SD8 School Leader Development Program

SD8 School Leader Development Program (SLDP)

The purpose of the School Leader Development Program is to build leadership capacity in teacher leaders.  School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) is establishing a new cohort of SLDP interns for a 2-year term starting in October 2026. 

While the SLDP has a function of preparing individuals for potential positions as vice-principals and principals, it is also intended to support teachers in other types of leadership in SD8, both formal and informal. It is an excellent opportunity to learn about instructional leadership and school management, while gaining leadership experience at the same time. 

Interested candidates may apply: 

·         You are an experienced and accomplished teacher (K-7, 8-12, or at the district level), with a continuing position in School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake).

·         You are a reflective learner, recognized by your colleagues for your leadership ability, with experience in informal and/or formal leadership roles.

·         You are focused on student achievement, support of all learners to reach their potential, and educational innovation.

·         You offer excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and team-building skills.

·         You are a facilitator of curiosity and inquiry.

·         You are a champion of inclusion, equity, and Indigenization.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

·         Knowledge of School District No.8 strategic plan and priorities

·         Knowledge of current curriculum initiatives and pedagogical practices

·         Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational and team-building skills

·         An inclusive and equitable approach to education for all students

·         An understanding of cultural safety

·         Evidence of informal leadership and a strong work ethic

·         Evidence of reflective, lifelong learning

Qualifications:

·         Valid BC Professional Teaching Certificate

·         A graduate degree in education (M.Ed)- completed or currently in progress

·         Proven record of excellence in teaching

·         Valid BC drivers’ licence

Application packages as outlined below must be uploaded into your Make a Future Application 

Closing date: Friday May 1st, 2026 @ 4 pm

Application components:

1. Application letter and current resume.
2. Reference letters (minimum 2)- confidential and sent directly melissa.maida@sd8.bc.ca with the following subject line in the email or on the outside of the letter.  Please ensure that your referees have the letter submitted on or before the due date of the application:

“SLDP Application Reference: [your name]”

1. Letters from your current principal and previous supervising principals
2. Letter from a teaching colleague

Your application letter and/or resume must contain the following information:

1.    Contextual Information

Name:

Education/Training:

Teaching Experience:

          -District(s)

          -School(s)

          -Grade(s) Taught

          -Subject(s) Taught

2.    A description of your formal and informal school district or community leadership experience.

3.     A statement describing:

        a.    Why you are interested in pursuing leadership training

        b.    How you are suited for a formal leadership role, including:

                                         i.    educational knowledge

                                        ii.    organizational skill

                                      iii.    interpersonal skill

                                       iv.    attitudes and beliefs about:
                                                  1.    leadership

                                                  2.    equity, inclusion, and diversity

                                                 3.    being a reflective adult learner

  c. Your committment to fully participating in and completing all aspects of the SLDP, and to continuing as an employee of SD8 beyond the two years of the program.