Facilitators

Dr. Leslie Palson

  • Dean, International Education, Partnerships & Strategy,
  • Georgian College

Dr. Leslie Palson is a Canadian educational leader with nearly 30 years of international experience across academic partnerships, program development, strategic planning, and student engagement. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of British Columbia and a PhD in Education and Social Justice from the University of Lancaster. Her research focuses on youth empowerment for social impact and dialogue as reflective practice. As Dean of International Education, Partnerships, and Strategy at Georgian College, she leads initiatives that strengthen global collaboration, enhance student success, and advance socially innovative, community-focused education while fostering global citizenship and inclusive learning environments.

Dr. Leslie Palson

Session Details

Leadership Strand

  • Workshop: Changemaking in Education
  • Stream: Instructional Leadership and Teacher Development
  • Date & Time: 23 MAY | 12:45 PM – 1:35 PM

Synopsis- This workshop introduces changemaking as an educational approach that builds student agency through empathy, collaboration, shared leadership, and iterative action. Grounded in social innovation and aligned with critical pedagogy and transformative learning, it highlights why changemaking is essential in a rapidly evolving world, supporting critical thinking, wellbeing, and civic engagement. Participants explore practical classroom strategies such as co-creation, real-world projects, reflection, and inclusive dialogue. The session also reviews key frameworks and initiatives, from global competence models to youth-led programs, concluding with clear entry points and a call to strengthen student voice and leadership in everyday teaching practice.