ABOUT

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Excellence is the future

I have always believed that every Deaf child is capable of greatness, no matter what others may expect. Too often, low standards hold Deaf students back, but I refuse to accept that. Deaf students can and must aim higher, think boldly, and reach for opportunities they never imagined possible. My work is about showing them what they are truly capable of and helping them build the skills and confidence they need to face the challenges of their time and create opportunities for their future.

— George Schinarakis

GEORGE SCHINARAKIS

Educational Advisor,

Deaf Communities Development Specialist

Μy international experience in the challenges affecting deaf people's achievements has convinced me that education is the key to secure a life

of quality for deaf people. My major interest is to contribute to deaf education and deaf communities' overall growth.

“The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.”
― Michelangelo Buonarroti

BACKGROUND

George Schinarakis was born in the city of Heraklion, on the island of Crete, in Greece. When he was seven years old, he moved to Athens to attend elementary and secondary school for the Deaf. He went on to study at the National and Kapodistriako University of Athens, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education. After graduating with his BEd, George decided to broaden his expertise in Deaf Education by studying abroad. He was the first Greek deaf student to receive a full Fulbright Scholarship to attend the Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. where he earned a Master’s Degree in Deaf Education.

HIS YEARS IN GREECE

After graduating with his Master’s degree, he returned to Greece and established a successful career as both an educator and an entrepreneur. He founded and developed “Schinarakis Studies-Special Education”, the first franchise network of private schools for Special Education in Greece. He also contributed to many scientific projects focused on the education and language development of Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Driven by his passion for deaf children's education, he has established and participated in several non-profit organizations dedicated to education and accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

LIFE IN CANADA & THE US

In 2012, he moved to Canada, where he attended the School of Management at George Brown College and the International Business Management Post-graduate Program. During his years in Canada he has worked as an Elementary Teacher for the deaf at the the Provincial & Demonstrations Schools Branch (PDSB)-Ontario Ministry of Education, Project Manager in accessibility for Deaf students at George Brown College, Executive Director at Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Inc. in Saskatoon, Administrative and Outreach Director at H3 World TV, Instructor of the American Sign Language at the Canadian Hearing Society, and Teacher at the The International Yeshiva High School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. In 2018, George moved to the US to participate in the International Development MA Program at Gallaudet University. He has also established the non-profit organization Deaf Communities Globally Empowering (Deaf Empowerment).

THE SCHINARAKIS TEACHING & LEARNING PHILOSOPHY

George Schinarakis has dedicated his life to advancing Deaf Education and supporting Deaf communities. Over the years, he has continually sought answers on how to address the persistent gaps in Deaf Education. As a high school student, he saw early on that the system was failing many Deaf learners, and he understood the need to focus on their linguistic and cultural needs.

Through his observations, he saw that when teaching meets Deaf students’ language and learning needs, they engage fully and build confidence. From these observations, he concluded that the basic challenges in Deaf Education are similar to those in general education: students succeed when they are understood, respected, and encouraged to think independently. These insights led him to develop a pedagogical approach that places Philosophy at the center of learning.

The Schinarakis' teaching and learning method for deaf students is based on the Socratic method and George's passion for supporting deaf students to become independent thinkers and build confidence in themselves. He believes that every deaf child can succeed with the right challenges and support.

George aspires to surround himself with those committed to making a positive impact in the lives of Deaf people.

He is currently living and working in London, ON, with his wife and their son.