A gentle revolution: Inspiring change through love and mutual respect

 
 
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debbie pushor

 
 

As we all are, Debbie Pushor, PhD, is many things. Many identities and roles wrapped into one. Of her many identities, two stand central among the rest: she is a mother, and she is an educator –– in that order. 

Debbie is mother to three adult sons, Cohen, Quinn, and Teague. While she was an educator long before she became a mother, the added lens of parenthood profoundly shapes her work and drives her mission. 

Spending over 15 years on the education landscape prior to bringing her oldest son to his first day of Kindergarten, Debbie had formed an understanding of the educational experience from the perspective of a public school teacher, consultant, principal, and central services administrator.

Until that day, Cohen ready for his first day of school, his twin brothers Quinn and Teague in their stroller next to him, opening days had always been joyous, momentous occasions for Debbie. For the first time in years, Debbie felt complete uncertainty about where she fit on the school landscape. She describes the experience as “unsettling and awakening.” She gained a new perspective, seeing schooling through the eyes of a parent for the first time.

 
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Now, another 25 years later…

Debbie works as a Professor in the Department of Curriculum Studies at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. Debbie’s teachings and research have brought into being a “curriculum of parents” which invites everyone to look at school landscapes through both lenses, through that of a parent as well as that of an educator. 

Debbie refers to her work in the field of parent engagement as a “gentle revolution” from which she aims to make tangible change to schools, passionately, fiercely, but always with love and respect for educators and parents.

It’s no small feat; she’s asking us to live in the world differently, after all. The shift is not only critical, it is long overdue. 

What People have to say

Testimonials

“ECUR 411 Teaching and Learning in Community Education has perfectly embodied the soul of being an educator. You and co-instructor Dr. Momina Khan have cared for us and built genuine community in our class, and you have encouraged us to do the same for our students. Thanks for all you did for us, I’m glad this could be one of my last classes in the college.”

—David Schwinghamer, teacher candidate College of Education, University of Saskatchewan.

“I just wanted to say you are doing such an amazing job with teaching Parent Knowledge. I love your Gentle Revolution and I want to be part of this change in schools in Australia.

—Peta Jeppeson, Director and Owner, Beyond The Classroom/Australia.

“You definitely made a difference in my education and impact the way I teach today. I still remember you reading us a picture book, telling us no one is too old for one. All of us decorating the wooden toy train. You sharing your stories and knowledge. I was looking at some of my assignments from your class, and your feedback on them is so genuine and uplifting. 

I feel very lucky to have been able to have you as my professor for those two years. I’m very proud of the teacher I have become, and I know that started with a great foundation - which you were a huge part of.

—Melinda Dawe, former teacher candidate; currently a teacher with Holy Trinity Catholic School Division, Moose Jaw, SK.

“Debbie Pushor’s research, knowledge and practice with engaging families in learning and wellbeing is word renowned.  Debbie has inspired many of us in Australia to further our work in this area.

The examples of families being engaged as first educators and parents but not their child’s teacher of school curriculum resonates and matters to many families who do a great job at home and should be encouraged to continue.

Relationships between home and school can continue to grow if we use Debbie’s work as a basis for developing these and the relationship between parent and child can flourish.”

—Carmel Nash, Executive

Director, Catholic School Parents, Queensland, Australia.

“Without your help and support I would not be here. No one has advocated for me as you did. I will forever be grateful. You are a beacon of hope for so many including myself. You have shown me how to lift people’s spirits and bring them into light from darkness of hopelessness. I have much to learn from you.” Kiran Rani, newcomer parent who attained her teaching degree and professional teacher

- Kiran Rani, newcomer parent who attained her teaching degree and professional teacher