Our Team

System Social Workers with the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement provide individual, group and family counselling services. In addition, they offer Professional Learning opportunities for TDSB staff to enhance their capacity to support the mental health and well-being of Black students and their families. Our family-based approach engages and connects families to community school supports. Social workers assist the identity development, self-esteem and the well-being of Black students and their families to support academic and life success. 

Graduation Coaches create holistic, individualized student success plans that not only guide graduation pathways but also build a circle of caring adults around each student. This approach directly strengthens Black students’ school engagement, academic achievement, and overall well-being.

Through culturally responsive engagement and programs delivered in partnership with the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, Graduation Coaches create spaces that amplify and affirm Black student voices. They challenge systems of anti-Black racism and, in doing so, increase students’ sense of belonging while driving academic success. As centrally assigned staff, they act as resource connectors—working closely with educators, community organizations, post-secondary partners, and families. 

Learning Coaches with the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, are here in service of Black students, families, and communities by centering their experiences and needs within the education system. Through professional learning about Anti-Black racism and a Black affirming curriculum, Learning Coaches support educators in critically reflecting and transforming their practices. They partner with educators to build capacity and shift practice to provide spaces where Black excellence and Black Joy flourish, and where Black students and their families thrive.

The Parent Caregiver and Community Engagement Workers (PCCEW) play a vital role in fostering meaningful connections between Black families and the TDSB. They facilitate family engagement by building community partnerships & support school and system initiatives relating to engaging parents/caregivers in the School Improvement Process (SIP). They also support effective operation of School Councils, and perform community engagement and outreach.

The PCCEW serves as a connector between families and schools. They help Black Parents navigate the education system, access resources and engage in improving Black student’s education outcomes. They understand the unique challenges that Black families face and are able to support them and ensure equitable access to resources and educational opportunities.