“My intention is to shift your ways of thinking, in an effort to shift your ways of doing…”
A statement often expressed at the start (or in the middle) of a staff meeting, workshop or Professional Development session, facilitated by Khandi Alexander. Whatever you experienced yesterday, last month, or last year, it has come and gone, and today requires a new lens. Humans are constantly changing. Your current school or new space, your current students, your current school team, your current version of you, deserve a fresh new lens.
Khandi is a dedicated educator, youth advocate and community leader, who motivates and empowers 21-Century students by making creative connections. For over two decades, Khandi has worked with children in various education systems, charities, and community organizations in Canada, and abroad. Khandi has been recognized as a 2019 York Catholic District School Board Distinguished Alumni. In 2018, Khandi set off for China, where she would explore the private school system as a secondary school teacher. In 2021, Khandi ventured to Naujaat, Nunavut where she would serve Inuit students as a Vice-Principal.
Khandi founded Golden Scholars 101 in an effort to transform students’ learning experiences by speaking more specifically to their personal, academic and socio-emotional needs. Having experienced challenges in her own academic journey, Khandi understands the detrimental impact of disconnectedness in the classroom and a lack of cultural representation first-hand. Khandi discovered the importance of representation in education early on, after observing the exceptional dedication and leadership of her administrators, teachers and coaches of colour. Her goal is to create a shift in the way that students navigate their personal learning journeys and how parents/guardians support their children, and to transform the way in which teachers and school leaders serve their students.
new teacher preparedness
We all want to be inspiring educators and it is fulfilling both personally and professionally when we can see the positive impact that we have made on our students and our school community. But, as a new teacher, how do we make it all happen? Khandi shares her strategies for being a reflective practitioner, learning how to see the value in your growth, and in being a lifelong learner. Confidence in our abilities and accepting teaching as a vocation, is key. Establishing a personal teaching philosophy that aligns closely with your core values and beliefs, skill sets, and your commitment to continuous learning will aid new teachers in achieving success.
Classroom Management
When students sense that a teacher is dedicated to leaving a positive impact in their lives, they begin to respond differently. Khandi teaches her signature tools for establishing stronger and more meaningful relationships in the classroom, which help pave the way for more effective classroom management strategies. By acknowledging and honouring the personal experiences and learning journeys of our students, we can create a safe and inclusive learning space.
educational leadership
“You can lead a team to the championships, but can you manage a team to the championships?”
Leadership vs. Management - Effective leadership calls for both. A successful school leader is a reflective practitioner who leads honestly and authentically. A well-organized team requires a leader who can build meaningful relationships with staff and key stakeholders, without abusing their power. Khandi discusses how to create collaborative learning cultures that inspire positive shifts in teacher effectiveness, which in turn improve student achievement. The success of a team comes with the cooperation of all team members.
Effective Instruction Delivery (EID)
All children learn differently. Khandi shares her holistic approach to classroom instruction, and how a positive class climate is created when we embrace children and their diverse learning profiles. In her unique teaching experiences in Ontario and abroad, she has learned that children benefit from a myriad of experiential learning experiences. Taking the time to learn more about how students acquire knowledge, their interests and their individual needs, helps educators determine the appropriate strategies and resources needed to deliver curricula more effectively. Through use of research-based instructional strategies, teachers can better monitor and assess student learning, meet students’ developmental and learning needs, and create more innovative learning spaces.
Illuminating Black Brilliance: Celebrating Black Heritage
“We are greater than one month!”
Examining our history allows us to acknowledge and assess the journeys of our ancestors, so to better understand ourselves, where we have come from, and where we choose to go. In this interactive workshop, Khandi uses her experiences as an artist, change agent, and Black teaching practitioner, to show participants the diverse achievements and contributions of Afro-Caribbean Canadians, and their presence in Canada, and beyond.
Addressing important topics such as identity and cultural diversity, self-empowerment, and dismantling stereotypes and systemic barriers, Khandi challenges participants to recognize and honour the accomplishments of Afro-Caribbean Canadians differently, through mindfulness exercises, read alouds, self-reflection and community building activities and more!
Whether delivering presentations to Principals and Senior Administration, elementary/secondary students, or condensed discussions with pre-schoolers, Khandi has crafted this interactive lesson for audiences of any age, to help participants understand why we are greater than one month.
Key Takeaways:
Practical tools for staff and students
Develop a critical lens on identity
Mindfulness activities
Coming Soon