Over the course of his life, [b]Chris Spence[/b] has accomplished a great deal. Christopher M. Spence is precisely the type of person we need in public education in order to revolutionize how we perceive the educational system to be and how it can be further improved upon.

In his tenure at the TDSB, Chris has made remarkable achievements, but today, we are going to discuss his most prominent ones.The first of which is the development and implementation of Vision of Hope. This initiative was meant as the road map for heights that the TDSB was meant to achieve.Being a bold plan in its essence to address a number of long-standing issues at the TDSB, driven by a deeply held belief that every decision we make at the TDSB must support a school system, the number-one priority was supporting learning for all.

The V.O.H. inspired the system to be a level 5 district in which all schools share a common set core of characteristics. They are all academically rigorous, equity oriented, safe, community driven, and focused on teaching and learning. It enabled a wider variety of schools of choice within the district to adapt different learning styles and interests so as to allow students and parents with a choice. The comprehensive system-wide continuum of streamlined processes allowed integrated supports, along with alternative programming to enhance every student’s capacity to achieve success.

The second biggest accomplishment was amassing the 19,500 learning and teaching staff from all over Toronto to send a powerful message regarding where the TDSB is and where it needs to go. This conference was coined as “Believe It: Our Time Is Now” and was a remarkable success. It was meant to enroll and engage the teachers and the support staff, a task that Chris Spence took upon himself personally in order to achieve the desired results.

The last accomplishment but not in any way the least,is the launch of Nine Elementary Academies in Chris’s tenure. They are the Vocal Academies, Sport and Wellness Academy, Girls Leadership, Boys Leadership, and more, providing students and parents with the much needed choice to allow them to discover their passion and talents.This also inspired the development of a range of intervention programs that focused on academic skills as well as on the emotional intelligence and self-image of the students.

Distinguished for his relentless pursuit of excellence, social responsibility, and equity, Chris Spence intends to continue in the same stead, as his inherent qualities have destined him for such greatness.