By Bryan Reid
The best teachers don’t just teach a subject. The best teachers change the trajectory of their students’ lives.
In the mid-1990s, inside a Grade 10 computer science classroom at I.E. Weldon Secondary School in Lindsay, Ontario, the late Rob Mathers did exactly that for Ampere CEO Ryan Oliver and his peers.
Mr. Mathers, a math teacher by trade and self-admittedly not a computer science expert, was tasked with teaching computer science to students at a time when most people didn’t even have a computer in their home.
He created an environment where every one belonged and had a say, trusting his students to experiment, break things and learn together, inspiring a whole generation of young people in the process.
To honour his legacy and impact on Ampere, the South Makerspace Room in the Kawartha Lakes Makerspace has been renamed to the Mathers Room. Oliver shared the news and unveiled the new room’s decals at an Ampere staff event in December 2025.
“When Rob Mathers walked into our Grade 10 computer science classroom in the mid 1990s, he was coming as a Math teacher that knew computer science was going to be an important part of our future, but he would freely admit that he was not a computer science expert. He built a classroom rooted in experimentation, exploration and the idea that no one individual had a monopoly on teaching computers. The best way to learn was to do and see what breaks,” said Oliver.
It’s not hyperbole to say that Mr. Mathers’ computer science classes from the mid-to-late 90s helped shape the technology industry in Canada. Nearly every student from Oliver’s class of 20 ended up in the industry.
“The individuals that were fortunate enough to experience those early classes went on to be involved in, and create, some of the biggest technology projects in Canadian history. Peers from our class, and the ones that followed, have been directly responsible for billions of dollars in tech projects over the last 25 years,” said Oliver, “This was because of Rob’s way of teaching, of the control he gave us over the computer and the learning we all received.”
Mr. Mathers’ impact goes beyond the Canadian tech industry. His teaching philosophies have inspired and helped shape the way Ampere delivers programming.
“Ampere is built on that same philosophy of teaching, and we attempt to bring that same spirit of experimentation and exploration to our approach in everything we do,” said Oliver.
In attendance at the re-naming of the room was Mr. Mathers’ wife Melody Mathers, daughter Leah Ryrie (nee Mathers), some of his former colleagues and the entire Ampere team.
“My family and I were so touched when Ryan, a former student of my dad’s, reached out to us to let us know that a room at Ampere was being named after my Dad. To have this room named after him truly honours his legacy. Dad was so humble, and would never have guessed how many lives he touched and how many students he inspired over the years,” said Ryrie, “Dad loved teaching and knowing that he helped pave the road for computer science students to be successful in the field would have made him very proud. We’re so grateful to Ampere for bestowing this honour, and are thrilled to know that the space will be available for future generations.”
The newly named Mathers Room is a living reminder of what’s possible when curiosity is encouraged, mistakes are welcomed and learners are trusted to explore in a safe environment.
At Ampere, we’re proud to honour a teacher whose impact continues to ripple through classrooms, the Lindsay community and Canada’s tech industry.
As future learners step into the Mathers Room, they’re stepping into a legacy rooted in experimentation, exploration and possibility; the same spirit that drives everything we do at Ampere.
Remembering Rob Mathers
Bruce Barrett, friend and former colleague of the late Rob Mathers wrote a beautiful article for the Lindsay Advocate in September 2023 after Mr. Mathers’ celebration of life.
“Rob retired as the Head of Mathematics at I.E. Weldon Secondary School in 2008, where he spent 24 of his 31-year teaching career. He was fiercely devoted to his students, his craft, and his school, wielding a beautiful combination of knowledge and curiosity, truth and integrity, and kindness and humour,” wrote Barrett.
Read Barrett’s Remembering teacher Rob Mathers story to learn more about Mr. Mathers’ impact on his students, school and community.
About the Kawartha Lakes Makerspace and Skills Hub
The Kawartha Lakes Makerspace and Skills Hub in Lindsay, Ontario is your hub for STEAM education, summer camps, after school and PA Day programs and more in Kawartha Lakes. It’s filled with robots, maker kits, oozing oobleck, Minecraft marvels and some of the best STEAM educators in Canada. It’s also a community hub where people of all ages can learn about and embrace the power that STEAM creates. Visit the Kawartha Lakes Makerspace webpage to learn more and see what programming we have to offer.
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