Tabi received McGill’s Faculty of Education Award for Distinguished Teaching, a prestigious honour that recognizes dedication to teaching, mentorship, and student success in higher education.

An assistant professor McGill University, Dr. Tabi defines his teaching approach by intellectual rigor, compassion, and a deep commitment to equity and social justice. Grounded in Black Feminist Thought, his pedagogy creates inclusive learning environments where dialogue, lived experience, and self-reflection are central.

He invites students to take an active role in teaching and knowledge creation by co-lecturing classes, connecting course material to real-world social issues, and engaging in reflective storytelling and arts-based learning.

Congratulations, Dr. Tabi, on this well-deserved award! Your commitment to educational excellence is making a difference inside and outside of the classroom.

🏅 Nine years. Three degrees. Countless game days.

OISE alum Andrea Chiappetta has spent nearly a decade balancing academics, athletics, and leadership at U of T — and he’s done it all with great determination.

While completing a Master of Education in Social Justice Education and graduating this week from OISE’s Master of Teaching program, Andrea also played a key role behind the scenes with the Varsity Blues. From coordinating game-day operations and supporting major athletic events to helping create memorable experiences for student-athletes and fans, he became an integral part of the community.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Andrea’s passion for sports like soccer and volleyball helped shape his university experience, teaching him lessons in teamwork and service — qualities he now carries into his career as a future high school teacher.

Reflecting on his journey, Andrea credits OISE and the university with helping him grow both professionally and personally. His advice for future students: take the chance, embrace new opportunities, and trust where the journey may lead.

Read the full feature story by the Varsity Blues news team: https://varsityblues.ca/news/2026/6/4/general-behind-the-blues-andrea-chiappettas-journey-from-student-to-leader-with-the-varsity-blues.aspx

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Congratulations, ! You did it — we can’t wait to celebrate you Andrea! 💙

Join OISE to celebrate the end of the school year and the power of community — an evening of connection, recognition, and pride for 2SLGBTQ+ educators and allies. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be offered.

RSVP to celebrate with the department of curriculum, teaching and learning on June 17! https://oise.jotform.com/261265461672863

You’re invited to a World Cup viewing party as we come together to cheer on Team Canada on the global stage!

Bring your uni peers, your school spirit, and your energy to watch one of the world’s biggest sporting moments together.

This lawn party is open to all community members—alumni, students, faculty, and friends.

🗓️ Canada’s kickoff is this Friday, June 12 at 3 p.m.

For the full schedule go to www.uoft.me/uoft-soccer

See you at Front Campus Field! ⚽️🇨🇦

Did your child struggle at school this year? A psycho-educational assessment might help, says OISE alum Dr. Jillian Roberts who answers common questions about the process and school supports. Read more in the Globe and Mail or visit www.oise.utoronto.ca/about/news

Just as quickly as Indigenous scholarship recipient Allison Green began her OISE studies, developing her praxis as a secondary school teacher, has it wrapped up. And she says her growth has grounded her. https://www.oise.utoronto.ca/about/news/03-03-26-grounded-growth-masters-student-allison-green-earns-oise-indigenous-student

To prevent youth gang violence, Marycarmen Lara Villanueva says safe housing, funded schools, and community spaces make a difference – but also how boys visualize culture and themselves.

Read more about how youth gangs are shaped by inequality, institutional neglect, and racialized perceptions according to the 2026 graduating doctoral student.

View this article in Conversation Canada at
www.oise.utoronto.ca/about/news