I had the pleasure to have Janelle as a professor during my first semester in the Race and Racism course. My experience with Janelle and in her class was nothing but amazing. I enjoyed the many conversations we had throughout the course on racism and learning about other cultures and their experiences as well. Janelle was not only a professor to me, but a mentor she is always willing to help me out with my other courses give advice and offer her support the best she can. Overall, my experience with Janelle has be an amazing experience that I will not forget.
Cherise Thomas, Honours Bachelor
of Early Childhood Leadership, 2020
George Brown College
Janelle is one of the best professors I have ever had. She is kind, intelligent, and truly cares about the success of her students. I am now pursuing a minor in equity studies at the University of Toronto thanks to her emphasis on the importance of social justice in her Introduction to Sociology class. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a student of hers!
Erin, General Arts
and Sciences Program
George Brown College Graduate Philosophy major and Equity studies minor, University of Toronto
As a mentor, Janelle always made me feel and believe that I could accomplish anything that I wanted to in my academic studies and professional life. Janelle inspired me to complete my Master of Social Work at York University, and to consider pursuing a PhD in the future. I am proud to say that not only is Janelle my long-life mentor, but she is also now a friend. Thank you so much Janelle for always being there and for guiding me through my professional journey.
Danielle Marie Fava, Registered Social Worker (RSW), MSW (Master of Social Work) and Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Gender and Women's Studies (B.A.)
Professor Janelle Brady is one of the most caring and effective instructors that I have met at George Brown College. As a student, I love how Professor Janelle Brady starts the class lecture by outlining an agenda of the lesson. Professor Janelle Brady is very passionate and dedicated to teaching what many students find to be very challenging concepts. Her positive attitude and thorough explanation of difficult concepts greatly enhance the learning outcome. Her teaching style makes her courses very engaging and interesting as she relates them to real life situations. I truly appreciate how Professor Janelle Brady is approachable. She is always eager to answer questions and expand on theories, whether it be via email or in class. Furthermore, Professor Janelle Brady is very helpful in a way that allows students to gain confidence and expand their knowledge and skills. For instance, I remember one day I was having difficulty with a research assignment. Professor Janelle Brady assisted me by asking questions reflecting my research. Her critical questions guided me to figure out what I should focus on. As a result, I had no further difficulty completing my assignment. In short, Professor Janelle Brady is an instructor who does not belittle students’ intelligence but encourages them to think and solve problems.
Adham, Honours Bachelor of Technology (Construction Management) Program George Brown College
Janelle is an exemplary leader in her educational, professional, and social justice pursuits.
Taken together, Janelle uses her established networks and social capital to dismantle gatekeeping practices within higher education, while demonstrating how students with varying levels of knowledge can apply sociological concepts well beyond the classroom and throughout our everyday lives.
For instance, Janelle develops lesson plans and course syllabi that align with significant events or commemorative dates in Canadian history, along with societal happenings that appear in media or popular culture.
Notably, her pedagogical approaches encourage students to extend their sociological and critical thinking skills in ways that are both interdisciplinary and practical; proving each with something to offer, each with its own limits.
Charlene H.,
Women and Gender Studies
University of Toronto - St. George Campus (current program), 2019 General Arts and Science Program, George Brown College - Casa Loma Campus Graduate
I met Janelle in my elective class, Deviance in Society, at George Brown College, whereby our wavelengths were synchronized with one another. She made me feel like my introspective thoughts were important, that they had a voice at our garden to be sewn & then be tended by nurturance. I remember how meaningful it was when Janelle believed in my voice, the way that I wrote & the conviction that I held as a queer non-binary Filipinx Early Childhood Assistant and community member. From there, Janelle has supported me in my personal and scholarly endeavours as they intertwine with the political, as I have begun to reinforce how political my identity and story truly is. Janelle has continued to foster my identity through our co-dreaming and co-envisioning of a just and liberated society that reconceptualizes, challenges, and abolish the White Supremacist, colonialist, and capitalist pedagogical frameworks that do not serve our youngest community members and our own inner children. Presently, she continues to be a radiant force in my life, reminding me to take a break, while always pushing my capacity to be a better human in what I am and currently becoming.
Elvin Velasco (They/Them),
Early Childhood Education Leadership, 3rd Year
George Brown College Recruitment Coordinator/Chair - GBC Advocates for Early Childhood Educators,Community Member - Bayanihan Empowerment, Creator & Story Teller of Sketching Humanity, Drag Persona - Tita Kaya Mo (In Tagalog - Tita You Can Do It), 1/2 from The Duo of Kasamartistas
Ms. Janelle Brady provides a professional learning environment that helps to guide, and challenge students like myself. She demonstrates knowledge in several areas of expertise relevant to the class curriculum. To help us further understand the materials, she incorporates current issues that are related to the class topic. Ms. Brady provides a very warm, respectful environment which makes her very approachable when I have questions or concerns. This also allows students to build a strong relationship with her. She promotes teamwork by regularly assigning group activities both in class and out of class. I also think that her grading is fair and aligned with the rubric and learning outcomes. She demonstrates great pride in her work and always present a positive attitude.
Patreka, Bachelor of Nursing
Ryerson University
Janelle Brady creates an atmosphere that allows students to feel free of judgement and eager to learn. Each lesson is accompanied by readings that are relevant to the course but also interesting to read and apply to everyday life. Janelle provides insightful explanations to every question and/or concern that is brought up in class. Our class acts as a safe space where we know we can ask anything, bring up a personal opinion or debate any topic without the fear of feeling attacked or judged as Janelle ensures that everyone is respectful of their peers and reins in discussions if they veer too far from the lesson at hand. Janelle ensures that all students know they can go to her with anything, and always responds to emails in a timely manner. The syllabus is followed almost exactly to a tee and if any modifications have to be or are made, it is discussed with the class. Janelle allows students to receive an exciting and motivating learning experience as well as providing us with a reliable support system.
Jessica, General Arts
and Sciences Program,
George Brown College Graduate Philosophy Major, University of Toronto
I feel honoured to have had Professor Brady for my Social Justice course in my bachelor's program at the University of Guelph Humber. I am sure that no one else could teach us about Social Justice as effectively as she did. Throughout the course, Professor Brady provided us with step-by-step instructions regarding our assignments. She also offered in-depth and timely responses to our questions and concerns. I learned about social justice issues due to her excellent teaching skills and well laid out course contents. This course helped me examine my own values, beliefs, and attitudes, specifically as it relates to working with marginalized children and families. This course inspired me to apply to the Master of Teaching Degree at the University of Toronto, which will allow me to become a certified teacher and conduct research on social justice in the field of education.
Nargis Nazary, Bachelors program in Early Childhood Studies graduate Incoming Master of Teaching student, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto
Janelle is an exceptional mentor. It has been a privilege having the opportunity to be mentored by her. She is an exemplary and outstanding individual of strong moral. Her passion and eagerness to always create a sense of community and finding collaborative opportunities is beyond words. Her kindness and willingness to listen, and share her own experiences and expertise are invaluable. Beyond being a great mentor, she is a friend,
she is someone I admire, and have always looked up to.
Sandreen Porter, Honours Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, York University Former President, Sociology Undergraduate Students’ Association (SUSA), York University
My approach to teaching is informed by my lived experience as a Black student in the Greater Toronto Area public education system. I was told by educators that university was beyond my reach, because of my race, gender, and class. Now I use these types of experiences to further my understanding, to move beyond my own adaptability, and aid in the analysis of the production of the social stratification systems, specifically in education. My experience is unfortunately not unique and for that reason I use it as a catalyst to help create change and build relationships with my students based on principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, through mutual respect and by actively working to break down taken-for-granted structural hierarchies. This approach is by necessity community-based and aims to be transformative, where I ultimately see myself as a facilitator, when instructing courses, who also has much to learn from students.
Professor-Partial Load, George Brown College, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Diploma-Degree Program, Race and Racism in the Caribbean and the Americas, joint program with Ryerson University
Sessional Lecturer, University of Guelph-Humber, Early Childhood Studies, Degree Stream Program, Social Justice in the Field of Early Childhood
Professor-Partial Load, George Brown College, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Degree Stream Program, Deviance and Society
Professor-Partial Load, George Brown College, General Arts and Sciences, Diploma-Bridge Program, Introduction to Sociology, Part II
Part-Time Professor, George Brown College, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Diploma Program, Strange World of the Familiar, Sociology
Professor-Partial Load, George Brown College, General Arts and Sciences, Diploma-Bridge Program, Introduction to Sociology, Part I
Course Instructor, University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Historical Studies, Women and Gender Studies Program, Women in Families
Professor-Partial Load, George Brown College, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Degree Stream Program, Sociological Inquiry
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