Halton District School Board teachers Ailise Byrne and Sezgin Nalsok recently received
awards from the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) for recognition of their work in their profession.
Byrne, a teacher at Sam Sherratt PS, was presented the 2024 Anti-Racist and Equity Activism Award – Women’s Program. This award recognizes an ETFO member or group of members for their active involvement in anti-racist and equity work in the classroom or community.
Nalsok, a Learning Resource Teacher with the HDSB, received the 2024 International Humanitarian Award. This award is presented annually to an active ETFO member who has given outstanding service to supporting children in the global community.
According to the ETFO website, Bryne “actively supported her colleagues in embracing equitable teaching practices”. She developed resources and guidance to equip staff with readily accessible tools, and provided a platform for dialogue and learning on equity issues.
According to the ETFO website, Nalsok “joined a team of volunteers and travelled abroad on a humanitarian mission to support displaced orphans and refugees driven from their homes by conflict, poverty or climate change. Nalsok was the lead volunteer at one of these camps, implementing play-based activities with a mental health focus and games that were culturally-responsive and trauma-informed.”
“It makes me feel honoured and proud to know that the work I'm passionate about is being recognized and making a tangible impact,” Byrne says. “It reaffirms the importance of promoting equity and inclusion in everything we do as educators, and motivates me to continue striving for a more just and equitable school system. It also serves as a reminder of the vital role educators play in shaping a more just and inclusive future. I’m honoured to be part of this crucial work.”
“I am honoured to have worked beside brave humanitarians worldwide who sacrifice their lives, their time and lead with compassion to aid those in need,” Nalsok says. “My work abroad in refugee camps with the many displaced families and orphans is humbling and enables me to serve students and the staff I work with who come from all parts of the world with diverse lived experiences.”
