Leading a Learning Community

A leader nurtures and sustains a culture that supports evidence-informed teaching and learning.

2023-24

2022-23 Reflection: I have invested a lot of attention wiht my staff on this domain over the past two years and I have continued to do so this year. Our focus this year is on:

Book study with staff - Collective Efficacy by Jenni Donohoo
Collaborative Analysis of literacy and Numeracy (added focus this year) data to inform instructional practices and student supports.
- literacy and numeracy blocks of time added to the timetable
Continued focus of having meaningful and purposeful LSP and IPP strategies, modifications and goals - LSP/IPP Directions
Development of Crestomere School's Continuum of Support which includes:
- Further CRM capacity building of staff with a focus on Ross Greene's work
- Consultation and connection with Kurtis Hewson of Jigsaw Learning
Development of Crestomere School Reporting Process and Expectations.
- We are a pilot school for the junior high reporting process
Admin PLT focused on connecting my teachers with others in the division as they developed their lessons and understanding of new curriculum.
- Continuation of PD with Bluffton School.

2022-23

2022-23 Reflection: I put a lot of attention into this domain last school year and I continued to do so again. Having a positive school culture that promotes evidence informed teaching and learning not only improves student supports, accommodations and overall abilities, but it also makes Crestomere School a great place for people to work and improve. As I continued my steps to increase my capacity in this domain I am able to celebrate:

Collaborative Analysis of literacy data to inform instructional practices and student supports.
Meaningful and purposeful LSP and IPP strategies, modifications and goals - LSP/IPP Directions
Further CRM capacity building of staff with a focus on Ross Greene's work
Development of Crestomere School Reporting Process and Expectations.
Development of Literacy Support Plan/Schedule.
Admin PLT focused on connecting my teachers with others in the division as they developed their lessons and understanding of new curriculum.

Staff Feedback:

"Jay is an effective task manager. It is apparent that he critically evaluates the needs of the school, staff, parents, and students. He responds to the needs quickly and decisively. He is always transparent about his timelines, process, and rationales with regards to action he takes." - Crestomere Teacher, 2023
"Our personal wellness has been directly enhanced by your thorough management of the micro-systems at school, whether it be in regard to relationships, technology, facilities, professional development, inclusion, or school culture. When we are supported like this, we are free to focus on our teaching. You have purposefully guarded our time and supported exactly where needed. Your awareness of the little things that we do, and your listening ear make a huge difference in our staff culture." - Crestomere Teacher, 2023
"Jay - you are gifted at doing what you do! You have the perfect combination of intellect, emotional intelligence, discipline and passion for this career! You make me love my job even more:)" - Crestomere Teacher, 2023
"Visiting the classrooms shows staff and students that he cares about what is happening and wants to be involved. You are creating a very positive culture where students and staff feel valued and supported." - Crestomere Teacher, 2023
"Our Friday PD days are actually useful and have become something I look forward to. The discussions we've had about Ross Greene and other topics have made me feel like I'm actually improving as a teacher." - Crestomere Teacher, 2023
"You gave me different teaching opportunities within our school and this helped push me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to teach within a variety of grade levels all within one year. As a part time teacher I have days where I am without work and you always try to make sure I am top priority when it comes to subbing at our school. Being a brand new kindergarten teacher I had a bit of a learning curve, you provide me the support I need in my classroom to help both me and my students thrive." - Crestomere Teacher, 2023

Picture Left: Staff are engaged in roll play scenarios of while we work through Ross Greene's Plan B.

2021-22

Areas for Growth:

Continue to explore inclusion learning supports and strategies (tier 2) that will support teacher instructional practices and student learning.
Continue to work with staff to collect data to interpret and inform teaching practice.

2021-22 Reflections: This domain has been front and center in relation to my position at Crestomere School. Having a positive and supportive school culture that encourages learning, risks, growth from failed attempts and empathy are many of the qualities I strived and continue striving to bring to a school. Crestomere School is a great school that has excellent community support and teacher doing amazing things for students. A question I asked myself at the beginning of the year was how can I help the school take another positive step forward? I started this process by asking many questions and doing an environment scan of the school community. I also strive to never say no, rather, tell me more and how is it good for kids?

Celebrations:

Staff dynamics (positive support and collaboration)
Collaborative Response Model capacity building - Ross Greene book study and Tier 2 supports
Assessment Practices - what are assessments telling us? How do we share them (with parents and on PowerSchool)?
I was able to get a staff member trained in Level B testing and now we are more efficiently able to assess our students to offer needed learning supports.
Collaboration in the development of the Grade 2/3 targeted literacy and numeracy learning plan which targeted specific learning needs of those students.

Pictures: Left - Preparing to Harvest Honey. Above - Learning about DPA activities during our PD day.

How do I met this standard?

Leading a learning community is very much at the forefront of what a strong and effective leader truly is, a LEAD LEARNER. Growth mindset, reflective, active and positive relationships all fit in this standard. As I mentioned previously, I do not want staff to follow me because I am their leader and they have to, I want them to follow me because THEY WANT TO.

I believe education is a fundamental right of all people and I work hard to actively collaborative with staff to teach students the best they can.
Through regular reflection with my admin team, our teachers and our students I work proactively to develop professional development opportunities in our school.
- eg: Google Apps and extensions implementation, and assessment strategies such as outcome based grading and feedback.
I actively share what I am doing in my classroom with staff and the effects of my teaching methods on student learning.
In Biology 30 I actively connect with community organizations and business for guest lectures and expertise they can offer.
I am active to work with our school social worker to support student needs and find supports.
I do my best celebrate student success and learning.

Specific 2021 Comments from staff included:

Thank you for being a reliable Admin who I always feel comfortable approaching as a team member. I appreciate your collaborative approach to helping students find the best way forward when they are having difficulties in a course. :)
You are a hands-on kind of guy, practicality vs theory. You walk the walk and you offer your time freely to help those who are in need. You have grown significantly over the years and you are a very important part of the staff, the admin team and the school, as a whole. Grammar could use a little work at times, but that's really not all that important. Thank you for all you do for all of us. Much appreciated!!
I believe that Jay is a team player and his participation in our school is a benefit. Keep promoting our school programs and providing support to staff who are contributing to our school
Keep being authentic, keep believing in your staff and believing that kids want to do well where they can. Keep being fair, firm and consistent.
Jay is dependable and constant. He is there to help and is someone that you can trust and rely on to support staff and students alike. He is also decisive and will follow through on and actions or duties that are needed.
Made me feel very at ease when doing my PGP. Always friendly, great sense of humor!! Has nice shoes!! lol
Keep building relationships with staff and students. The encounters teachers have with you really brighten their days.

Picture on the left: With a Biology 30 student of mine that scored 100% on the Diploma

Picture on the right: My gift bag for being recognized a teacher who inspires based off of a community organization nomination.

Past Surveys and Feedback (2013-2016)

Staff Survey 2013 to 2015:

Feedback that I received from staff included:

"you are visible in the school .... I appreciate when you ask for input from a variety of sources and try to look at the "bigger" picture when making a decision ...doesn't ever feel like you ever make a decision just to make the problem go away but instead really try to find a workable solution"
"Jay is the first to promote new ideas he has brought back with him from PD opportunities."
"Jay is always sharing new resources via twitter or email. He is willing to help explain these resources to interested staff"
"Jay has shared his knowledge regarding the new "Google" stuff in an effective way. Can tell he practices what he preaches!!"
"Jay has settled in at Lacombe Comp extremely well. He has worked to improve school culture and to be a helpful administrator."

LPI Survey Results 2016:

LPI Feedback Survey

You relate well to the staff and are very trusted to deliver a common sense approach to student guidance. Students that are sent to you are given support within acceptable guidelines. They are held accountable for their actions
Willingness to listen, try new things, and to modify if it doesn't work out - good role model for staff and students

Google Sites

Report abuse