Teri Westerby eyes ambitious agenda as Canada’s first transgender man to be elected school trustee

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“I can walk into the school board knowing that I have the support of my community to create an environment that is inclusive, collaborative, ready to listen and step up for every member of our community in a respectful and positive way,” Westerby said. “I am incredibly proud of every single person who voted for progress.”

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Westerby welcomes community input and says he’ll work to be a conduit for communication between the school district and its stakeholders.

“I will be an open door to the community, to ensure they are all heard, engaged, and feel respected. I hope to facilitate some of the difficult conversations that have been lacking around inclusion and diversity in our schools and create an environment of positivity, openness, and collaboration,” Westerby said.

On a number of specific fronts, Westerby intends to address insufficient personnel and teacher burnout, and highlight awareness surrounding the mental health needs of students.

“I hope to ensure our teachers, EAs and staff feel supported and heard; reducing burnout and increasing retention as well as attracting new employees,” Westerby said. “This environment of positivity and support will create safer spaces for students, supporting teachers and EAs in their work of fostering good learning environments and diverse teaching and learning styles, allowing more flexibility for students’ mental health.”

What’s more, he says he will push for expanded opportunities for students of diverse abilities and disabilities.

“And most of all, I hope to advocate for increased funding in order to create and foster more inclusive learning and playing environments for students of diverse abilities and disabilities, such as accessible playgrounds and more EAs and support staff for classrooms and field trips,” Westerby said.