The Director’s Citation Award and Employee Recognition Awards are an annual opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the work of OCDSB staff, and the positive impact they have had on students, colleagues, and families across the District. We are pleased to share that two staff members from our school community have been recognized this year.
Congratulations to Glenn Ellis, Department Head of Trades & Technology and Co-Op, on being recognized with the 2021-2022 Mentoring Award, and to Andrew Winchester, Department Head, Special Education and English, on receiving the 2021-2022 Ronald K. Lynch Memorial Award!
Glenn Ellis’s exuberance, enthusiasm, and passion are magnetic to staff and students alike, though his mentorship is not confined to the building he works in! Glenn freely and regularly shares his experience, insight, and wisdom across the District, and across the Province through his work as an Additional Qualification (AQ) instructor, Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) accreditation committee member, and in provincial projects. During his time as Chairperson of the Technology Subject Council, Glenn provided leadership and mentorship to many individuals, and he continues to be actively involved in the council and helps mentor the current chair. Glenn has worked hard to develop curriculum and pedagogy within the Communication Technology and Trades realm, and his ability to provide resources and guidance to colleagues is invaluable. He works diligently and collaboratively through challenges with colleagues, engaging his vast network of professionals to answer questions and make connections. He has also supported individuals in all 10 Trades and Technology programs and continues to engage with these individuals to better their programs and promote staff development. Whenever a new teacher arrives at the Board or a staff member is looking to enhance their skill set, Glenn’s name is the first to come up in providing support. He works tirelessly to create and enhance programs, and to keep staff informed of provincial curriculum changes and resources. His work with the Ontario Council for Technology Education (OCTE), the province, and the Board has helped shape not only the programs at his current school, but programs across the Board.
At Ottawa Technical Secondary School, Andrew Winchester is a student advocate, mentor, and a valued member of the leadership team. He has led the transformation of special education at the school: under his leadership, the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) classes have begun using advanced strategies that focus on strengths and provide positive reinforcement for behaviours that will allow students access to meaningful and life-changing opportunities beyond secondary school. Andrew is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of every learner, listening to student voices and coordinating professional development for educators and support staff, resulting in significant achievements for students. Andrew takes the time to know and understand each student's individual needs in the ASD and Physical Support (PSP) programs, and his skills at co-regulating with students are so exceptional that his class has become a home to some of the highest-needs students in the District. As Department Head of ASD and Communication, Andrew has worked collaboratively and through an equity lens to ensure educators have the appropriate tools and materials to help all students achieve at the highest levels possible. Andrew has also led OTSS’ response to the Right to Read Inquiry, collaborating with other school leaders to develop programming based on the highest quality research. Andrew has also founded the subject council for ASD educators, and plays a leading role working with the Board’s Special Education Advisory Committee, demonstrating that his leadership extends far beyond OTSS. As a result of his passion for literacy and special education, students across the OCDSB can look forward to brighter futures!
To learn more about the awards and the other recipients, visit the OCDSB website.