District Principal of Indigenous Education and Strategic Plan Implementation

The Position:

Reporting to and working with the Superintendent, this full-time district principalship includes responsibility over two distinct portfolios:

• Indigenous Education (0.50 FTE) includes oversight and supervision of a range of programs and supports to advance the success of Indigenous learners in the District. They are the key liaison with our local Indigenous partners, fostering and supporting collaborative relationships and communication with the leadership of our local First Nations, Métis and other Indigenous communities/groups. They will have a strong understanding of the context of Indigenous education in our province, related policies and practices supporting Indigenous student success, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to design innovative programs and solve complex issues in collaboration with educational and community partners.
• Strategic Plan Implementation (0.50 FTE) includes maximizing the learning potential of all children and supporting the implementation of the District’s Strategic Plan and its priorities, providing support to school-based leadership as we continue to grow coherence with school growth plans. They will have a strong understanding of instructional practices (literacy and numeracy K-12) as well as the ability to support the development and implementation of district and school-based initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Indigenous Education:

• Provide oversight to the Indigenous Education staff, including teachers and Indigenous Culture and Student Success Facilitators, in collaboration with school-based leadership
• Plan and/or facilitate professional Indigenous-based learning opportunities for SD 51 staff
• Collaborate with District Leadership Team to develop knowledge and supports leading to success for Indigenous learners
• Monitor and assess the quality of programs and services provided to Indigenous learners
• Provide inspirational leadership in Indigenous education and championing Indigenous student success
• Collaboratively plan Indigenous-based learning opportunities for Indigenous students
• Collect, manage, collate, write reports and share local and Ministry Indigenous student data
• Liaise and engage with the Boundary Indigenous Education Council
• Engage with Indigenous communities, families and rightsholders to develop, implement, and evaluate the district's equity initiatives
• Respond to concerns that are identified by Indigenous students, staff, and parents
• Attend meetings (including Indigenous Student Success Meetings) to advocate for Indigenous learners
• Provide guidance on cultural protocol
• Network with Kootenay Bounday Indigenous educators
• Other duties as assigned by Superintendent of Schools

  Strategic Plan Implementation:

• Work collaboratively as a member of the Senior Leadership Team to implement the District's Strategic Plan
• Provide leadership and support to promote the use of effective, research-based instructional practices to meet the needs of all students
• Collect, manage, collate, write reports and share local and Ministry student data
• Monitor and assess district and school initiatives
• Other duties as assigned by Superintendent of Schools

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate knowledge and expertise in navigating relationships and interactions between and among school staff, colleagues, administrators and unions
• Extensive knowledge, understanding and sensitivity of the effects and impacts of historical educational experiences of Indigenous peoples, including transgenerational trauma
• A commitment to Indigenous student success and a fundamental belief that all learners can achieve at a high level
• Ability to incorporate trauma-sensitive practices into work practices
• Ability to cultivate and nurture positive relationships with learners and families of Indigenous ancestry
• Strong knowledge and deep understanding of Indigenous curriculum, culture, challenges, and opportunities within the school system
• Relationship-based ability to facilitate the development of strategies that will enhance the personal, social/emotional, cultural and educational development of Indigenous learners
• Ability to work in a team approach with SD51 staff
• Ability to engage with Indigenous community members, including parents/caregivers, and SD51 staff to support advocacy of Indigenous learners
• Facility in Syilx Language is an asset

Qualifications

The successful applicant will meet the eligibility requirements of the B.C. School Act and will have the following qualifications:

• Demonstrated excellence as a teacher
• A Master’s degree from a recognized university, or enrolled in a Master’s degree from a recognized university
• Evidence of school-based leadership preferably supporting, developing or implementing initiatives
• An in-depth understanding of the District's Strategic Plan and experience leading transformational educational change
• Experience and skills building connections with community organizations to develop positive working relationships between the school and community.
• Demonstrated commitment to personal accountability and professional growth

The salary grid for this full-time, permanent position is $148,873 to $157,068 and includes a full benefits package and on-going professional development opportunities. The start date for the position is August 1, 2024.

Interested and qualified applicants can submit applications directly to humanresources@sd51.bc.ca. Applications must include a complete resume, a copy of official transcripts indicating degree(s) earned and three professional references, with permission for the search committee to contact each in confidence.

Applications in electronic form received by March 11, 2024 will be given full consideration; however, the posting will remain open until filled

For further information regarding this opportunity, please contact the Superintendent of Schools, Anna Lautard, at 250-442-8258 or by email at anna.lautard@sd51.bc.ca.

School District No. 51 (Boundary) is committed to creating a Leadership Team that is reflective of the mosaic of cultures in the communities we serve, and to ensure an equitable and inclusive work environment. We encourage applications from individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff.

Successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Record Search prior to employment.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.