Bill Tucker, the retiring Director of the Thames Valley District School Board, has joined Western University’s Faculty of Education as a Visiting Appointment at the rank of Associate Professor, effective September 1, 2013. Tucker will teach in the Educational Leadership Program, conduct research as part of the Faculty of Education’s Children’s Mental Health initiative along with its partner the Child and Youth Network, serve as an inaugural fellow of the doctoral Educational Leadership program, and work as a provincial liaison for the Faculty of Education.
“I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of Western’s Faculty of Education,” says Tucker. “As an educator I am aware of the high degree of respect in which this faculty is regarded. I am just thrilled to be a part of it and of the exciting changes taking place under the leadership of Dean Vicki Schwean.”
“We are so fortunate that Bill has accepted our offer to become an Associate Professor. Our newly developed and growing professional programs will be a major part of the curriculum offerings at the Faculty,” says Dean Vicki Schwean. “To ensure the success and quality of those programs, we will rely on professionals and tested leaders like Bill Tucker to add a strong voice of lived experience.”
Tucker will retire as Director of the Thames Valley District School Board on August 31, 2013 after serving in that capacity since 2008. Prior to accepting the position as Director, he was Superintendent of Education. He also held supervisory positions in Special Education and School and Community Services. Tucker has worked as an educator in London since 1979. His own education has its roots in London as an alumnus of Clara Brenton Public School, Oakridge Secondary School and Western, before earning a Master’s in Educational Psychology at Western’s Faculty of Education.
The list of Tucker’s community service contributions is long. He served on the Developmental Disabilities Division Advisory Committee at Western; was President of the Board of Madame Vanier Children’s Services, a member of Community Living London, and served as a Board of Education Representative for London Children’s Connection. Tucker was also a Board member of London’s Children’s Aid Society, Women’s Community House and Second Stage Housing.
“We chose Bill for his exemplary work as an educator and a leader,” says Schwean. “But Bill’s lifelong dedication to at-risk children and adults and his tireless work for social justice make him the ideal fit for our Faculty too.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kate Young, Manager of Public Affairs & Community Relations, Thames Valley District School Board, 519-452-2000, ext. 20209, kate.young@tvdsb.on.ca
Jeff Renaud, Senior Media Relations Officer, Western University, 519-661-2111 ext. 85165, jrenaud9@uwo.ca
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