Episode 37 - David DeSantis: From Immigrant to Education Leader

Episode:

37

guest episode
July 3, 2025

David DeSantis: From Immigrant to Education Leader

Leadership in Education
Literacy & Leadership
Education Policy

Listen or watch on your favourite platform

In this episode, David DeSantis, the Director of Education for the Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic School Board, shares his journey from growing up in an Italian immigrant family in Hamilton, Ontario, to becoming a director of education in Ontario, Canada. He discusses the importance of music in education, the challenges faced by new teachers, and the role of mentorship in his career. David emphasizes the need for mental health support in schools, the significance of early childhood education, and the successful initiatives implemented in his school board, particularly in literacy education. He concludes with a hopeful vision for the future of education, focusing on empathy and compassion.

This episode is brought to you by Education Perfect, a complete teaching and learning toolkit built to support Canadian classrooms. Education Perfect empowers educators to track progress, personalize learning, and support purposeful practice. Its tools are flexible and designed to help Canadian teachers amplify their impact in the classroom. See for yourself and book a free demo today at educationperfect.com.
podcast recommendations

The Bridge by Peter Mansbridge

  • A Canadian political podcast hosted on SiriusXM’s Canada Talks.

  • David specifically recommends the Friday episodes, which feature Chantal Hébert and Bruce Anderson discussing Canadian and global politics.

  • He describes it as a great way to stay informed on geopolitics and international affairs.

About The Guest

David DeSantis

David has served as Director of Education for the Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board since January 2019. With over 32 years dedicated to Catholic education, he brings extensive experience from previous roles as Department Head, Vice-Principal, Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent in areas such as Student Success, Leadership, and Safe Schools. David believes that public education is essential because it provides equity of opportunity, allowing every student to realize their full potential.

additional information

Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board Multi-Year Strategic Plan 2020-2025

The ALCDSB’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan focuses on four main priorities:
  • Faith
  • Equity and Well-Being
  • Achievement and Innovation
  • Resource Management
Sponsor Message – Education Perfect
Introduction to David DeSantis
David's Current Role and Board Overview
Family Background and Immigration Story
Growing Up in Hamilton in the 1980s
Childhood Play and Street Hockey
Early School Experiences and Academic Turnaround
Discovery of Music and Its Impact
Music Education and Instrument Choice
Factory Work vs. Academic Aspirations
University Decisions and Career Misalignment
Turning Down a Music Scholarship
Entering Teaching and Early Challenges
Overcoming First-Year Teaching Struggles
Path to Administration and Mentorship
Reevaluating Elementary vs. Secondary
Power of Kindergarten and Early Education
The Profound Responsibility of Educators
The House Analogy – Elementary vs. Secondary
Parental Involvement in Elementary School
Major Challenges in Ontario Education
Reaching Every Reader Literacy Initiative
Hope for the Future of Education
Media Recommendation – The Bridge Podcast
Closing Remarks and Credits

Related Episodes

Episode

45
Leadership in Education
October 16, 2025

Mark Pearmain & Michael Stevenson: Education for Human Flourishing

Episode

16
Community Engagement
January 30, 2025

Dr. Karen Beerer: Education, Edtech and Politics

Episode

35
Leadership in Education
June 19, 2025

Reg Klassen: Canada’s Education Identity

About the Host

Jason Buccheri is a Podcast Host & Edtech Strategist, sharing insights on education, technology, and innovation while building impactful industry connections.

Popular Episodes

Episode 2 - Mauro Buccheri: Education and a Just Society
December 17, 2024
Episode 21 - Dr. Rebecca Winthrop: The School System and The Disengaged Teen
February 18, 2025
Episode 32 - Mark Daley: Thinking Machines & Education
May 29, 2025

Latest Episode

Youtube - Episode 65-sponsor

NEW!

Episode

65
Leadership in Education
September 29, 2026
Scroll to Top