Interview with Dr. Chris Spence, Director, Toronto District School Board

Dr. Christopher Spence is a renowned educator and dedicated community advocate. He took on his most recent role as the Director of Education for the Toronto District School Board on July 1, 2009. Dr. Spence has more than 15 years senior administration and teaching experience and has authored several books. He has been widely recognized for his leadership work within the broader educational community to manage issues, develop policy and promote causes that benefit students. He played a significant role in the development of a number of successful initiatives, including Boys 2 Men, Project G.O. (Girls only) and the Read to Succeed Program, which motivates and teaches boys to read. The success of these programs were featured in a documentary about his life, Person to Person and in an article in the Reader's Digest, titled Man on a Mission. Dr. Spence has won many awards for his outstanding contributions to education and the community, including outstanding alumni award from Simon Fraser University, Positive Impact Award and Canadian Black Achievement Award for Professional Achievement and Community Leadership. He was recognized by the City of Toronto for best practices in education and by the community group Why We Are Here, for outstanding educational contributions. Dr. Spence also has five film credits to his name. He is a former CFL athlete and is married with two young children.