Chris Spence hopes to open the Toronto Urban Academy

Of the many projects that Chris Spence (Christopher M. Spence) is working on, the most prominent and crucial one is the Toronto Urban Academy. The Toronto urban academy is a building model in which kids will learn most of their basic skills via adaptive technology, leaving the teachers free to focus on critical thinking study guides and instruction for the kids.

It is about time that someone made the decision to put technology to good use in the education system. Effectively individualizing the education of each student to diagnose and evaluate the learning ability of each student, in order to zero in on where they are truly struggling, rather than approaching the problem that is perceived to be true by the teachers. 

The mission of the TUA is to be sensitive to the needs and aspirations of each individual. To educate all students to be responsible, productive, life long learners in an ever-changing society, by providing quality-learning opportunities that meet the needs of our diverse community.

They intend to provide each student with appropriate educational programs in a nurturing yet stimulating environment, where students are going to experience success and gain the necessary skills to become a life long learner. In partnership with the community,they seek to develop responsible, productive,creative, and ethical citizens who respect themselves and others;as well as valuing cultural diversity, setting their goals with a positive attitude, thinking critically in order to solve problems, and adapting to the changing needs of a global society.

TUA is about disrupting the book on education with its global approach. By graduation, students will attain fluency in the second language.They will be connected by technology and ethos.In contrast to the public school system, which faces unrelenting fiscal pressures, the not for profit school will be based on supply and demand. TUA believes that form affects function, and that constructing a school from scratch will allow them to embrace technology and collaboration in a completely new way.

Chris Spence is working to make this vision a reality, and provide an inspired platform to the community of Toronto. The opening of this school is going to be one of the most remarkable achievements in Chris’s career and in the history of public education. An achievement that won’t only pave the path for change in this city, this province, and this country, but the entire world!

Chris Spence Release New Book towards School Going Youngsters and Teenagers

About Chris Spence New Book: Dreamers – The Skin He's In, Racism, Sport, and Educational Leadership

Christopher M. Spence latest work is a new book aimed towards school going youngsters and teenagers. The book is named, “Dreamers - The Skin He's In, Racism, Sport, and Educational Leadership”, which offers a refreshing yet insightful perspective into life of a minority and their dreams. The name of the book itself suggests the kind of issues that are covered within. 

What makes this book a must read is not because the book discusses minorities being victims of racism in our society, how it impacts their goal in life, and all the problems they bravely overcome, but it’s because of the author who has written it. 

Chris Spence was born in 1962 England. By growing up in that particular era,he is not a stranger to the issues covered in this book. As a former football player who performed as the running back for B.C. Lions in 1980's, Chris’s journey from being an alienated child in school to becoming a professional football player has not been an easy one.Having always been the target of bullies and general racism, Christopher M. Spence brings this book to life, which bears real life experiences.

Quoting Martin Luther King Jr. who penned these words in Chaos or Community,“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now.”

“Dreamers - The Skin He's In, Racism, Sport, and Educational Leadership”is expected to further deepen the conversation, research, and, lastly, the investment in the subject of Black male academic performance and social-emotional development that contributes to enduring change. Only when the people are aware of the emotionally treacherous journey these children have to go through from the moment they are introduced into the community, they can understand the weight of such actions. Underneath the color of the skin,we all are sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers and mothers. We all want the same things in life, and that is to progress. This is the journey of every human being, it should be full of love and acceptance and not hate and prejudice.

The challenge of reaching out to, as well as educating and developing Black males and females,areboth daunting and crucial tasks. Educational institutions must acknowledge and address these challenges and be prepared to explore other ways of looking at this world. Ways such asteaching and learning new styles and forming instructional relationships that aid minorities in progressing. Similarly, educators must also understand that going through such problemsas a child is complex and solving these issues is just as complex for the educators.

The Silenced Narrative: A letter to Dr. Spence

                                     A letter to Dr. Spence

Dear Dr. Chris Spence,

We would be guilty of failing history if we did not add our voices to the current conversation, and acknowledge the positive things you also achieved during your time as the proud Director of the Toronto District School Board. 

We recognize you, celebrate you and thank you for your legacy as the passionate and committed educator who:

·  unapologetically and tirelessly pushed the mandate of learning for all

·  inspired educators to stand together and embrace a vision of hope

·  opened the dialogue about student choice and student voice

·  pushed for student engagement through the arts and athletics

·  encouraged teachers to engage in open dialogue around the interests of students often not discussed

·  bravely supported an explicit conversation about demographic data and the need for systemic change to achieve equity in education

·  included community voice in meaningful educational dialogue

·  led with an ethos of caring

·  championed the Boys 2 Men initiative to support our most vulnerable boys

·  encouraged open communication with students, families, staff and community through the use of social media

·  maintained high expectations for all of our students

·  advocated to improve the educational experience of African-Canadians and supported Canada’s first public Africentric School

·  fought for schools of choice for our students and parents so that all students can have opportunities to reach their maximum potential

·  started Hoops for Hope to build stronger relationships amongst staff and support fundraising for various community causes

·  stood behind Young Women on the Move and the issues relevant to girls across the system

·  believed in cognitive and emotional engagement for students and their families and created spaces for them to navigate the system of education

·  ensured that the belief in students’ ability to achieve their potential is at the forefront of our work

·  inspired educators to belief that change in public education is necessary and possible.

While this is certainly not an exhaustive list, in an effort not to fail history, we offer this silenced narrative.

An Open Letter to Chris Spence

An Open Letter to Chris Spence

You Are My Role Model

Like many other staff and students I mourn the loss of our former Director Chris Spence. I am a teacher because of him and he will always be a role model to me.

A role model is defined in the dictionary as a person who inspires and encourages us to strive for greatness, live to our fullest potential and see the best in ourselves. In this regard you have no equals. The lives that you touched, the work that you did and those that you inspired to greatness in the Jane Finch Community, the Lawrence Heights Community and beyond are truly legendary.

The ground breaking Boys to Men mentoring Program, the films No J, Teammates and Skin Games are but a few examples of the trailblazer you are.

Chris Spence

You will always be remembered as the best teacher who chose to work in priority communities and effortlessly scored touchdowns in the classroom.

You will always be remembered as the best Principal leading the Lawrence Heights community to national recognition on the cover of Reader’s Digest.

You will always be remembered as the best Director who fought for the undeserved, the disadvantaged and the marginalized. The Achievement Gap Action Plan, the Vision of Hope, the Elementary Academies are just a few examples of your legacy.

Never have I seen the anticipation of an educators visit the way yours were... only rock stars and pro athletes get that treatment. And you never disappointed both students and staff were truly grateful of your visits, and the ones in which you played basketball (Hoops for Hope) and spoke to us about poverty at halftime and the role we all play in giving back to our community was truly inspirational.

You took the time to speak to every student and staff who approached you with high fives and your wide smile. The image I have stuck in my head is you surrounded by our students being ushered to your car and you stopping to speak to and compliment our caretaker. I have to tell you. . . you made his day.

You modeled a passion for your work. Your energy and passion was contagious. You modeled social responsibility with the TDSB’s ground breaking social justice action plan. Every time I heard you speak you ALWAYS spoke passionately about social justice. You challenged us to look in the mirror.

— Who tends to be privileged?

— Who tends to be marginalized?

How can we take action in the classroom /system to interrupt these cycles of oppression?

You modeled positive relationships with all people. Heck even our union leaders spoke highly of you! Someone who listens, someone who cares they said.

Even during your darkest hour, in my eyes you stood tall. It truly was an example of grace under Etc. The letter of apology you wrote to the TDSB community was a great example of a classy heartfelt apology.

My only question is will you approach your recent setback as an opportunity? Will we see you handling life’s disappointments with the same grace and dignity?

A role model is someone we admire and someone we aspire to be like. We learn through them, through their commitment to excellence and through their ability to make us realize our own personal growth.

You are my role model!

I tech because of you...believe!