The list of superlatives about John Galbraith that accompanied his nomination is impressive. He's described as "warm", "inclusive", "caring", "tirelessly energetic" and even "impish". But one of his colleagues summarizes John's talent as a mathematician and teacher with high praise: "He is a class act who enriches the lives of everyone he comes in contact with".
John grew up in Thunder Bay, attending Lakeview H.S., and then graduated from the University of Waterloo's Mathematics Teaching Option. He has spent his career in Waterloo County high schools. He currently teaches at Sir John A. Macdonald S.S. in Waterloo. He is popular with his students and very active in a wide variety of school, church, and community activities. He is also a persuasive letter writer and wields a "mighty pen", according to one colleague, when he tackles issues related to public education.
John has been active in course development, contest preparation, and has been a long time contest marker. He is a recipient of a Stewart Award for Teacher Excellence.
John and his wife, Betty, have two sons and two daughters. Looking ahead to retirement, John says he and Betty may try to return some of the advantages he has enjoyed by going overseas to teach.