David Tranter

David Tranter serves as Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Social Work at Lakehead University, a position he has held since August 1998. His work bridges academic achievement and student well-being through innovative relational frameworks.

His research centers on:

• Relationship-Based Education
• Child & Youth Well-Being
• Child & Youth Mental Health
• Social/Emotional/Academic Success
• The Third Path methodology for educational systems

Tranter pioneered The Third Path framework, which integrates traditional academic focus (Path 1) with well-being initiatives (Path 2) by prioritizing relationship conditions over checklist-driven approaches. His scholarship emphasizes systemic change through how educators interact with students (shifting from tasks to relationships) and clarifying the why behind educational practices.

He actively disseminates his work through professional development workshops covering Trauma-Informed Education, School Leadership, and Educator Well-Being, while maintaining robust digital outreach via The Third Path website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms.