This post was updated from the original published in October 2017.
Introducing Debbie Donsky is like explaining George Seurat’s pointillism. Each element, every dot, each colour and texture contribute to the big picture. You see the whole work, and it’s amazing, but it truly becomes a masterpiece when you look at all the contributing factors in perfect detail. Dr. Donsky is a mother and a teacher. She was on secondment from YRDSB, working as a student achievement officer for Mathematics at the Ministry of Education. She has just begun working in Peel (PDSB) in the role of principal. Deb has also recently illustrated a book on well being and written a chapter in a book on equity in education. Debbie is an artist and creative innovator doing many things at one time.
This past spring, Debbie participated in Battle of the Books on voicEd Radio. There were a lot of contenders, but the book she was defending won, and so much has come from the the voicEd Summer Book Club reading of "Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City" by Tanya Talaga. Debbie was instrumental in bringing many people together to engage in this important study. She wrote the following reflection on the experience:
It has been such an honour to learn with and alongside those who joined us on the podcast. First and foremost, by dear friend, Pamala Agawa who acted as a guide
while I "prepared for battle" and then ultimately as co-host which invokes the slogan
"Nothing about us without us."--an important lesson to adhere to when learning about
Indignity and Indigenous World View. Guests to show included the author, Tanya Talaga;
a teacher who worked with many of the children written about in the book, Tesa Fiddler;
Riley Yesno, a young woman who is on the Prime Minister's youth advisory council
advocating for Indigenous peoples and finally, our friend and the Indigenous Lead in the
Upper Grand District School Board, Colinda Clyne. It is only in relationship that we can l learn the truth and move forward towards reconciliation. Grateful to Stephen Hurley and
Derek Rhodenizer for this opportunity and to our many listeners.
Deb Donsky is a writer, editor, thinker, and change agent. She is an advocate for equity, inclusion and student voice, and a speaker extraordinaire. Like any work of art, Debbie really captures your attention and imagination, and recording her P3 was no exception.
Debbie explored many songs when trying to narrow down her personal playlist. The first songs that she thought of were the favourites from her adolescents, ones that “...were tied to that time in my life when music was my comfort, it was my joy, it was my closest friend…” When introducing her nostalgic song, she explained that she chose it because she remembered it going “straight to her heart.” She referred to her Grade 9 teacher, Mr. Armstrong, who helped her see herself as an intelligent, capable learner. This was an important shift at a critical time. “When someone really sees you," says Dr. Donsky, "you fall in love with them a little bit.” This song was played at her grad as a tribute to Debbie and Mr. Armstrong. “For me in Grade 8, it was a very lonely time in my life.” A different teacher had done some significant damage but, thank goodness, this other teacher has become one of her five people who helped to make her feel seen and valued, empowering her to persevere. From her clothing to her personal convictions, this artist also helped her audience feel good to be who they are. It’s hard to go back to the eighties without channeling images of this classic icon and pop star. Here is Cindy Lauper singling Time After Time:
Choosing one identity song for this educator was too challenging, so she has two. She has a song that she used to sing to each of her children. She recalled how this song comforted her son, Max many times, especially one night as he was awaiting surgery. Unable to feed him before an operation when he was a baby, she nurtured him through hugs and this song. He was fine, and this song really helped both of them get through it. Then, Rachel, her daughter, was doing volunteer work singing in different old folks homes. At Baycrest, a Jewish home for the elderly, she sang this version of the song with her ukulele. For Debbie, this song represents her children and being a mom; it's a huge part of who she is. Referring to her children, Debbie said lovingly, “Watching them grow into young adults has been the greatest gift of my life.” This beautiful rendition of an Elvis classic is by Hailey Reinhart. Here is I Can't Help Falling in Love With You:
Debbie’s second identity song reflects her busy life and many interests. She did some research and discovered the story behind this song. The artist, “reconnected with his estranged father who was living in Vienna. They saw and old woman sweeping on the street. The son thought she shouldn't be doing the work, so he felt sad for her. His father told him that it’s not sad because she has meaning in her life.” The lyrics about slowing down and being ambitious reflect Debbie's life, but having meaning is a driving force. A key aspect of the lyric includes," Where's the fire, what's the hurry about? You'd better cool it off before you burn it out. You've got so much to do and only so many hours in the day..." This educator has many things to do and a lot of places to go, continually inspired and motivated to grow. She has myriad aspirations that keep her excited. Debbie has developed a mantra: “ My ambition will never surpass my integrity.” Take a moment to take that in as you listen to Billy Joel singing Vienna:
If you have ever dreamed of making your mark, being the change or reframing something that has been societally imposed, my guest and the singer of this song have crafted tributes you need to hear and see. The latter, among her many accomplishments, made an inspiring speech to her daughter at the at the Video Music Awards (VMA's) about accepting and celebrating yourself. Debbie said about the song by this artist, “When I hear it, I think about driving in the sun, singing with my daughter, and it lifts my spirits every time." Debbie presented her TEDxKitchenerED Talk. It was well-rehearsed, heartfelt, and honest. She talked about several experiences that she had growing up, which contributed to her being drawn to equity work. The essence of her talk is about, "...not to judge people... because of the body that holds them." Each statement was complemented by photographs, original artwork and pointed statements that gripped the audience and culminated in a standing ovation. Debbie referred to this song as, "...a call to action to accept and celebrate and have fun and just embrace exactly who you are." She goes on to quote the lyrics, “So raise your glass if you are wrong, in all the right ways, all my underdogs, we will never be never be anything but loud, and nitty gritty, dirty little freaks, won’t you come and raise your glass…" Here is Debbie's inspirational song by Pink: Raise Your Glass.
Debbie's 2017 TEDxKitchenerEd Talk, Reclaiming Space, blew the audience away. It took her time to come down, overcome the adrenaline rush and take in all the sunshine. I was so glad to have witnessed it in person. Debbie had been busy preparing for her talk, transitioning to her new job, presenting on a variety of topics and doing many other things months before recording this episode. Thsi is not an anomolie as she has a lot going on right now, too. Her creativity knows no bounds, and he always has a lot on the go. If you haven't read Debbie's work or seen her art and sketchnotes, you should definitely check out her website . You can also follow her on Twitter. I counted her among my friends long before we met in person at YRDSB's EdTech Camp last year. Debbie uses her creativity to share her heart and soul with the world, and she is a role model for anyone lucky enough to know her.