Biography
Melissa Abramovitz holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning (OISE, University of Toronto), where her research focused on how antiracism and conflict resolution education combine to support intergroup dialogue processes. She holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Conflict Analysis and Management (Royal Roads University) and an Honours Bachelor of Arts, Specialist in Peace and Conflict Studies, Minor in Political Science (University of Toronto). Melissa also completed the Adult Training and Development Certificate (OISE).
Melissa has extensive teaching and course development experience at Ryerson where she is the recipient of the 2007 Ryerson Teaching Excellence Award for The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, 2010 WOW Canadian Award for Training Excellence (CSTD) and 2016 Canadian Network for Innovation in Education, Award of Merit in the Integration of Technology in Instructional Design/Teaching and Learning for CINT 905 Online.
Melissa’s early graduate research continues to inform her teaching and consulting practice today. With more then 12 years of teaching experience, Melissa has learned that educating around issues of diversity and conflict requires a sense of humour, resiliency and a flexible approach. It is these qualities that allow her to guide participants through a learning experience that is designed to challenge deep-rooted assumptions and stimulate reflective practice.
Past professional affiliations include her role as a founding director of the Canadian Community for Dialogue and Deliberation, and former Secretary, trainer for Peacebuilders International, and course developer for The Regional Diversity Roundtable, Region of Peel.
Publications include:
- "Educating for peace and justice around the world," a review of Peace Education: The Concept, Principles and Practices Around the World, ed. Gavriel Solomon and Baruch Nevo. New Jersey: Lawrence Earlbaum Associates, 2002 (296 pages). In Theory and Research in Social Education 32:1 (2004): 118 - 122.