Final two Laurier EdTalks lectures to focus on building resiliency, inspiring innovation in children

May 18, 2021
For Immediate Release

Waterloo – The final two lectures in Wilfrid Laurier University’s Laurier EdTalks: Innovation in Education series will focus on two themes: building resiliency and inspiring innovation in children and youth. The lecture series, presented by Laurier’s Faculty of Education, in partnership with the Waterloo Public Library, launched in January and will end in June.

“Over the last few months, professors from Laurier’s Faculty of Education have shed light on a wide range of timely and pressing topics, including the importance of physical education, digital literacy and mental health among children and youth,” said Maria Cantalini-Williams, dean of the Faculty of Education. “It has been a challenging year for students, educators and parents. We’re proud to be able to share leading research and expert guidance with our community when it’s needed most.”

“Building Resilience in our Children and Youth,” presented by Carolyn FitzGerald, an assistant professor from the Faculty of Education, will offer strategies and approaches for parents and educators to support and nurture resiliency in children and youth. The lecture will be held virtually on May 26 at 7 p.m.

“Inspiring Innovation in our Children,” presented by Cantalini-Williams, will explore current research and initiatives on innovation in education and provide guidance for parents and educators looking to foster innovation in young people. The lecture will be held virtually on June 9 at 7 p.m.

Both events are free and open to the public and will be an interactive experience, with opportunities to ask questions. Registration is required.

FitzGerald’s research focuses on the mental health of pre-service teachers, teachers and school administrators, as well as ways in which educators can offer effective programs to respond to the mental health needs of Ontario’s children and youth. She is the coordinator of Laurier’s Mental Health Issues in the Classroom certificate, a non-credit course for educators wanting to improve their knowledge of and ability to support students with mental health challenges.

“Facing adversity can help build resilience in children and youth, but there are a number of strategies parents can use to build and nurture the skills that foster resilience,” said FitzGerald. “Learning how to apply these strategies on a daily basis can make a very real difference in the lives of our young people.”

Cantalini-Williams is an expert on innovation in education, collaborative inquiry, early childhood development and work-integrated learning models and she has authored and co-authored numerous books, chapters in books and academic journal articles on these topics. Since 2016, she has been the chair of the Rideau Hall Foundation committee working on the Education for Innovation project, which is designed to develop innovative skills and mindsets in Canadian students.

The Laurier EdTalks: Innovation in Education lecture series was launched in response to increasing concern about how children and youth are adjusting to remote learning and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lecture series has highlighted leadership and expertise within Laurier’s Faculty of Education through virtual talks on topics including physical literacy, digital fluency and the power of storytelling. Find out more about the Laurier EdTalks: Innovation in Education series.