ES EmpoweredSleepless

Equity provides access. Empathy builds belonging.

A practical, human‑centered guide by Joshua Goldenthal for building classrooms where every student is safe, seen, and supported.

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Welcome

Move beyond checklists toward a daily practice of connection. Build a culture where dignity isn’t a debate and each identity is affirmed in curriculum, pedagogy, and relationships.

Equity

Equity opens the door; empathy ensures students feel seen, heard, and valued once they’re inside.

Empathy

Perspective‑taking that turns classrooms into communities.

Identity Affirmation

Students need accurate, respectful, joyful reflection of who they are.

About Joshua Goldenthal

Photo of Joshua Goldenthal

Joshua Goldenthal is the author of Supporting Middle Eastern Students: An Educator’s Toolkit for Identity, Equity & Belonging and Equity & Empathy: A Guide for Educators. He has served in the Peel District School Board for over 15 years—from kindergarten to Grade 8 and as an equity resource leader—supporting all identities with a focus on affirming Jewish identities.

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The Equity & Empathy Framework

See

Deep noticing free from assumptions and bias; become a curious observer of another’s reality.

Feel

Perspective‑taking—the core of empathy—to imagine the world from another’s view.

Act

Translate understanding into compassionate action that affirms dignity and advances justice.

Key Principles

  • Intersectionality: Identity is multi‑layered; a student is never just one thing.
  • Risk of Neutrality: So‑called neutrality often sides with erasure.
  • Impact over Intent: Good intentions do not guarantee positive impact.
  • From Theory to Practice: Equity is a daily habit, visible in small choices.

Educational Programs

Curriculum resources you can purchase and use right away.

📘 Positive Identity‑Affirming Yearlong Curriculum Binder

$50

This binder provides a complete, yearlong curriculum for Primary (K–3), Junior (4–6), and Intermediate (7–8) divisions. Its purpose is to help educators build classrooms where every student’s identity is seen, valued, and affirmed. The lessons are structured across four seasonal units and are linked to core educational frameworks, including the Ontario Curriculum, the Equity & Inclusive Education Strategy, and Anti‑Oppressive Education principles.

View Overview (PDF) Purchase via Linktree

🎒 Identity‑Affirming Classroom Starter Kit

Coming Soon

Quick‑start templates, routines, and visuals to set an affirming tone from day one. Perfect for back‑to‑school or mid‑year resets.

Request Overview Purchase (Soon)

🧭 Empathy in Action: 6‑Week Advisory Pack

Coming Soon

Weekly discussion prompts, mini‑lessons, and check‑ins that build perspective‑taking, classroom community, and conflict navigation.

Request Overview Purchase (Soon)

🧩 K–8 Anti‑Bias Literacy Mini‑Units

Coming Soon

Short, ready‑to‑teach units anchored in high‑quality texts that develop critical literacy and affirm student identities.

Request Overview Purchase (Soon)

Tools & Resources

The Toolkit

Download practical strategies for equitable, empathetic classrooms.

Download Equity & Empathy (PDF) Supporting Students (DOCX)

Affirming Jewish Identity Presentation

A conversation starter for supporting Jewish‑identifying students.

  • Jewish identity is diverse across religion, culture, and ethnicity.
  • Use “antisemitism” (no hyphen) to specify anti‑Jewish prejudice.
  • Include holidays, perspectives, and open dialogue in classrooms.
  • Respond to incidents with facts, reflection, and safe discussion.
Open the Affinity Space Guide →

Slide Deck

Download the Equity & Empathy Framework slides for workshops or PD.

Download Slides (PPTX)

Recent Work

A few highlights. All links open or download directly.

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Contact

For speaking, PD, or resources, reach out below.

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