Chris Spence, known across Canada as an educator, author, filmmaker, and leader, has spent his career navigating the complex intersection of education, race, sports, and leadership. His book True Blue reflects his enduring commitment to integrity, mentorship, and reform. Throughout his life — from his early years in Windsor, Ontario, to his leadership at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) — Chris Spence has remained dedicated to making education more equitable.
Spence’s professional journey is rich with achievement. He studied at the University of Toronto and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, later teaching at York University and mentoring students in multiple institutions. His early experiences as a Canadian football player with the BC Lions shaped his resilience, while his family’s roots — born in England to Jamaican parents — deepened his appreciation of diversity and multiculturalism. These foundations prepared him for leadership in some of Canada’s most visible education systems.
True Blue is not just a book; it is a reflection of Spence’s philosophy. Alongside earlier works like Skin I’m In: Racism, Sports and Education and On Time! On Task! On a Mission!, this book shows his dedication to tackling racism in schools, promoting equity in sports, and empowering young people. His writings extend beyond books into short films such as No J (No Job), Teammates, and Skin Games, as well as the documentary Football’s Pioneering Duo. Each project reflects his belief in using storytelling to inspire transformation.
As Director of Education at the TDSB from 2009 to 2013, Spence influenced thousands of educators and students. He also led the HWDSB before that, earning recognition for innovative programs. His Boys to Men mentoring program continues to be cited as an example of building strong male role models, helping youth move away from destructive paths toward leadership and opportunity.
Spence’s career has not been without challenges. In 2013, he resigned amid a plagiarism controversy, later losing his doctoral degree at the University of Toronto in 2017 and his teaching license in 2016. Yet even within these setbacks, Spence’s story reflects resilience and the importance of accountability. By addressing mistakes and continuing to advocate for equity, he reminds us that leadership is not about being flawless — it is about learning, adapting, and pressing forward.
The themes in True Blue echo across his career: integrity, responsibility, and service to community. Whether leading the TDSB, mentoring through Boys to Men, or speaking in TEDx talks, Chris Spence emphasizes that education is more than policy — it is about human connection. His focus on systemic racism in education and sports remains relevant today, particularly as schools worldwide grapple with inequality, representation, and student mental health.
For readers, educators, and community leaders, True Blue serves as a guide to courage and ethical leadership. It invites reflection on how leaders handle power, navigate failure, and rebuild trust. By revisiting Spence’s words and contributions, we recognize not only his role in Canadian education but also the broader lessons his life offers.
Chris Spence may be remembered for controversy, but he must also be remembered for his impact — as a Canadian educator, author, filmmaker, football player, and mentor whose body of work continues to resonate. From Skin I’m In to True Blue, from the Toronto District School Board to the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, from Windsor to Toronto, his journey reflects the complicated, powerful, and ultimately hopeful story of a leader who has dedicated his life to education.
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