YRDSB VOTES: Candidate profile for Estelle Cohen -- Vaughan Wards 4 and 5 candidate

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 3, 2022
Brian Capitao

NAME: Estelle Cohen

OCCUPATION: Mediator and Relationship Coach

POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR: Trustee Candidate, area 3, wards 4 and 5

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: As a manager of English as a second language, at Toronto District School Board, and as a professional mediator and investigator for the Human Rights Department, with TDSB, I have spent a significant part of my career, working with school trustees, politicians, upper management and unions.

WHY HAVE YOU DECIDED TO RUN?

With 2 children, presently teaching at York Region District School Board and 4 grandchildren attending school at YRDSB, I have an invested interest in advocating for the best educational system for my family, and yours. My working life has been about promoting excellence in education and advocating for equity.

HOW WILL YOU EMBRACE AND CHAMPION DIVERSITY?

As an English as a Second Language teacher, and co-manager of approximately 20,000 newly arrived immigrants per year, I was honoured to have the opportunity to support a diverse population of learners. It was not a job, but rather a calling to work in such a gratifying field.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE ISSUES?

Advocate for additional funding for Special Needs classes and mental health resources (classroom assistants, psychologists) etc.

Advocate for inclusion of all students, as represented in the curriculum, PD for educators and staff, so that all students feel safe, respected and welcomed.

Respond in a timely manner to all constituents regarding areas of concern. Early intervention is crucial.

IF ELECTED, WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR FIRST 100 DAYS?

Familiarizing myself with my colleagues in preparation for selecting the new Director of Education.

Visiting every parent council in my area to learn about the most pressing issues for the coming year.

Investigating the most successful methods of eliminating all forms of racism and bullying at YRDSB and promoting inclusion and acceptance.