Dr. Ted Spear’s lifelong fascination with the purpose and practices of K-12 education has spanned a career of over 25 years working as a teacher and administrator in public and independent schools. After completing a doctorate in Policy Studies in Education, he and a small group of dedicated parents founded Island Pacific School, an independent middle school in British Columbia. It was there that he learned what is most central and important about giving students an education that is worthy of the name. He also served as a middle school principal in an independent school in Vancouver, and co-founded another high school on Vancouver Island.

No matter what the context, Dr. Spear has always encouraged parents and educators alike to pursue the deepest and richest purposes of education. He has made numerous public presentations on the potential and pitfalls of contemporary schooling with titles like:

  • Schooling and Parenting in the 21st Century: What is Good …. And Not So Good 

  • What Education Could Be: Reformulating Education One Remarkable Initiative at a Time    

  • Education in a Changing World: What’s Coming and What We Need to Do About It 

  • Masterworks (and the Future of Education)   

He also co-wrote, with his teaching staff, a practical guide on implementing educational technology, entitled The Blended Learning Pilots at Island Pacific School, and has recently completed a book about the future of K-12 education, which is now available on Amazon.

Dr. Spear’s investigations of educational philosophy and student assessment, his ongoing research of contemporary educational innovations, and most importantly, his extensive practical experience working with parents and educators allow him to offer a unique perspective on the core questions of educational purpose and delivery. He is a compelling and ultimately optimistic voice for the future of grade school education.

He is available for media interviews, podcasts and speaking engagements.