Mr. Mike Dawson

Director General, Western Quebec School Board, Canada

Appointed on 1st January 2004, Mr Dawson brings rich and varied experience to the role of Director General. His professional life began at the Lakeshore School Board as a teacher. In the beginning, he taught in the traditional high school classroom, gaining experience in most English language subjects and teaching at all levels.

As his career developed, Mr Dawson moved into various Department Head, consulting and administrative roles. Special Education, alternative timetabling and specialized programming became a passion. He was instrumental in the development of acclaimed programmes at several schools for underachievers, drop-outs, special education and gifted students. A strong proponent of student leadership and extra curricular activities, Mr Dawson was also involved provincially and nationally in student leadership programming, coached athletics extensively, and organized countless field trips, including many to Europe.

Being a believer in "life-long learning" and the positive benefits of change, Mr Dawson left the Lakeshore School Board in 1997, to join the Western Quebec School Board as Coordinator of Special Education. Later he was appointed Director of Student Services and subsequently Director of Education and Secretary General. Most recently Mr Dawson has held the position of Director of Human Resources.

Mr Dawson holds a variety of academic credentials. From McGill he has earned a Masters in Education (Honours - Educational Psychology) and diplomas in Education, Special Education and Reading Instruction. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours - History) from Sir George Williams University, and has done Masters level work in History and Business Administration at both McGill and Concordia.

Mr Dawson is a former professional and national calibre athlete, twice nominated for a Rhodes Scholarship. He has competed and coached at provincial, national and international levels. These life experiences have forged a firm belief in holistic development, and the need to nurture well rounded students and citizens.

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