Julia Samaroo

Background

About Julia Samaroo

Over the past fourteen years, I have engaged in work within academic, school and community settings, that have been community-centric and grounded in efforts working towards equitable outcomes in education. Using my research expertise to support system leaders and educators develop their data literacy with particular focus on using anti-oppression and anti-racism frameworks to guide their school improvement planning and teaching practice. Through leading professional learning, and developing resources and tools, my approach has been to bridge the disconnect between theory (anti-oppression, anti-racism, critical race theory, QuantCrit) and practice by focusing on the opportunity gaps created by existing barriers for marginalized students, families and staff. I am also completing my PhD in Education at York University. My research explores the intersections of community, identity, and social justice within educational settings. Using anti-oppression, critical pedagogy and critical race theory, I examine the role of community engagement in the schooling of marginalized students and pay attention to the nuanced ways that 'community' is constructed at the classroom, school and school board levels. My research interests are focused on exploring socio-cultural issues (as it relates to class, culture, ethnicity, and race) facing (sub)urban schools and marginalized groups, and interrogating educational policies regarding social justice, equity and inclusive education. My experiences in school settings thus far have nurtured an awareness of the complex dynamics of working within the public education system (institutional demands) and strengthened my commitment to engaging in grassroots movements from the "bottom-up". Accordingly, I am passionate about advocating for equity, inclusivity, social justice, and human rights within, but not limited to the context of education in Canada. I am interested in pursuing career opportunities within context of consulting, research, and program development.