A Message from Sue Elliott, President LFBC
The October 15th Professional Learning Across the Sector panel session underscored the importance of working cross-sector to better understand the scope and depth of learning required to effectively fulfill roles to lead our school system.
Creating Understanding Among BC Educators – The Value of Cross Sector Connections
The October 15th Professional Learning Across the Sector panel session underscored the importance of working cross-sector to better understand the scope and depth of learning required to effectively fulfill roles to lead our school system.
Leading the panel discussion, Carolyn Broady, President, BCSTA, clearly articulated the importance of identifying education issues relevant in BC. The value of advocacy was uppermost, with attention to retention, maintenance issues and supporting students, being emphasized. A core priority of effective boards with strong local governance, supports a focus on student achievement and outcomes, as well as working toward equity and Indigenous rights – Bill 40, and working with local Nations. Working with a continuous improvement cycle, boards are a voice for supporting community needs, and empowering local leaders. With Board governance, setting policy and implementation are core to the work of BCSTA members.
Alan Rice, President, BCASBO outlined the importance of continuous learning, essential given the broad landscape of their diverse membership. Focus is on Professional Development, Leadership, Financial Literacy, Legal Compliance and Risk Management. People leadership and relational skills are important aspects of their work, along with understanding Truth and Reconciliation.
Shannon Behan, President, BCPVPA, followed with a convincing message of how the priorities of the organization keep students at the center of the work of their members. Support for effective leadership in education is accomplished via member support, advocacy and the development of leadership competencies. The strategic plan focuses on Employment Equity, Member Health, Leadership Development, REDI Champion, and Respected Voice.
Rohan Arul-pragasam, President, BCSSA closed the panel referencing TSOL – The Spirit of Leadership Competencies – a framework for enhancing student learning. Supervision of instruction and learning from a system framework reference the importance of leadership as a fundamental aspect of the role. Using a system level data base, a collective voice of all, enables understanding of stories in the school system. A change in mindset is required as we work with the OECD and Education for Human Flourishing Capacity. Future thinking guides our work.
Rohan left us with a challenge of shifting the narrative to accommodate the emerging future! Let go of the past, be system agents of change. Lean into the work we need to do by creating a generative space for their organization. Well-being and achievement are a goal in building human capital.
Insights into the importance and value of understanding the scope and depth of the roles and responsibilities of Trustees that provide governance for school districts, the BCASBO members who manage financial and maintenance aspects of the system, Principals and Vice Principals whose members oversee schools and district programs, and Superintendents who oversee the school system, is invaluable. The common focus of LEADERSHIP and on effective systems to support STUDENT LEARNING provide a base for intentional action in working together to lead in a complex environment. Across the organizations a strong emphasis on mentorship and ongoing professional learning for all reflects the rapidly changing realities of the education world and the importance of retention and recruitment of dedicated members.
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