An Education Consultant for over a decade, Monika Ferenczy helps students and parents make decisions regarding learning and education. Her

practice focuses on finding the best solution to meet the needs of students, young or mature, to help them reach their full potential, providing relevant and timely information for sound decision-making.

Considered an expert in the education sector, with certificates in Education Law and Human Rights for Education Professionals from Osgoode Hall, York University, principal’s qualifications, a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Ottawa and over 25 years of educator experience in elementary and secondary special education positions, Monika effectively supports families with special needs children and youth.

She served as an elected member of the governing Council of the Ontario College of Teachers (the regulatory body of the teaching profession in Ontario) as Vice-Chair of the Discipline Committee, and the Editorial Board for the publication Professionally Speaking. She has also served on panels of the Fitness to Practice and Teacher Program Accreditation Committees.

Monika offers education expertise in separation and divorce proceedings, presents workshops for parents and advocates for improved educational practices, policies and legislation. Through an analysis of systemic gaps in the students’ best interest and recommendations to government, her contributions to advocacy and social justice initiatives are growing.

Monika is often invited to comment in print, radio and television media about education related trends and issues in Ontario and across Canada, and she was commissioned to write a comprehensive report on rural education in 2021.

As an author, she has published four books:

• How to Advocate for your Child in Public Education (May, 2024) • The Guide to Hosting International Students in Canada (2020) • 12 Tips for International Students Living and Studying in Canada (2019) • Lillian and Noah’s Great Moving Adventure (2018)

Learn more about Monika Ferenczy and her work at https://horizoned.ca/

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

• About "How to Advocate for Your Child in Public Education" and the inspiration for writing the book.
• What everyday advocacy might look like for a parent within the school system
• Barriers often encounted by parents and ways to work through them
• Debunking myths in Education
• Fostering a collaborative relationship amont students, parents and educators.
• Services offered
• What's next for Monika Ferenczy

HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILD IN PUBLIC EDUCATION

What you need to know as a parent. Master the art and science of advocating for your child or youth, and model and teach advocacy to them as a lifelong skill. Learn about positive phrasing and neutral language, why you should not say "please" but always say "thank you," and why you should never address emails and letters "to whom it may concern." Reading this guide will enlighten and empower parents to know what to ask, and who to ask to ensure concerns are addressed quickly and resolved.