Field Study in Sápmi (Norway), 2022
Mervi Maarit Salo is an educational leader, artist, researcher, and advocate with a rich background in arts, curriculum development, public policy, and Indigenous Education. Based in Toronto, Canada, Mervi serves as the Centrally Assigned Principal for Instructional Innovation and Equitable Outcomes with large-scale leadership in The Arts, Science & Technology, STEM, Robotics and Mathematics at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Canada's largest school board with approximately 600 schools, 250 000 students, and 40 000 staff.
Education and Teaching
Her academic journey is distinguished by multiple areas of study, including ongoing graduate studies at the Sámi Studies Center at the University of Tromsø - Arctic University of Norway and the University of Saskatchewan's Johnson Shoyama School of Public Policy. She has degree studies in Education, Visual Arts, Music, English, and Governance and Entrepreneurship in Northern and Indigenous Areas. In addition, she has non-degree studies in multiple languages, history, environmental acience, traditional Indigenous arts, screenwriting, AI studies, and Indigenous studies. Her teaching experience spans both K-12 Education and teaching post-secondary courses at the University of Toronto and York University.
Professional Experience
With over two decades of professional experience, Mervi has played various educational and policy development roles. She has contributed significantly to Arts education and Indigenous education initiatives, including her role as Education Officer in the Government of Ontario's Ministry of Education, where she led Curriculum and Assessment Policy revision projects. As Centrally Assigned Principal in the TDSB, she has led system direction in The Arts, Science, STEM, Robotics and Mathematics. As Centrally Assigned VP at the Urban Indigenous Education Centre (UIEC), she led city-wide initiatives and projects. She has been a trailblazer in the area of Media Arts, launching a specialized Arts program called CyberARTS. A deep commitment to decolonizing education characterizes her work.
Photo by Mervi Salo of Elder Dr. Duke Redbird at UIEC
Research and Publications
Mervi's scholarly contributions include numerous book chapters and peer-reviewed articles on topics such as the Arts, digital technologies, Law, Policy, STEM, and decolonization. She is a recognized thought leader in her field, and her research often intersects with her practical work in Education, resource development and community projects. As a Research Assistant at the University of Saskatchewan, she wrote case studies for a graduate-level open textbook. She is also an active editor and writer including Creative Non-Fiction and Children's Stories. She has presented papers at conferences nationally and internationally, including the UNESCO 2nd World Conference on the Arts Education.
Photo by Mervi Salo at UiT Centre for Sami Studies (Sesam)
Creative Projects
In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Mervi is an accomplished artist and curator. She has participated in many group exhibitions and has completed private commissions, and book illustrations. She is also an accomplished musician, performing at Roy Thomson Hall and Hamilton Place. She has also directed and curated several art exhibitions and projects, emphasizing Indigenous and youth voices in creative expression. These projects highlight the power of art in fostering cultural understanding and community engagement. Her artistic endeavours range with experience in a wide variety of media, from sculpture, painting, metalwork, ceramics, media arts, film, and traditional arts - including leatherwork, beading and weaving - to emerging technologies (e.g., robotics, coding, micro:bits).
Photo by Mervi Salo of Detail of traditional decoration of drum
Recognition and Service
Mervi's impactful work has earned recognition from scholarships, grants, and awards, including graduating Summa Cum Laude, University of Saskatchewan's Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy Entrance Scholarship, UArctic Field Study Travel Scholarship, the ETFO Multimedia Award, the Ontario Association of Art Galleries Educator Award and more. She is also deeply involved in community engagement, volunteering on many committees and professional associations and being a collaborator on SSHRC grants. She is the past president of the Ontario Art Education Association, past chair of the ETFO Provincial Standing Committee for the Arts, and has been a Board member of several other councils and associations.
About
Mervi Maarit Salo is a passionate educator, researcher, and artist with a wealth of experience in both academic and professional settings. Connect with her to explore her work and collaborations.
Contact
- Mon - Sun
- Appointment Only
Located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
mervisalo | at | gmail.com