Well-known for her positive spirit and endless love for all her students, Gifted and Talented Research teacher Toni Ireland has established a reputation at Centennial as a supporter for all. Regardless of whether in person or online, she advocates and lends her voice to those who need it. “I am a Facebook warrior, I can tell you that much,” she laughs. “No one gets to comment anything that is anti-anything, and I will make sure they know how I feel about it.”
Ireland believes that the celebration of the accomplishments of women shouldn’t be limited to only one month. “Every month should be Women’s History Month,” she says. “We do need to celebrate women and the progress that we’ve made, but I would prefer to live in a society where we didn’t need a month.”
Due to our society excluding women in many ways, Ireland tends to view womanhood toward the negative side. “When I first think about being a woman, I think about all the negatives.” The pay gap, the expectations to be stay-at-home mothers and the lack of opportunity compared to male counterparts are all issues that occupy her mind. “This all talks about getting rid of those traditional gender roles,” she says. “I’d like to see there not be an automatic assumption when you hear the word ‘woman,’ just like a man. I prefer some ambiguity.”
While holding her own opinions of women’s rights, Ireland also makes a deliberate effort to make her class a safe space for everyone. “I think that I have made certain that no matter who the student is, or how they identify, that they know that they are welcome.” Her classroom rejects the traditional fluorescent overhead lighting, opting for the warm and subtle glow of yellow Christmas lights and small lamps. Unfortunately, due to the strict nature of her research curriculum, she isn’t able to include as much diversity in her class. Everything is based on the students, so she isn’t able to include articles or lessons on diversity and women. To make up for the lack of say in the structure of her research classes, Ireland does plenty of outside research. “I make sure that I at least have a pretty good understanding of some of the challenges that people go through.” Whether it be reading up on the history of gender norms, being up to date on current and historic events or simply just being present and listening, Ireland has made it her mission to make all different types of people comfortable in and outside of the classroom.
jy/ew
For more breaking news and photos, follow The Wingspan on Instagram and Twitter @CHSWingspan.
