People for Education

People for Education is an independent, charitable organization working to support and advance public education through research, policy, public engagement.

Introducing the Kidder-Pascal Awards for System Change & Innovation in Education

The Kidder-Pascal Awards for Systems Change and Innovation in Education celebrate visionary leadership, bold ideas, and transformative action that advance the promise of public education in Canada. Named in honour of Annie Kidder and Charles Pascal— two of Canada’s most influential champions for public education—the awards recognize people and organizations who are reshaping education so that it can deliver on that promise.

Learn more

Join us on October 30th for our annual gala fundraiser

Telling Tales Out of School, People for Education’s annual gala fundraiser, is a night to celebrate the promise of public education and support the vital work of People for Education. Every year it features extraordinary performances by students from our publicly funded schools along with a roster of Canadian stars.

Learn more

The latest from People for Education

Building democracy skills in schools - Innovation in Portugal

In Portugal, student voice isn’t just a “nice to have” or a check box. Students learn from an early age in every school in the country that their voice matters. The federal government funds an annual program that allows students to design and campaign for a project that benefits their school.

Imagine High: A Bold New Vision for Learning

Students at a Chilliwack high school in British Columbia thrive in a model where subjects are integrated, there are no bells, and the teachers work in teams.

Mind and Matter: The Vital Link Between Mental Health and Education

There are key teachable/learnable skills that support mental health. These skills can be taught starting in early childhood and throughout school. They not only promote good mental health but, in many cases, these skills can also help to prevent mental illness.

Why Don’t We Care More About the Humans Who Work in Schools?

Principals in Ontario schools are dealing with increasingly unmanageable levels of stress, and it’s not readily apparent that the public, politicians or policymakers care.

$10 a day child care for all – Are we there yet?

Three years ago, the federal government announced the multi-billion-dollar Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care plan, with an aim to reduce child-care costs to an average of $10 per day for all Canadians by 2025.

Arts Education in public schools in Ontario

New data from People for Education's Annual Ontario School Survey 2023-24 reveals gaps and inequalities in access to arts education in publicly-funded schools in Ontario.

NEW! Mind and Matter: The Vital Link Between Mental Health and Education

51% of Ontario students reported a moderate-to-serious level of psychological distress – double the proportion from ten years ago. Schools, because they are so integral to the lives of children and youth, are a natural social-emotional learning environment and are the best places for effective promotion and interventions in physical and mental health.  

Learn more

Access to special education in Ontario schools: The gaps and challenges

New results from People for Education’s 2023-24 Annual Ontario School Survey show that ongoing staff shortages and increased student needs are having an adverse impact on special education in Ontario schools.

Learn more