Background
A descendant of 13 generations of rabbis, Carl Safran was the second son of immigrant parents, Jacob and Etta (Belkin) Safran, who emigrated from Belarus to Calgary in 1912.
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Carl Safran
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Master of Education Editor.D. Doctor of Laws (1917–2005) was Alberta"s first school psychologist and began the Special Education system in the province. Having obtained a Bachelor of Science in 1941 from the Montana School of Mines (renamed Montana Technical of the University of Montana), Carl Safran began his career as a mining engineer
Career
As the Chief Superintendent of the Calgary Board of Education, he was instrumental in bringing mentally challenged children into the public school system. He authored several key educational textbooks and culture-induced intelligence tests that are still in use throughout the world today. Considered to be an articulate, compelling speaker, he was a guest lecturer at a variety of notable universities. and Laura Safran.
When World World War II broke out, Carl Safran served overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineers, rising to the rank of Captain (Canadian army and air force), as he led mine-clearing and bridge-building units in North.W. Europe.
During that time, he discovered his passion for teaching while giving physics lessons to fellow soldiers. Upon his return from the war, Carl Safran enrolled at the University of Alberta, where he obtained his Master of Education.
Upon completion of that degree, he enrolled at the University of Colorado, where he obtained a Doctorate in Education. In 1972, Carl Safran was appointed as the Chief Superintendent of the Calgary Board of Education.
He helped develop Canada"s first learning centre for children with mental and physical disabilities (Christine Meikle School).
On the day of Carl Safran"s death, the then Chief Superintendent of schools, Doctor Brendan Croskery requested that all Calgary Board of Education schools fly their Canadian flags at half mast. In his letter to the schools, Doctor Croskery referred to Carl Safran as a highly respected pioneer in the field of educating children with special learning needs. His longstanding commitment to public education earned him many honors and awards.
Through these qualities he left an enduring legacy of excellence and hope that made him one of Alberta"s great heroes of public education.".
Achievements
Membership
According to Doctor Croskery, "Doctor Safran was not just a former Chief Superintendent of the Board of Education, but a man of extraordinary vision and compassion for some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
