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.
