A testament to Dean Murray’s teaching skills is the tribute paid to him by a student, Chris Hadfield. Chris, one of Canada’s best-known astronauts, named Dean as an influential teacher in his life.
Dean is the head of the mathematics, science and computer studies department at Milton D.H.S. He has also taught with the Waterloo County summer school program.
Dean’s own education began in Willowdale where he went to Finch Avenue P.S., Northmount J.H.S. and Earl Haig S.S. He went on to the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto.
In addition to the Descartes Medal, Dean is the recipient of a Descartes Foundation Teacher Recognition Award and a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence. Dean is the co-author of a Grade 12 calculus textbook and has been very involved with the G.V.M.A, acting as chair since 1995. His other professional pursuits include working with the Canadian Mathematics Competition.
Dean enjoys golf, gardening, painting and decorating, and updating family trees.