Episode:
6
guest episode
December 26, 2024
Peter Singh: The CTO Behind Toronto's Schools
Education Technology
Leadership in Education
STEM Education
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In this podcast episode, Peter Singh shares his journey from childhood in India to becoming an executive officer at the Toronto District School Board. He discusses his early education, the importance of play and creativity, his immigration experience, and how he found his way into IT and education. Peter also reflects on the amalgamation of Toronto’s school boards and the lessons learned from significant organizational change. In this conversation, Peter Singh discusses the importance of building strong relationships and trust within teams, the joy of mentoring, and the challenges of navigating budget constraints in the education sector. He highlights the complexity of running the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and shares inspiring success stories from innovative programs aimed at enhancing student learning. Singh also offers valuable advice for EdTech companies and reflects on the strengths of Canadian education, concluding with a vision for the future of public education.
About The Guest
Peter Singh
Peter brings 30+ years of K-12 sector experience and know-how to his role as the Executive Officer of IT Services (ITS) at the Toronto District School Board. Peter is a passionate advocate for the power of technology to bring positive and transformative changes to the way that students and staff work, teach and learn at the TDSB. During his 14 years as the leader of ITS, he has been responsible for overseeing and supporting a wide range of innovative strategic and operational initiatives that have helped transform how technology services are delivered to classrooms, schools and central departments across the organization.
additional information
Introduction
Guest Introduction and Background
Peter Singh’s Background & Role at TDSB
Growing Up in Punjab, India
Childhood Sports & Creative Play
Early Love of Numbers & Curiosity
First Steps Toward Technology & Immigration
Finding a Career Path in IT
Starting Out at the Etobicoke Board of Education
The Amalgamation of Six Toronto Boards
Consolidating Tech Infrastructure Across TDSB
Lessons Learned from Large-Scale Mergers
TDSB’s Scale & City-Wide Complexity
Ongoing Challenges & Public Perception
Budget Constraints & The Need to Do More With Less
TDSB as a Reflection of the City
Overcoming Distractions & Sustaining Good Work
Inspiring Classroom Initiatives & Literacy Focus
STEM, Robotics, and “Girls Who Game”
Data Dunkers & Hackathon Success
One-to-One Device Strategy & Closing the Digital Divide
Forming Community & Corporate Partnerships
Advice to EdTech Companies Entering the K–12 Market
The Importance of Cybersecurity & Privacy by Design
Canada’s Public Education System & Its Strengths
Magic Wand Wish: Investing More in Early Education
Recommended Shows & AI Book
Closing Remarks & Credits
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About the Host
Jason Buccheri is a Podcast Host & Edtech Strategist, sharing insights on education, technology, and innovation while building impactful industry connections.
