Last week Ray Greidanus, Avon Maitland District School Board Transportation and Department Head at Central Huron Secondary School, was recognized provincially for his outstanding support for and contributions to the continued development of Technological Education at the school and board level.
Greidanus was awarded the Ontario Council of Technology Educators (OCTE) Certificate of Recognition at the OCTE Annual conference held in Mississauga May 12, 2017 and was supported by over 600 attendees in attendance including AMDSB secondary and elementary staff.
He has been a very active educator who is involved with curriculum development, Specialist High Skills Major, promotion of apprenticeship and co-op programs and student post-secondary transitions. Not to be forgotten is his volunteer work as a member of the Board of Directors of the Huron Manufacturing Association, currently as Treasurer. He played a key role in the implementation of four (4) $1000 scholarships to students planning to pursue a career in the trades as well as partnership with schools in the Huron County area.
“Ray is the best of the best,” stated Jeff Piro, AMDSB Lifelong Learning Administrator and Pathways Coordinator. “So many students and staff have benefited from Ray’s high enthusiasm and dedication to all aspects of Technological Education. We are thrilled that Ray has been recognized provincially for his efforts both in and out of the classroom and its impact on youth.”
“Ray is tireless in his promotion of Specialist High Skills Major and was the driving force in bringing a new Manufacturing SHSM to his school, added Ken Bailey, AMDSB SHSM Support Lead. “Last year he organized an Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) event that brought together seven (7) different SHSM sectors from five (5) of our nine (9) schools. The day was a perfect example of what ICE should be and saw 100 of our students fully engaged in solving a real world problem.”
His principal and colleagues credit him with reinvigorating the entire Tech Program at CHSS.
Greidanus is commonly touted as much more than a teacher as many also refer to him as a mentor, an advisor, a motivator, a coach and shepherd. He builds on the strengths and interests of his student and uses them to develop strategies for success and makes his students responsible for their outcomes but will not hesitate to bring in parental involvement when he suspects extra encouragement is required.
“I honestly believe that Mr. Greidanus has changed the direction of my son’s life and he is much happier for it,” said one parent. “I am so grateful for the positive influence he has on his students.”
OCTE GROUP 2017 – Left to Right – Tyler Brady, GDCI Tech Ed Dept. Head; Sonya Brady, Huron Centennial Teacher; Jen Moxham, Huron Centennial Teacher; Joe VanBakel, CHSS Teacher; Jeff Piro, AMDSB Pathways Coordinator; Ken Bailey, AMDSB SHSM Support Lead; Marcel VanLeeuwen, LDSS Tech Ed Dept. Head; Ray Greidanus, CHSS Tech Ed Dept. Head