Leading with Humility: Steve Gardner on Building Trust, Culture, and Connection in Education
From Brampton classrooms to system leadership at York Region, Steve Gardner shares a people-first approach to school leadership, mentorship, and belonging.
When Steve Gardner walks into a school, he isn’t just checking boxes or monitoring compliance. He’s looking for joy. “As a parent, as a principal, as a superintendent, you can feel it when someone loves what they do,” Steve reflected on The LearnIt Podcast. “You have to want to teach.”
Now serving as Coordinating Superintendent of Education, Human Resource Services, People and Culture at the York Region District School Board (YRDSB), Steve’s leadership journey has taken him from teaching and coaching to shaping board-wide HR and engagement strategies for Ontario’s third-largest school board. But what makes his story compelling isn’t just his resume, it’s the steady thread of humility, mentorship, and heart that runs through it all.
From Brampton to Jamaica to York Region: A Childhood That Shaped a Leader
Born to Jamaican parents in Brampton, Steve spent part of his childhood living in Jamaica. That early immersion in a different schooling system and community had a lasting impact. “Those experiences absolutely make you who you are,” he said. Being the middle child, “the peacemaker”, also shaped his approach to leadership: balancing multiple perspectives and seeking harmony.
He didn’t always know he’d end up in education. Initially on track to become a university professor, Steve’s background in physical education and youth recreation opened the door to a teaching career he hadn’t anticipated. “I always worked with kids - coaching, camps, summer jobs - but it wasn’t until university that teaching really clicked for me.”
From the Classroom to the Boardroom: Lessons at Every Level
Steve’s career has spanned nearly every rung of the education ladder, and with each step, he’s carried forward one core value: connection. “As a principal, know your families. Take the time to build relationships,” he said. Whether leading a classroom or a boardroom, his advice stays consistent: relationships come first.
Now in a superintendent role, Steve supports staff wellbeing, talent development, and leadership engagement across the system. And while he no longer teaches directly, he still sees his decisions through a student-centered lens. “Every decision I make, I ask: is this good for kids?”
Mentorship and Representation: More Than Buzzwords
Steve is a firm believer in mentorship, especially for aspiring leaders. He recalled how many of his own career steps were encouraged by others who saw potential in him. “Often it’s not that you feel ready, but others see it in you. That’s where coaching comes in.”
He also reflected on how representation has changed in recent decades. “Twenty years ago, I didn’t see leaders who looked like me. Now, mentorship and representation are part of how we operate. It matters.”
This aligns with a growing body of research showing that diversity in leadership improves student outcomes and fosters belonging. A 2021 report by People for Education emphasized that schools with diverse leadership are better equipped to meet the needs of increasingly diverse student populations.
Engagement Isn’t Just a Buzzword, It’s a Culture Shift
One of Steve’s most critical insights is around student and family engagement. As he explained, while formal structures like student senates and parent involvement committees are important, the real challenge is making sure every voice is heard.
“What about all those other students, the ones not on student council or the senate? Are we creating venues for them to be heard?” He sees this shift, from elite leadership to inclusive voice, as essential for the future of public education.
The same applies to families. “Parents today are more willing to speak up. We as school boards are also getting better at listening and acting on that input.”
Steve Gardner on The LearnIt Podcast
Challenges Ahead: Mental Health, Staffing, and Funding
When asked about the top issues facing education, Steve didn’t hesitate: student wellbeing, staff shortages, and sustainable funding. “We’re still seeing the aftereffects of the pandemic. Mental health and belonging are still top of mind for families and staff.”
He also noted ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining educators. Ontario’s teacher shortage has been widely reported in recent years, and boards like YRDSB are investing in induction programs and leadership academies to support and retain talent. “It’s not just about recruitment, it’s about retention. How do we support new teachers and leaders so they thrive?”
A Leadership Philosophy Grounded in People
At the heart of Steve’s leadership is humility. “There are always decisions people won’t agree with. But if I can explain why, if I can be transparent, then we build trust.” He also emphasized the importance of perspective-taking: “When a parent comes to you, it’s because it matters to them. Even if you can’t say yes, you need to listen.”
This people-first approach isn’t just strategic, it’s deeply human. Steve’s commitment to active listening, fairness, and inclusion has helped foster a culture where every staff member, student, and parent feels seen.
Looking Ahead: A Future Rooted in Innovation and Belonging
As YRDSB prepares for continued growth, Steve envisions a future where school systems remain agile, responsive, and student-focused. “We can’t keep doing things just because we’ve always done them. We have to listen to students, listen to the world around us, and innovate.”
Asked what advice he’d give to young professionals, he said: “Don’t rush. Sample different paths. The runway is long - take your time to find the right fit.”
With 31 years in education and counting, Steve is proof that meaningful leadership is built not just on credentials, but on character, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to learning.