About Learning Forward BC

A Professional Learning Network

Working with BC Educators using Canadian Protocols, Affiliated with  the International Work of Learning Forward, 

Learning Forward BC  is an international association of learning educators committed to the goal of enhancing the practice of Professional Learning in K-12 education.

Every educator deserves to be engaged in purposeful, well organized and revelant professional learning that will enhance the learning process for teachers and those they teach.

The name is noteworthy: learning is first, reminding us that learning is at the heart of our purpose and that learning creates our future; forward signifies forward action as we address adult learning, policy and advocacy, research and practice in order to ensure quality professional learning that impacts student learning.

Learning Forward BC is a cross-role educator group – a network of professionals who park their titles at the door and work with and support those who research, teach, support and facilitate quality adult professional learning. We bring content, your context, tools, and high-quality process to the table, use current research (including the concept of the Learning Forward Standards for Professional Learning) as a foundation of our work.

 

A standard of practice that supports equity in all areas of our work is the key focus for the work.

 

Learning Forward BC may collaborate with:

British Columbia Ministry of Education

British Columbia Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association

British Columbia School Superintendents Association

British Columbia School Trustees Association

British Columbia Teachers’ Federation

Federation of Independent School Associations in British Columbia

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goals of Learning Forward BC

  1. To explore and develop a shared understanding of learning in the 21st Century
  2. To provide support for leadership in/of professional learning leaders by:
    • Exploring intentions and responsibilities across different roles
    • Engaging leaders in effective strategies to build and sustain capacity in schools and districts
  3. To expand theLearning Forward BC networks through:
    • Engaging and building partnerships through Professional Learning opportunities for all Educators in BC
    • Connecting with ‘thought leaders’ in BC,  across Canada and in an International Context
    • Growing our virtual community along with promoting  face-face sessions in a local context along with provincial sessions and conferences.

Learning Forward BC has a focus on :

 

 

  • Promoting  the Professional Learning Dimensions for Canada as  stated in the Canadian Study Research on Professional Learning
  • Aligning with  on-going research for the Learning Forward Standards for Professional Learning
  • Providing  forums to engage others in relevant conversations about topics of keen interest by connecting  research with  current and innovative practice
  • Sharing  expertise and experiences in effective professional learning that enhances student learning
  • Promoting and facilitating  networking among those who teach and facilitate adult professional learning
  • Collaborating  and providing  tools to support quality  professional learning

 

 

Learning Forward BC Board of Directors: 2025-2026

 

Chair:  Suzanne Elliott, Consultant,  Sunshine Coast, BC 

 

Secretary-Treasurer: Corinne McCabe, Retired Superintendent, Chilliwack School District

Professional Learning, Program Design :  Rod Allen , Retired Superintendent, Ministry of Ed, BC , Harvard Programs,  

Membership, Marketing : Trudean Andrews, Retired, West Vancouver

Executive Director Administration/Operations :Audrey Hobbs Johnson , AHJ Consultants,  North Vancouver 

 

Directors, Project Leadership  

Rod Allen–BC Superintendent of Education (retired) Assistant Deputy Minister with the BC Ministry of Education, (retired) Current work:  School District/Administration Consultant, /Free Range Human Podcasts (with Jal Metha, Harvard)

Trudean Andrews, Teacher, Ministry of Education (Retired)

Jessica Antosz, BC Principals and Vice Principals

Denise Augustine,  Consultant, Idigenous Ecuation ) Board of Trustees, Learning Forward Board of Trustees

Gordon Li, British Columbia School Trustees Association, Director, Education Services

David Manual, Assistant Superintendent, Chilliwack, BCSSA

Amelia Poitras, School Principal, Burnaby BC

Cari Wilson, District Principal, Technology- West Vancouver School District

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sue Elliott

President

Consultant

Sechelt

Audrey Hobbs Johnson

Executive Director/ Administration/Operations

Consultant

North Vancouver

Trudean Andrews

Membership/Marketing

Teacher/ConsultantRetired

North Vancouver

Amelia Poitras

Director, Student Agency Inclusion

Principal

Burnaby, School Distric

Corinne McCabe

Secretary/Treasurer

Superintendent( Retired)

Chilliwack

David Manuel

Projects and Special Sessions

Assistant Superinendent

Chilliwack

Rod Allen

Director local and International Parnterships, Special P rograms

Ministry of Education, Assistant Deputy Minister, ( Retired) Senior Advisor , BC School Districts, Harvard

Cowichan

Denise Augustinne

Ministry of Education, Superindent Indigenous Education

Superintendent of Indigenou Education, Ministry of Education, BC

Cowichan

Jessica Antosz

Program Development

BC Principals and Vice Principals, Coordinator Professional Learning (Retired) returning to LFBC board

Nanaimo

Carli Wilson

Program Development, including Technology Strand

District Principal, Technology- West Vancouver School District

West Vancouver

Gordon Li

Program Development, Partnerships

British Columbia School Trustees Association, Director, Education Services

Vancouver