A Director Rooted in Respect: How John De Faveri is Leading York Catholic into the Future
From his first day teaching in a portable to his current role as Director of Education, John De Faveri brings a steady, student-first approach shaped by humility, faith, and over four decades of service.
Before becoming the Director of Education at the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB), John De Faveri was just a young teacher in a portable classroom, feeling the weight of responsibility. “I remember thinking: what if I do something wrong? I could impact the lives of these innocent children,” he recalled on The LearnIt Podcast. But that first day turned into a career defined by calm leadership, trust-building, and a deep belief in the human side of education.
Today, De Faveri leads one of Ontario’s largest Catholic school boards, serving over 49,000 students across 103 schools. And though the role now involves strategic planning, policy navigation, and multi-million dollar budgets, his heart remains with students and the educators who serve them.
A Career Shaped by Encouragement and Empathy
De Faveri’s decision to pursue leadership wasn’t part of a long-term plan. In fact, he once believed his calling was simply to become “the best teacher around.” That changed when trusted mentors encouraged him to consider leadership. “I remember asking, ‘Why me?’ And they said, ‘You bring people together. You build peace.’”
That early feedback echoed a trait he’s carried since childhood. “My family always said I was a peacemaker,” he said. “Someone who created calm and connection.”
He brought that same philosophy to every role, from vice-principal to principal, superintendent, and now Director. “If others saw potential in me, it’s my job now to see it in others,” he said.
Innovation Rooted in Faith and Equity
Leading YCDSB through a time of significant demographic and technological change, De Faveri has focused on equity, ethical innovation, and student well-being.
“We’re all created equal,” he said. “That belief grounds everything we do - our inclusion strategy, our partnerships with families, and our support for diverse learners.”
He’s also guided the board through a period of financial recovery, balancing new program investments with responsible budgeting. “We want to keep services in place that don’t hurt students, while still moving forward,” he explained.
Despite these pressures, he remains optimistic. When asked to describe the board in one word, he chose: “Innovative.”
A Measured Approach to AI and Tech
De Faveri is especially thoughtful when it comes to integrating artificial intelligence. He likens today’s AI moment to the calculator debates of decades past. “There was a time when we told students not to use calculators. Now, we realize they’re essential. It’s not about removing thinking, it’s about focusing on what matters most.”
For De Faveri, the goal is not to ban AI tools like ChatGPT, but to teach students how to use them ethically. “We need to push students to go beyond content retrieval. Ask: what do you think about it? What’s your conclusion?”
This balanced view is timely. As AI transforms the workplace, schools must evolve how they teach critical thinking, academic integrity, and digital citizenship.
From Budget Talks to Black-and-White Films
Even as Director, De Faveri keeps parts of his daily routine simple and human. “I can’t skip my morning espresso,” he laughed. “And I always carve out quiet time to think about where we’re going.” He’s also a fan of classic movies, especially Casablanca, and finds joy in Turner Classic Films. “It’s my way to unwind and reflect.”
That blend of tradition and vision defines much of his leadership. He’s working to expand skilled trades pathways, deepen school-college partnerships, and grow e-learning programs, without losing sight of students’ mental and emotional needs in a post-pandemic world.
“We are social beings,” he said. “Technology shouldn’t replace human connection. It should support it.”
Advice for Educators and Future Leaders
Asked how to support teachers and students in doing hard things, De Faveri offered this: “You’re better off to have tried and failed than not tried at all. Take the risk. Just make sure there’s a safety net.”
And when it comes to aspiring leaders, his advice is rooted in authenticity: “Know who you are. Be true to yourself. Let your moral compass guide you, and don’t let others pull you away from that.”
From classroom to boardroom, De Faveri’s story is one of steadiness, reflection, and servant leadership. As York Catholic continues to grow and evolve, it does so under the guidance of someone who has never lost sight of what matters most: the dignity of every learner.