A Life in Motion
It is rare to meet someone who has successfully crossed boundaries in sports, education, literature, and film. Yet Dr. Christopher Spence has done exactly that. Born in Wembley, England and raised in Windsor, Ontario, his journey has taken him from being drafted by the BC Lions in 1985, to serving as Director of Education for the Toronto District School Board—the largest in Canada—and the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, to writing acclaimed books such as The Skin I’m In (https://fernwoodpublishing.ca/book/the-skin-im-in) and True Blue(https://theliteraryreporter.com/book-submission/true-blue), to earning recognition as an award-winning filmmaker.
Today, Christopher Spence is celebrated not only as an educator but as a thinker, storyteller, and leader who has used every stage of his life to teach others. His official website, https://christopherspence.website gathers much of his work, but the story of how he got here reflects decades of resilience and purpose.
Early Years – From Wembley to Windsor
Spence’s beginnings are as diverse as his career. Born in England, his family immigrated to Windsor, Ontario, where his love for sports, books, and community began to shape him. Football became his first outlet for discipline and leadership. In 1985, his talent earned him a spot in the CFL draft, where he was chosen by the BC Lions. For many, that would have been the story professional athlete, glory, retirement. For Chris Spence, it was just chapter one.
Education as a Calling
Transitioning from athletics to academics is no small feat, but Spence found himself drawn to the classroom. He earned a PhD in Education and began working his way up the school system. His time as Principal at Lawrence Heights Middle School in Toronto was transformative. Under his leadership, the school became a model of innovation and equity, earning him multiple awards for educational excellence.
As principal, Spence focused on student engagement, particularly among boys and marginalized communities. His ideas were captured in works like The Joys of Teaching Boys (https://cmreviews.ca/cm/vol15/no21/thejoysofteachingboys), where his philosophy on tailored teaching resonated with educators nationwide.
Leadership at Scale – TDSB and HWDSB
His success as principal propelled him into broader leadership. In 2008, Spence was named Director of Education for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), overseeing a system serving more than 250,000 students. The TDSB is not only the largest school board in Canada, but the fourth largest in North America, placing Spence in a role of national and international influence.
Later, he served as Director of Education for the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB), the seventh largest in Ontario, where he was responsible for more than 50,000 students. In both roles, Spence emphasized equity, inclusion, and innovation, shaping policies that directly impacted classrooms and communities.
Books that Inspire – Author and Thinker
Spence has always believed that education is not confined to four walls. His writing reflects that philosophy. His books, such as The Skin I’m In (https://fernwoodpublishing.ca/book/the-skin-im-in0 and True Blue (https://theliteraryreporter.com/book-submission/true-blue), combine academic insight with lived experience, addressing race, identity, and opportunity.
His essay Skin Games: A Different Opportunity and Life-Threatening Basketball (https://chrisspenceinfo.weebly.com/blog/skin-games-different-opportunity-and-life-threatening-basketball) reflects his understanding of how sport, culture, and personal growth intersect. His works are listed across platforms such as https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28351609-snowball, Everand, and CM Reviews, ensuring his voice continues to reach students, teachers, and readers alike.
Filmmaking – Storytelling Beyond the Page
Beyond books, Spence has used film as another medium for education. His documentary Silence of Violence brought attention to the urgent need to address youth violence, equity, and systemic challenges. The film was recognized in LinkedIn
features and is listed on IMDb
.
His work as a Canadian filmmaker is not about entertainment alone—it’s about education, awareness, and change. Through film, Spence continues to fulfill his lifelong mission: inspiring the next generation.
Scholarship and Public Thought
Spence’s academic work remains highly respected. With his PhD in Education, he continues to publish and engage with educational theory. His reviews and thought pieces, such as Jail to Yale to Columbia (LinkedIn article
), position him as both a scholar and a public intellectual.
His official site, ChristopherSpence.website
, acts as a hub, collecting his biography, books, films, and interviews, making it the best starting point for anyone who wants to explore his contributions.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Today, Christopher Spence’s influence stretches across education, sports, literature, and media. He is frequently referenced on platforms such as Goodreads
, Everand
, and academic book reviews. His works continue to be taught, cited, and celebrated by educators, filmmakers, and community leaders alike.
Spence’s story—from Wembley, England to Windsor, Ontario, from BC Lions athlete to Canadian educator, PhD scholar, author, and filmmaker—is one of perseverance, creativity, and purpose. His journey demonstrates that education can take many forms, whether in classrooms, books, or on screen.
Conclusion – A Life of Many Lessons
At every stage of his life, Christopher Spence has turned challenges into opportunities. His transition from professional football to education leadership showed that discipline and teamwork translate beyond the field. His award-winning work as principal and director of education proved that leadership in schools can change lives. His books and films remind us that storytelling—whether written or visual—can reshape perspectives.
For more information, visit ChristopherSpence.website
— the official source for his books, films, and biography.
Top comments (0)