THUNDER BAY – The pendulum has swung a lot when it comes to who teaches at the elementary level of Lakehead Public Schools.
On this International Women’s Day, Jerry-Lynn Durant said “I remember growing up and seeing a lot more male teachers in elementary school. Now I definitely see a lot more female teachers teaching in the younger grades these days.”
Durant has been teaching in the public board for almost 20 years, but only recently took on a role on the Lakehead Elementary Teachers of Ontario executive as the status of women chair.
“We have had this position for as long as I can remember,” Durant said.
“I think it's a really important role since we have so many female members in education.
“I'm a person that any woman within the membership can reach out to if they have any concerns. I also try to represent our members at our executive table and have events for our members to get together, have their voices heard and support each other.”
The theme of International Women’s Day this year is Inspire Inclusion.
The day itself may have started in New York City on February 28, 1909 and was called National Woman’s Day by the Socialist Party of America.
Durant uses today to reflect on the people who inspire her now or in the past.
“Growing up I looked up to one of my aunts, who was one of the first in my family that pursued a higher education after high school. That made me think ‘well maybe that’s a possibility for me,” she said.
“There are so many ladies on our executive, and ever since I came into this role, they have been super supportive and helpful with me navigating this role.
"These women also play a key role in making change for women because they're part of the connective bargaining process. That helps work towards making positive changes and breaking down those barriers for women.”
Durant noted that there are lots of opportunities for women within the board to be part of workshops and retreats.
The United Nations designated March 8 as International Women’s Day shortly after recognizing 1975 as International Women’s Year.
