Burlington teacher named recipient of provincial lifetime award

Burlington’s Wade Richardson is being recognized for his “commitment to advancing technological education” at the Halton District School Board (HDSB).

The Teacher and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) Lead for the HDSB has received the Lifetime Membership Award from the Ontario Council for Technology Education (OCTE).

The award recognizes an individual who has made a “substantial contribution to advancing Technological Education in Ontario through work with the Ontario Council for Technology Education over a dedicated period of time.

“I’m honoured to have received this Lifetime Membership Award from OCTE,” Richardson says. “It is so satisfying to know the difference that we, as an organization, have made to furthering technological education in Ontario, and I’m thrilled to have played a part in that alongside so many talented, dedicated and devoted professionals.”

His colleagues at the HDSB are happy to see Richardson be recognized.

“The Halton District School Board is so proud of Wade for receiving this award,” says Nick Frankovich, Superintendent of Education for the HDSB. “His commitment to advancing technological education, not just in Halton but across the province, has been exemplary. He collaborates with his department to ensure secondary program colleagues have a voice in supporting technological education, and they couldn’t be happier for Wade.

“He has accomplished this as a teacher and system-lead to the benefit of countless students, and we extend our congratulations to him for this provincial recognition.”

Richardson has held various positions on the executive board for OCTE over the years.

Currently the chair, he’s also been a conference organizer, and stakeholder relations OYAP representative.

He has also worked on various projects with OCTE to support technological education, including creating supporting resources for teachers, such as lesson plans and student information resources.

“Wade connected our organizations with consistent messaging and advocacy through opportunities such as the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Youth Advisory initiative, which ultimately led to very important policy changes for education including the introduction of the compulsory Technological Education credit for all Ontario students,” according to OCTE.

“Wade is a well-liked and effective leader and supporter of Technological Education in Ontario. The future of OCTE and Tech Ed in the province are in great hands with the leadership that Wade offers.”