By Nupur Bagoria

Bill C-23, titled the Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Act, was enacted in 2000. It granted same-sex couples who had been living together for over a year the same rights as heterosexual common-law couples under Canadian law.

(The legislation did not address same-sex marriage, and even included a definition of marriage that reaffirmed its traditional meaning as “the lawful union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.”)

Steps Toward Equality

1969

The Criminal Law Amendment Act makes homosexuality legal by removing criminal penalties for sexual acts between consenting adults aged 21 and older, regardless of gender.

1977

Quebec amends its human rights code to make discrimination based on sexual orientation illegal. It is the first province to do so. Two years later, the Canadian Human Rights Commission suggests that the whole country add “sexual orientation” to its national human rights law.

1985

Section 15 is added to Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It guarantees that:

Although sexual orientation isn’t explicitly mentioned, Section 15 goes on to be used as a source of LGBTQIA2S+ rights in Canada.

1993

In the case of Canada (Attorney General) v. Mossop, two Supreme Court judges found that “family status” could include same-sex couples cohabitating in a long-term relationship.

1995

Even though a same-sex couple loses their case about receiving spousal pension benefits (Egan v. Canada), the Supreme Court judges unanimously agree that sexual orientation falls within Section 15 of the Charter and should be protected—including same-sex relationships.

Around the same time, an Ontario judge rules that the province’s Child and Family Services Act violated the Charter rights of same-sex couples by not allowing them to adopt children together. Ontario becomes the first province to make adoption legal for same-sex couples.

1999

When two women in Toronto break up after living together for over a decade, one sues the other for spousal support under Ontario’s Family Law Act (M. v. H.). The Supreme Court rules that the Act’s definition of “spouse”—limited to married couples or common-law opposite-sex pairs—is unconstitutional.

Rather than redefining “spouse,” the Ontario government introduces Bill 5 in October 1999, creating a separate “same-sex partner” category and changing the Family Law Act to read “spouse or same-sex partner” throughout.

2000

Parliament passes Bill C-23.

2005

The Civil Marriage Act becomes law on July 20, legalizing same-sex marriage across Canada.

Total Statutes Amended by Bill C-23: 68

These changes affected approximately 20 federal departments and agencies, making the Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Act one of the most sweeping pieces of equality-focused legislation in Canadian history. The amendments enhanced several important aspects of same-sex couples’ lives.

1. Modern Relationships

Added the term “common-law partner” to offer legal recognition for the relationships between same-sex couples. This impacted a number of acts, including:

• The Canada Elections Act
• The Citizenship Act
• The Cree-Naskapi (Of Quebec) Act

2. Financial Equity

The legal amendments of Bill C-23 transformed financial planning for same-sex couples in committed relationships, giving them a more solid legal standing when it came to managing money together. Several important acts were revised, such as:

• The Bank Act
• The Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act
• The Income Tax Act

3. Insurance Coverage

The Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Act revolutionized the accessibility of insurance benefits and coverage for same-sex partners. Amendments were made to a number of acts, including the following:

• The Civil Service Insurance Act
• The Insurance Companies Act
• The Veterans Insurance Act

4. Family Support

Amendments were made to establish comprehensive family support frameworks that recognized the mutual responsibilities and protections inherent in all committed relationships. This affected laws such as:

• The Criminal Code
• The Employment Insurance Act
• The Old Age Security Act

5. Pension

The amendments from Bill C-23 fundamentally transformed pension rights by extending comprehensive retirement protections to common-law partners, ensuring access to survivor benefits and pension security. A number of laws were revised, including:

• The Canada Pension Plan
• The Canadian Forces Superannuation Act
• The Members of Parliament Retiring Allowances Act

Did You Know?

When Statistics Canada first counted same-sex couples in 2001, they found about 0.5 percent of all Canadian couples were same-sex—officially recognizing a community that had been statistically invisible until then.

The post Recognizing Same-Sex Couples: Bill C-23, Explained appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

Par Nupur Bagoria

Le projet de loi C-23, la Loi sur la modernisation de certains régimes d’avantages et d’obligations, a été adopté en 2000. Il accorde aux couples de même sexe qui vivent ensemble depuis plus d’un an les mêmes droits qu’aux couples hétérosexuels en union civile aux yeux du droit canadien.

(La Loi n’aborde pas la question du mariage homosexuel et inclut même une définition du mariage qui consolidait le sens qu’on lui donnait traditionnellement, à savoir « l’union légitime d’un homme et d’une femme à l’exclusion de toute autre personne ».)

Cheminement vers l’égalité

1969

La Loi modifiant le droit pénal légalise l’homosexualité en supprimant les sanctions pénales pour les actes sexuels entre adultes consentants âgés d’au moins 21 ans, quel que soit leur genre.

1977

Le Québec modifie sa charte des droits et libertés de la personne pour rendre illégale la discrimination fondée sur l’orientation sexuelle. C’est la première province à faire le saut. Deux ans plus tard, la Commission canadienne des droits de la personne propose que soit ajoutée l’orientation sexuelle aux lois nationales régissant les droits de la personne.

1985

L’article 15 est ajouté à la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés. On y prévoit ce qui suit :

Bien que l’orientation sexuelle ne soit pas explicitement mentionnée, l’article 15 servira de fondement pour les revendications des LGBTQIA2S+ au Canada.

1993

Dans l’affaire Canada (Procureur général) c. Mossop, deux juges de la Cour suprême ont estimé que la « situation familiale » pouvait inclure les couples de même sexe qui habitent ensemble depuis longtemps.

1995

Même si un couple de même sexe perd son procès concernant l’obtention de prestations de retraite pour les conjoints (Egan c. Canada), les juges de la Cour suprême conviennent à l’unanimité que l’orientation sexuelle (et donc les couples de même sexe) relève de l’article 15 de la Charte et doit être protégée.

À peu près au même moment, un juge de l’Ontario déclare que la Loi sur les services à l’enfance et à la famille de la province viole les droits des couples de même sexe garantis par la Charte en leur interdisant d’adopter des enfants ensemble. L’Ontario devient la première province à légaliser l’adoption pour les couples de même sexe.

1999

Lorsque deux femmes de Toronto se séparent après avoir vécu ensemble pendant plus de dix ans, l’une d’elles poursuit l’autre pour obtenir une pension alimentaire en vertu de la Loi sur le droit de la famille de l’Ontario (M. c. H.). La Cour suprême juge inconstitutionnelle la définition du terme « conjoint » figurant dans la Loi, qui se limite aux couples mariés ou aux couples de sexe opposé vivant en union libre.

Au lieu de redéfinir le terme « conjoint », le gouvernement de l’Ontario présente le projet de loi 5 en octobre 1999, qui crée une catégorie distincte de « partenaire de même sexe » et modifie la Loi sur le droit de la famille pour qu’on y lise toujours « conjoint ou partenaire de même sexe ».

2000

Le Parlement adopte le projet de loi C-23.

2005

La Loi sur le mariage civil est promulguée le 20 juillet, légalisant le mariage entre personnes de même sexe dans tout le Canada.

Nombre de lois modifiées par le projet de loi C-23 : 68

Les changements ont touché environ 20 ministères et organismes fédéraux, faisant de la Loi sur la modernisation de certains régimes d’avantages et d’obligations l’un des textes législatifs les plus importants de l’histoire du Canada pour ce qui est de l’enjeu de l’égalité. Ils ont amélioré beaucoup de choses dans la vie des couples de même sexe.

1. Relations modernes

Ajout du terme « conjoint de fait » afin de reconnaître juridiquement les relations entre les couples de même sexe. Plusieurs lois ont été touchées :

• Loi électorale du Canada
• Loi sur la citoyenneté
• Loi sur les Cris et les Naskapis du Québec

2. Équité financière

Les modifications introduites par le projet de loi C-23 ont profondément transformé la planification financière des couples de même sexe engagés dans une relation à long terme, en leur conférant un statut juridique beaucoup plus solide pour la gestion conjointe de leurs finances. Plusieurs lois importantes ont été révisées :

• Loi sur les banques
• Loi sur la faillite et l’insolvabilité
• Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu

3. Assurances

La Loi sur la modernisation de certains régimes d’avantages et d’obligations a élargi l’admissibilité des partenaires de même sexe aux prestations d’assurance et aux régimes de protection. Des modifications ont été apportées à plusieurs lois :

• Loi sur l’assurance du service civil
• Loi sur les sociétés d’assurances
• Loi sur l’assurance des anciens combattants

4. Soutien familial

Des modifications ont été apportées afin d’établir des cadres complets régissant les obligations de soutien familial qui reconnaissent les responsabilités réciproques et les protections inhérentes à toute relation engagée. Ont fait partie des lois touchées :

• Code criminel
• Loi sur l’assurance-emploi
• Loi sur la sécurité de la vieillesse

5. Pension

Les modifications apportées par le projet de loi C-23 ont fondamentalement transformé les droits à pension en étendant aux conjoints de fait des protections complètes pour la retraite, en garantissant l’accès aux prestations de survivant et en assurant la sécurité des pensions. Plusieurs lois ont été révisées :

• Régime de pensions du Canada
• Loi sur la pension de retraite des Forces canadiennes
• Loi sur les allocations de retraite des parlementaires

Le saviez-vous?

Quand Statistique Canada a recensé pour la première fois les couples de même sexe en 2001, elle a constaté qu’environ 0,5 % des couples canadiens étaient des couples de même sexe, une réalité jusque-là complètement cachée dans les statistiques.

The post La quête de reconnaissance juridique des couples de même sexe : point de mire sur le projet appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping as winter looms ever closer. But look on the bright side—the holiday season is almost here. And so is winter break!

If you want to take advantage of your upcoming time off (and the extra few hours of darkness in December) what better way than by checking out some festive light shows and installations? Whether you’re going with family, meeting up with friends, or treating yourself to a bit of solo adventure time, there’s something magical about experiencing the season beyond your classroom walls.

That’s why we’ve rounded up the best light displays to chase away those winter blues and help you get into the holiday spirit. So grab your hot chocolate, charge your phone for photos, and get ready to make some memories!

Bentleyville “Tour of Lights”
Duluth, MN
Dates: November 22–December 27

Bentleyville is America’s largest free walk-through light display, and it has something for everyone!

Here’s what makes it special: as you soak in the wonder of five million dazzling lights, enjoy the complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, and popcorn that are available to all visitors. Plus, you can roast marshmallows at the firepits scattered throughout the display. Kids ages 12 and under even get a Bentleyville knit hat and bag of cookies when they visit Santa!

Bentleyville prides itself on supporting families and communities, and encourages guests to bring a non-perishable food item or new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Salvation Army. The event runs from November 22 to December 27, and even displays a Crowd-O-Meter on its website to help you find the best time to visit.

Canad Inns Winter Wonderland
Winnipeg, MB
Dates: November 28–January 3

Drive through Canad Inns at Winnipeg’s transformed Red River Exhibition Park, featuring over two million lights along a 2.5 km route. Western Canada’s biggest drive-through holiday light show has 40 new displays this year, plus some big surprises that make it well worth the trip.

While the majority of the exhibit can be enjoyed from the warmth of your car (it even offers exclusive holiday radio programming as you drive along), there are plenty of enticing winter activities that are well worth braving the cold for, including: photo ops (for you and your pets!), outdoor skating, hayrides, and more. Warm drinks and treats are available to grab from the food stands on-site, and, while you’re there, be sure to check out Canada’s second biggest Christmas tree too!

Keep in mind that this is a ticketed event running from November 28, 2025 to January 3, 2026—so plan ahead. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the Canad Inns Foundation and the Red River Exhibition Foundation.

Canyon Lights
North Vancouver, BC
Dates: November 21–January 18

Every year, North Van’s Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park transforms into a family-friendly holiday wonderland filled with millions of sparkling lights, merry music, and delicious treats. The beloved tradition gets a new update this year with its 3D wildlife projection “Wildlight,” where technology combines with nature to bring West Coast creatures to life. Other festive features include a North Pole photo spot, a whimsical rainforest adventure for kids, and dazzling lit-up versions of the regular Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk.

This ticketed event runs from November 21, 2025 until January 18, 2026, with partial proceeds from admissions going towards fire and burn education in schools across BC, Burn Camp, and the Twelve Nights of Christmas program, which offers free passes to local charities.

Christmas Tree Lane
Altadena, CA
Dates: December–January

Take a trip down Christmas Tree Lane, a century-old tradition in the heart of Altadena—and the oldest outdoor large-scale Christmas lighting display in the U.S. Each year from early December until the first week of January, 150 towering deodar cedar trees that line Santa Rosa Avenue are strung with over 10,000 lights.

Residents along the street also get into the spirit and cover their houses and lawns with elaborate displays and decorations. (Keep an eye on the Christmas Tree Lane website for news about the winner of the Holiday Decorating Contest!)

The trees along Christmas Tree Lane were spared from the devastating Eaton Fire that ravaged Altadena at the beginning of 2025, and the community is eager to come together in reflection and celebration this holiday season. With extensive tree removals happening across the area in the fire’s aftermath, this year’s event is also a moment to appreciate and protect everything that has survived, including these precious trees. It’s a chance to show up for the landscape that remains and acknowledge its resilience. (To learn more, check out the Altadena Green grassroots organization.)

Note that this living piece of California history is made possible thanks to the hard-working volunteers of the Christmas Tree Lane Association.

Halifax Public Gardens’ Holiday Lights
Halifax, NS
Dates: November 29–January 1

Kick off the holiday season by taking a free stroll through the Halifax Public Gardens. Part of the city’s Evergreen Festival, the gardens are aglow with festive cheer each night from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Bring along some hot cocoa and soak in the idyllic scenes as you follow a trail of twinkling lights from the main gates towards the bandstand.

Tip: for even more light displays, check out the Evergreen Bright installations spread out across downtown Halifax and the waterfront, which will be set up until December 14. 

Holiday Wonder
Calgary, AB
Dates: November 27–January 3

Immerse yourself in the magic of the season at Calgary’s BMO Centre. Its Holiday Wonder event takes everything you love about this time of year and packs it into one massive indoor festival. Walk through tons of giant light displays, a life-sized gingerbread house, the “snowflake forest,” and a post office where kids can mail their letters to Santa. There’s even an indoor “snowball” area, because why not bring the snow inside?

Holiday Wonder is ticketed, and the whole attraction is designed to keep you moving from one setup to the next. No standing around wondering what to do—there’s always something fun to check out. Experience the excitement from November 27, 2025 to January 3, 2026. Best of all, since the entire festival is indoors, the weather isn’t going to ruin your plans!

Illumination: Tree Lights
Lisle, IL
Dates: November 15–January 3

The Morton Arboretum has turned 50 acres of trees into a walk-through light and sound experience. The fully-accessible trail runs across gardens and tree-filled areas, and features dozens of immersive light displays. Enjoy this ticketed event at your own pace from November 15, 2025 through January 3, 2026, and watch how light changes the way you see gorgeous winter scenery.

This year’s lineup includes live DJ performances, dog admission nights, and four stunning animal sculptures from the Arboretum’s Vivid Creatures exhibition.

Magic of Lights
Multiple destinations in Canada and the U.S.
Dates: November–January (varies by location)

Magic of Lights is a drive-through experience that uses LED technology and digital animations to bring holiday scenes to life. One price covers your whole car, so bring whoever fits! The real win? Magic of Lights has locations all over the U.S.—and several spots in Canada—so no one misses out.

Some locations also include a walkable holiday village, illuminated forest trails, and plenty of treats and hot chocolate, along with appearances from Santa on select nights before Christmas Eve. Be sure to get your photo before he has to leave for work!

Village of Lights: Christmastown
Leavenworth, WA
Dates: November 28–December 24

The charming town of Leavenworth was modelled on a Bavarian village, and every winter it transforms into a scene straight out of a holiday card. Over half a million lights keep it glowing from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, with the gazebo at the town’s centre adding to the magic through a series of live performances and carollers over the course of the season.

The Christmastown festivities run until December 24, 2025, with a mix of free and ticketed events happening throughout, but the light display will stay up until February 28, 2026. Check the town’s website for the full lineup so you can plan around what interests you.

November and December bring the crowds and the energy—Christmas concerts, festive crafts and exhibits, tasty treats, and more. January and February deliver a quieter (although no less magnificent) experience with the same lights, fewer people, and more peaceful snow-covered strolls. Whenever you choose to go, there’s sure to be plenty of delightful winter activities to partake in. To get started, simply walk around, grab something warm to drink, and let the town do its thing.

Winter Festival of Lights
Niagara Falls, ON
Dates: November 15–January 4

Niagara Falls’ annual Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s biggest free outdoor light festival. With more than 75 displays and three million lights spread throughout the city, there’s a fresh batch of holiday cheer around every corner. (Tip: be sure to take advantage of the hot chocolate trail to help keep you warm as you wander around!)

Whether you’re looking for classic winter holidays vibes or something more, the Winter Festival has it all—from photos with Santa to fireworks and laser shows. And the falls themselves? They become part of the event! A new illumination called “Sparkling Winter Lights” lights up the falls, showcasing magical winter scenes. Between the snowfall, the frozen mist, and maybe even some aurora borealis, the backdrop does half the work.

The festival runs from November 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Since it’s completely free, you can always visit more than once and explore with an easy-to-download map.

The post 10 Holiday Light Displays You Won’t Want to Miss appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

In the last two decades, the skills required to succeed professionally—and even to navigate daily life as an informed, mindful individual—have grown increasingly complex. Adapting to rapid technological advancements and developing new competencies has become essential rather than optional.

However, as society shifts, the education system seems to have remained stagnant. This disconnect raises an important question: How do we prepare students for a world that looks nothing like the one traditional curricula were designed for?

Ravi Bhushan believes he has part of the answer. He is the founder of BrightCHAMPS, a global edtech company that has been working to bridge the gap between conventional education and the skills modern students actually need. The organization offers a mixture of academic and STEM-accredited courses, alongside programs that build future-ready skills such as coding, AI, financial literacy, and public speaking.

In a recent conversation with Bhushan, he explains his vision for redefining education, and shares the results of his team’s efforts to make that vision a reality.

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: What was the moment you realized traditional education needed something different, and how did that lead to BrightCHAMPS?

I had an unconventional upbringing, thanks to the influence of my grandfather. He often reminded me that real growth occurs when you probe and seek out the unknown, instead of just memorizing. That philosophy guided my learning, and as I entered the working world, I noticed some similar conversations among professionals from various sectors.

Many commented that, had they acquired skills like coding, money management, or how to utilize AI from an early age, their career trajectories would have been more versatile. These remarks helped me realize that traditional education, although beneficial, was failing to address crucial gaps in the system.

The pivotal moment came when my son, a history buff, created his first app when he was seven years old. The app mapped dynasties with their timelines, marrying my son’s passion for history with technology that he learned early on. Watching him combine creativity with functional skills at such a young age confirmed my thinking that education shouldn’t merely provide children with information, but also with the capacity to apply it meaningfully. That became the source of inspiration behind BrightCHAMPS.

Q: How would you explain to teachers and parents why subjects like anti-bullying and money management belong alongside math and science?

Today’s world is far more complex for our children than the one we grew up in. The BrightCHAMPS 2024 Pulse of Parents report found that 56 percent of parents in the U.S. believe the traditional pathway from school to college to employment is no longer sufficient to secure their child’s future. As such, it is imperative for parents and educators to ensure that kids are equipped with emotional intelligence and practical skills to navigate the world with confidence and compassion.

Educating children to handle money at a young age not only enhances their financial knowledge but also instills responsibility, autonomy, and the capacity for long-term planning. Similarly, early education on anti-bullying allows young learners to develop emotions such as empathy and resilience, allowing them to create stronger relationships and confront real-life issues practically.

A well-balanced education is about more than just the merits achieved in a class. It is about creating caring, thoughtful, and confident leaders.

Q: Is it challenging to convince parents that their children need more than just regular schoolwork?

The conversation around education is changing in leaps and bounds, and so are parents’ expectations. However, getting them to believe that their child requires more than traditional academics remains an ongoing challenge.

Millennials, who constitute the majority of parents with school-age children in America today, have experienced one of the most radical technological revolutions in recorded history. They’ve witnessed industries change, jobs vanish, and new careers spring up overnight. Consequently, they intuitively prioritize creativity, flexibility, and emotional intelligence equally with old-fashioned academic achievement.

But even with this realization, there continues to have a gap between intention and action. Parents see the value of integrated learning, but default to established school systems that continue to emphasize test scores and grades. This results in a paradox of having intention but falling behind with execution.

It’s not always easy to persuade parents to allocate funds for learning programs outside of mainstream education, but the outcomes speak for themselves. Whether it’s a young learner creating their first app, running a virtual business simulation, or successfully pitching an idea to others, the effects of hands-on experience are noticeable and enduring.

These results reinforce our belief that education needs to transition from information transmission to skill development, setting children up not for exams, but for life.

Q: How do you define success at BrightCHAMPS?

Here, success isn’t measured by grades or test scores. It’s the number of young lives we can touch and transform for a better future.

A true measure of our footprint is when we observe our students using what they have learned in actual situations. When a child runs a school project smoothly or applies their knowledge of money to make responsible choices, it is a demonstration of our program’s impact—equipping children to be critical thinkers, creative problem solvers, and confident challengers.

To me, success is watching our students blossom into caring, self-sufficient, and emotionally intelligent people who are capable of operating in the world with both capability and heart. Watching this transformation unfold in each learner is what truly defines success at BrightCHAMPS.

Q: What kind of impact are you seeing in students who take your programs?

The way our Financial Literacy students use their abilities to organize and oversee fundraising events during school breaks is an excellent example. They prepare budgets, estimate expenditures, and monitor donations with impressive accuracy and accountability. These activities not only make them aware of the actual worth of money, but also help them develop empathy and leadership skills, as students tend to collect funds for social or community causes.

Our Coding and Vedic Math courses build on creativity, critical thinking, and accuracy. Given that the platform is highly personalized, we have witnessed an increase in confidence in our students, as it caters to their actual curiosity. When a child builds a dance app after only a few weeks of coding or uses mathematical logic to crack a tough problem, it highlights the strength of experiential learning.

We love watching our students succeed academically but also think critically, act responsibly, and develop into reflective, competent individuals ready to lead in a changing world.

About Ravi Bhushan

Ravi Bhushan, founder and CEO of BrightCHAMPS, is redefining K–12 education through a digital-first learning model. He is an innovator with a vision to equip young learners with next-gen skills.

The post Is It Time to Redefine Education for Modern Students? An Interview with Ravi Bhushan appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

Listening is a fundamental skill that often gets overlooked. With phones, tablets, and other distractions everywhere, along with the regular hustle and bustle of busy classrooms, it’s hard to know what good listening really looks like. Teachers spend time teaching students to read, write, and solve math problems, but it’s just as important to teach them how to sit and pay proper attention.

In our conversation with educator, author, and keynote speaker Christine Miles, we explore the often-invisible crisis of listening in education. Her expertise illuminates both the challenges and the path forward for educators seeking to create more engaged, attentive learning environments.

Miles has made it her mission to bridge this critical gap, which is why she created The Listening Path®, a revolutionary system designed to teach listening as a foundational skill. Through her innovative tools and evidence-based approach, Miles helps both teachers and students develop the listening skills that are essential not just for academic success, but for meaningful communication throughout life.

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: From your experience, why do you think listening has become such a critical challenge in today’s classrooms?

Listening is a true 21st-century skill, central to what education strives to accomplish. It’s at the core of the “4 C’s” that drive student success: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Yet listening is rarely taught with intention. We often assume it happens automatically, but the truth is that most adults and children, including teachers, have never received formal instruction on how to truly listen and understand.

Despite its formative importance, the numbers are startling: less than 2% of people have been formally taught to listen, yet 96% believe they’re “good listeners.” This leaves educators with a real dilemma. How do you teach a skill you’ve never learned yourself? As a result, listening strategies in classrooms are typically limited to performative behaviors like making eye contact or sitting quietly, instead of practices that develop genuine understanding.

Today’s classrooms are filled with distractions, and many students feel they are truly able to listen in ways that help them learn. When teaching intentional listening is absent, students mentally check out, miss directions, and struggle to connect with their teachers and classmates. Listening isn’t just about hearing words, it’s the bedrock of real understanding, focus, learning, and meaningful relationships.

Q: How did we end up with this disconnect? Do smartphones and social media play a role?

This gap isn’t new; it’s rooted in how we’ve approached listening for generations, treating it as a passive skill that should just “happen” naturally. In truth, our brains are wired to wander, and developing genuine listening skills has always been difficult.

Today, the challenge is even greater—97% of students own smartphones, and nearly all of them bring their phones to class, making distractions unavoidable. Screens and social media intensify the problem by shortening attention spans and pulling us away from meaningful interactions, both within and beyond the classroom.

That’s why we need to intentionally teach and practice listening skills, so we can address long-standing challenges and new distractions alike, and finally learn how to listen with understanding and purpose.

Q: Your award-winning book What Is it Costing You Not to Listen? explores the real price of poor listening skills. Can you share some of the most surprising or significant “costs” you uncovered through your research––both for students academically and for teachers professionally?

The biggest costs of poor listening skills are often invisible, hiding in plain sight. It is incredibly difficult to address a problem you aren’t even aware of, and that’s exactly where poor listening does its damage.

A major part of learning depends on attentive listening. When students aren’t fully engaged, the consequences ripple through every aspect of their education: missed instructions, misunderstood assignments, and a loss of valuable opportunities to build empathy, collaborative skills, and social intelligence with their peers. For teachers, the impact means more time spent re-explaining information, increased effort to maintain engagement, and fewer moments for those rewarding connections that make teaching so meaningful.

But this problem doesn’t stop at the classroom door. It extends into the workplace, where 70% of mistakes are due to ineffective listening, while reducing productivity and morale, and even fueling organizational conflict and turnover. In personal and professional relationships, poor listening erodes trust, diminishes creativity, and weakens teamwork. The hidden costs are real: lost learning, wasted time, unfulfilled potential, and a weaker sense of community.

Q: What are your most effective strategies for establishing what you might call a “listening culture” in the classroom? Are there specific techniques that teachers can implement immediately?

The most effective strategies for building a listening culture in schools start with making listening a visible and intentional part of everyday life. In my experience, classrooms thrive when listening isn’t treated as a background expectation, but rather is woven into the core curriculum and practiced daily.

I encourage educators to teach simple and practical listening tools, establishing a shared language that everyone uses together, both in school and at home. Reflection is key: make space for students to talk about not just what they know, but how they feel and what perspectives they bring. It’s just as important to celebrate listening as it is to celebrate speaking, so recognize when students make others feel heard and understood.

Finally, partnering with parents is essential. When teachers share classroom listening strategies and families use them during meals, bedtime, or family gatherings, listening becomes a shared value. These small steps, done together, can make it second nature and help a real listening culture grow.

Q: Parents often feel they’re competing with screens and constant distractions for their child’s attention. Based on the strategies in your book, what practical steps can they take at home to reinforce good listening habits?

Listening isn’t just for school, it’s a family skill, too. I always recommend setting aside some device-free time for conversations. Modeling good listening means showing real curiosity about your child’s world, and encouraging them to be curious about yours. Ask questions that invite your child to share more, and listen for the feelings behind their words—this shows them how much you value what they have to say.

While childhood is naturally self-centered, it’s still important to teach kids that being interested in others helps them learn to navigate life and stand out wherever they go. Have your child practice repeating back what they heard with family, and thank them for opening-up; these small acts nurture empathy and confidence. Even playing games or telling your own stories creates moments of connection, helping children realize that listening is about discovering and honoring each other’s experiences.

Q: Is there anything else about the listening crisis or solutions you’ve developed that you feel is important for teachers to understand as they progress through the school year?

The greatest takeaway is this: listening is a skill, and it can be learned at any age. We need to treat it as an active practice, just like reading or math. The Listening Path® is a solution that completely shifts classroom listening from basic performative behaviors—like making eye contact and staying quiet—to a structured, common language that’s fun and easily integrated into any classroom, home, or school setting.

One of the biggest gaps in the system is that most teachers have never been formally trained in listening skills themselves, so it’s nearly impossible to teach what they’ve never learned. The Listening Path® is designed specifically to close that gap. It’s easy for teachers to implement in the classroom without professional development or specialized training.

With this resource, teachers become facilitators, leading their students through engaging practice and exploration of these new tools, rather than shouldering the overwhelming responsibility of inventing or mastering a new curriculum. Teachers’ days are challenging enough; this tool helps them get back to what they do best: connecting with students, fostering learning, and helping every child thrive.

About Christine Miles

Christine Miles, MSEd, is a global pioneer in listening intelligence. She is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and founder of The Listening Path®, a revolutionary system transforming how the world listens and connects. Christine empowers leaders, educators, students, and changemakers to turn listening into their greatest strategic advantage, helping them shift from miscommunication to meaningful impact, so they can build cultures of empathy, drive success, and spark lasting change.

The post Building a Listening Culture: A Conversation with Christine Miles appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

Every year, the Bush Fellowship program recognizes remarkable individuals who are already making a difference in their communities—and empowers them to dream even bigger. The fellowship provides up to $150,000 over two years for leaders to design their own path forward, whether they’re working in business, non-profit, or government sectors.

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Marvis Kilgore, one of the newest Bush Fellows. A dedicated teacher and educational equity strategist, Marvis is passionate about increasing Black male representation in teaching. In our conversation, he shares his vision for transforming education, and how the fellowship will help him turn that vision into reality.

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: To start with, would you mind telling us a bit about yourself? How and why did you first get involved in the field of education?

I like to say education found me before I even realized I was looking for it. I grew up in the Deep South, in a little town called Holly Springs, Mississippi, where everybody knew your name, and the church and the schoolhouse sat at the center of the community. In my family, education was treated like gold.

My mama—the matriarch of our family and a true Steel Magnolia—used to say, “The world can take a lot from you, but never your education.” And in a town where history ran deep and dreams sometimes felt out of reach, those words became my compass.

My journey really took shape after I spent 10 years living in Qatar and traveling to nearly 50 countries. Standing in classrooms across Africa, Asia, and Europe taught me something powerful: education is universal, but access and opportunity are not. When I came back to the States, I felt called to take everything I’d learned—the global perspective, the cultural lessons, the deep sense of possibility—and pour it back into my community.

I started by mentoring kids, then coaching educators, and before long, I was leading programs focused on bringing more Black and Brown men into classrooms, because representation matters, especially for our children. Over time, I realized my work wasn’t just about teaching or systems; it was about creating spaces where students could see themselves, know their worth, and dream beyond the limits that others—or even they themselves—may have set.

For me, education isn’t just a career. It’s a calling. It’s about opening doors, lifting voices, and making sure that every young person, whether they’re from Holly Springs or halfway across the globe, knows they belong in any room they choose to walk into.

Q: What does educational equity mean to you?

Educational equity is about more than just access—it’s about opportunity, dignity, and belonging. It means building systems that recognize the genius that already exists in our children, instead of trying to “fix” them to fit into systems that were never built for them in the first place.

In my current work here in Minnesota, I’ve seen how deeply representation impacts students. Right now, people who identify as Black and male make up less than 1 percent of the teaching workforce in the state. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a call to action. Our children deserve to see themselves reflected in the classroom, to be taught and mentored by people who understand their stories.

At its core, educational equity is about rewriting the narrative, making sure that all students—especially those who have been historically left out or overlooked—have not only the resources they need but also the representation and affirmation that tell them: you belong here, and your dreams are valid.

Q: What are some of the current barriers you see to teacher retention? What needs to change?

Teacher retention, especially for educators of color, is one of our biggest challenges. The barriers are layered.

First, there’s the issue of isolation. When you’re one of the very few Black men in a school, it can feel lonely. You don’t always have colleagues who understand your experiences or the cultural weight you carry, and that isolation can lead to burnout.

Then there’s the reality of pay and workload. Teachers across the board are underpaid and overworked, but for Black male educators, there’s often an added expectation to serve as the disciplinarian, the mentor, and the cultural bridge. That invisible labor isn’t reflected in our job descriptions, our paychecks, or our professional growth opportunities—and over time, it takes a toll.

From a policy perspective, there are systemic barriers that need to be addressed. Recruitment programs often exist without strong retention strategies. We need better salary structures to make the profession competitive, loan forgiveness programs that actually ease the financial burden of teacher prep programs, and pathways for leadership and advancement that don’t require leaving the classroom.

We also need policies that prioritize creating inclusive school cultures—ones that not only hire teachers of color but invest in mentorship programs, ongoing cultural competency training, and networks of support. Retention isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building environments where educators feel seen, valued, and equipped to thrive.

If we want to change the trajectory, we need a comprehensive approach: systemic investment, intentional support, and a cultural shift that truly honors the identities and contributions of educators of color—not just in theory, but in practice.

Q: Your path took you from ESL teaching to program coordination in Qatar, and now to founding Code Savvy. Could you share more about that journey? How did it lead you to the Bush Fellowship?

My path in education has been anything but linear.

I started out teaching ESL, but the truth is, I went to Qatar to pass my own litmus test. As a Black man in America, I was undaunted by the negative images that society often projected about people who looked like me. I wanted to see the world, to test the limits of what was possible, and, if I’m honest, I was chasing my version of the “American dream.” But the reality was, my educator salary, coupled with student loans, made that dream feel complicated, even out of reach.

Traveling and living abroad gave me a global perspective and a deeper understanding of the power of education as a tool for liberation. When I came back to Minnesota, I stepped into program leadership, and eventually became the Founding Director of Sirtify at Normandale Community College—a program designed to recruit, retain, and support men of color pursuing careers in education. Sirtify is about building pathways and removing barriers, ensuring our communities see more men who look like me leading in classrooms.

That work led me to Code Savvy, where I helped expand access to computer science and digital equity for young people, particularly students from communities often left out of the tech space. Each role sharpened my vision: that equity in education requires systemic change and intentional investment in leadership.

When I first learned about the Bush Fellowship, I was brand new to the idea. But I told myself: One day, that’s going to be me. And a few years later, that dream became my reality. Every classroom I’ve taught in, every student I’ve mentored, every program I’ve built—all of it prepared me for this moment, to take the next step in growing as a leader and creating even greater impact.

Q: What role have you played in making education more equitable?

Throughout my career, I’ve focused on creating opportunities for students and educators who have historically been underserved. My work with Sirtify allowed me to lead efforts to recruit, retain, and support men of color pursuing teaching careers—addressing the stark underrepresentation in classrooms.

I also had the privilege of taking nine students to Senegal on a study abroad program, where they engaged in service learning and taught lessons in an international school. Beyond program coordination and mentoring, I worked to secure funding to remove financial barriers for aspiring teachers, ensuring opportunity and support were available every step of the way.

Building on that work, in my most recent role as Executive Director of Code Savvy, I focused on aligning the organization with its mission and vision while expanding access to historically underserved and underrepresented communities. I worked to ensure that all children had access to high-quality, inclusive computer science education—not just teaching technical skills, but creating spaces where students could see themselves represented in tech, feel empowered, and imagine the possibilities for their futures.

Across both roles, my goal has always been the same: to remove barriers, create pathways, and build equitable systems where students and educators alike can thrive, lead, and see themselves reflected in the work they do and the communities they serve.                                  

Q: What’s your vision for the future of K–12 education?

I want every student to feel seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential—regardless of their zip code, background, or the color of their skin. My experiences have shown me that equity is not optional; it’s foundational.

I believe schools must do more than teach content. They should cultivate cultural literacy, critical thinking, and confidence, preparing students to thrive in a complex, interconnected world. Representation is central to this vision. Students need to see themselves in their teachers, mentors, and leaders—people who understand their experiences and affirm their potential. That’s why investing in pathways for educators of color, and supporting them to thrive, is essential.

I also envision education that embraces innovation without leaving anyone behind. Technology, project-based learning, and global experiences—like the study abroad programs I’ve led—can expand opportunity and broaden horizons. But equity must remain at the center, ensuring all students, especially those historically underserved, can fully benefit.

Ultimately, my vision is for K–12 education to be equitable, inclusive, and aspirational; a system where students don’t just dream of what’s possible, but are equipped, encouraged, and empowered to make it a reality.

Q: Why is the Bush Fellowship such an important next step for you? How can it help turn your vision of inclusive education into reality?

This fellowship matters because it gives me the time, resources, and space to dream bigger than I could alone. It will allow me to take ideas that work in pockets and transform them into systems that touch entire communities. It’s about giving students and educators the chance to see themselves, their gifts, and their futures reflected back at them, and to know that they belong in spaces that historically were not built for them.

For me, it’s personal. I know what it feels like to carry the weight of expectation, to navigate spaces where the odds feel stacked, and to fight for recognition of my potential. I see that same fight in the students I mentor, in the men I’ve guided into classrooms, and in every young person who deserves a pathway to thrive.

The Bush Fellowship allows me to turn urgency into strategy, passion into action, and vision into impact. It’s the bridge between what I’ve learned, what I’ve built, and what I can create—a future where access, representation, and equity aren’t just ideals, but lived realities for every student.

About Marvis Kilgore

Marvis Kilgore is a visionary leader, cultural strategist, and 2025 Bush Foundation Fellow who embodies the fusion of Southern roots, global perspective, and radical imagination. For more than two decades, Marvis has been a champion of equity, education, and community transformation. His work bridges boardrooms and classrooms, connecting the lived experiences of underserved families with innovative solutions that spark generational change.

The post Talking Educational Equity with Bush Fellow Marvis Kilgore appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

The beginning of the school year can be intimidating for everyone—not just students, but teachers too.

Walking into a classroom full of faces you don’t know yet and, as the teacher, it’s your job to help everyone feel at home in this new environment, all while encouraging the kids to get to know each other. It’s no small task. But what if we told you there’s an easy way to kick off those first weeks, a way to inject both energy and connection into the classroom?

The post Break the Ice: The Ultimate Back-to-School Toolkit appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

By Nupur Bagoria

It’s time to flip the script on art field trips. Art education works best when it’s interactive, engaging, and yes, even a little messy.

Gone are the days of students shuffling silently through galleries with “don’t touch” warnings posted on every wall. Say goodbye to traditional museums, and hello to incredible places where kids don’t just learn about art—they dive headfirst into creating, exploring, and discovering their inner artists.

These vibrant studios and immersive workshops are designed specifically for student engagement. Featuring creative experiences for all ages, the following destinations allow young learners to splash paint and mold clay without worry, while older kids and teens tackle complex artistic techniques and collaborative projects. Your students will leave with paint under their fingernails, proud smiles on their faces, and genuine enthusiasm about the world of art.

Art Gallery of Alberta
Edmonton, AB

The AGA delivers incredible art experiences that get kids excited about learning. Yes, students can explore 90-minute guided tours of the Gallery or enjoy the flexibility of self-guided visits during regular hours. But the real magic happens during the AGA’s 2-hour studio sessions, where kids get their hands dirty creating murals, sculptures, and mixed-media projects that make connections between art, ideas, and lived experiences.

The sessions are inquiry-based, encourage critical thinking and meaning-making, and focus on visual concepts of storytelling. Programs are available for every grade from K–12, along with virtual options for when you can’t make the trip.

ARTitorium
Idaho Falls, ID

ARTitorium is making creativity accessible and captivating for young artists. This interactive arts centre designs impactful adventures that are entertaining and delightfully noisy—exactly what happens when kids are truly engaged in the artistic process!

K–6 students can explore different art forms, from surrealism to street art, through hands-on projects. They’ll have the opportunity to experiment with various tools and materials, while learning how the works they create can convey messages, ideas, and moods.

Custom field trips are also available, and all experiences are designed to meet National Core Arts Standards.

Children’s Art Factory
Guelph, ON

This field trip is all about letting kindergarteners unleash their creativity in the most authentic way possible. The studio offers multiple hands-on art and sensory stations where young learners can explore critical thinking and independent play with a variety of art supplies. Here, students have the opportunity to explore what interests them—at their own pace!

This experience focuses on meaningful, messy art making rather than cookie-cutter crafts, because the process matters more than the final product. Note that it is important to ensure students are dressed appropriately, as they can’t take full advantage of the space if they have to worry about their clothes.

Fun Time Pottery
Brandon, MB

At Fun Time Pottery, young artists turn humble pieces of clay into vibrant one-of-a-kind creations. Students craft personalized mugs, bowls, plates, figurines, and clay cut outs under expert guidance, then take an exclusive tour of the kiln room, where they’ll learn more about the transformative process of firing pottery.

Projects stay for professional firing, then students can collect their ready-to-use masterpieces. (Note that all pottery is food-safe after it’s been fired in the kiln.)

This hands-on field trip is the perfect blend of science and artistry, offering an enriching experience that students are sure to never forget.

Leighton Art Centre
Foothills, AB

The Centre’s Art and Nature program helps students discover the wonder of nature, and then express their learning through art. The 4-hour experience begins with a sketchbook warm-up, where students are introduced to the fundamentals of art making. Then they will embark on a guided nature walk through the Centre’s 80-acre facility, led by an artist-instructor who will encourage visual literacy and thoughtful observation.

The day culminates in an art project of your choosing. There are dozens of options available, from clay landscapes to willow loom weaving to creative critter sculptures, and many more!

Leighton Art Centre also offers a bursary program, along with numerous teacher resources.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York, NY

Unlock a treasure trove of discovery at the Met. Students can embark on epic learning adventures through guided expeditions with expert Museum storytellers, chart their own course on self-guided quests, or experience the magic without ever leaving the classroom, thanks to the Met’s live virtual adventures.

The Museum also offers creative Studio Art Workshops which invite budding artists to sculpt their own masterpieces with wood, metal, and clay, while future scientists can explore the properties and mysteries of these materials in the hands-on 81st Street Studio, combining both art and STEM education into one enlightening experience.

Be sure to check out the Met’s extensive list of educator resources as well.

Nanaimo Art Gallery
Nanaimo, BC

Embark on a five-star artistic adventure right in your own classroom, with Nanaimo Art Gallery’s Artist in the Schools program. Professional artists arrive with all the necessary supplies and materials, transforming ordinary school days into extraordinary creative experiences.

These in-class workshops spark interest in experimentation, ignite critical thinking, and nurture visual literacy while supporting arts education and other curricular concepts. Students can learn and explore authentic techniques like inkblot art, shibori tie-dye, gelli plate printing, and more as they make their own completely unique masterpieces.

The post 7 Immersive Art Adventures for Kids appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

With the right tools and products at your side, you can turn the chaotic transition from summer break back to school into a smooth ride. Whether you’re a new teacher setting up your very first classroom or a seasoned pro looking to refresh your routine, having the right essentials makes all the difference! 

Buckle up as we explore classroom tools that help you stay organized, motivate students, and create a space where learning thrives from day one. These back-to-school must-haves are more than just supplies—they’re your secret weapons for success.

The post Back-to-School Must-Haves: Transform Your Classroom with These Indispensable Items appeared first on TEACH Magazine.

Summer has finally arrived, and now is the perfect opportunity to recharge after months of hard work and dedication. This well-earned break is all about you! 

Whether that means staying hydrated during outdoor adventures, indulging in a treat, or finding fun ways to unplug and unwind, we’ve handpicked some essential finds to help you make the most of your downtime. From cool beverages to portable must-haves and screen-free entertainment, these practical picks are here to help you relax and return to the classroom feeling refreshed.

This summer, take time for yourself—your way.

The post 5 Essentials to Unwind This Summer appeared first on TEACH Magazine.