Developing Leaders Course for new administrators hosted in Black Gold
Black Gold School Division hosted more than thirty new school administrators from 11 Alberta school divisions this week, in order to prepare for new leadership roles. The “Developing Leaders” course is for new Principals, Assistant Principals, and coordinators in new roles within the last year or so.
“This course series is a wonderful opportunity to support new leaders,” says Raymond Cable, Associate Superintendent, Black Gold School Division. “Getting a head start with good leadership practices will help get these individuals going on the right foot. The learning paired with their enthusiasm created an air of positivity and collaboration.”
“It’s great to work with these new leaders and feel their excitement and energy for working with students, staff and school communities,” says Ray Hoppins who co-facilitated the session with Kurt Sacher, both retired senior administrators from the area.
“The course is designed to provide targeted and practical learning just before the start of the school year, giving leaders hands-on tools to use right away,” says Hoppins. Course content is based on Alberta Education’s Leadership Quality Standards (LQS) and covers topics such as building relationships and trust, instructional leadership, having a purposeful presence in classrooms, responding to student needs, and using simplicity and humour in work.
Jenna Haugan, the Principal of Covenant Christian School in Black Gold, says “I love that they tied the LQS to practical applications that I will leave with today and be able to use. I’ve also loved connecting with leaders from other school divisions and learning from them. That’s not something you get a chance to do very often.”
Angie Hodges, who is the new Assistant Principal at Warburg School, says she appreciates the chance to be with participants from BGSD as well as other school divisions. “It was great to talk with educators who are on the same journey as I am - transitioning from a teaching role in a rural school into a leadership role. It’s good to talk about how they are approaching their work.”
Five administrators from BGSD attended the session, held on August 12 at the division office in Nisku. Participants will continue their learning at two online sessions in September and October.
