Providing Instructional Leadership

A leader ensures that every student has access to quality teaching and optimum learning experiences. 

As a Learning Coach, instructional leadership was a very large part of my role.

 I wanted to be the best instructional leader I could be, so I attended Jim Knight's Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute in Lawrence, Kansas. Jim Knight's books and strategies became a solid basis for my work as a learning coach. Observing in order to gain perspective, and then reflecting with that teacher on their own thoughts and feelings is a powerful way to approach anyone who wants to grow, and even those that don't. I found that this role came quite naturally to me. I very much enjoy guiding teachers to make themselves better teachers for the benefit of their students. After leaving the Learning Coach role, I have continued to seek out opportunities to share my learning with others both inside my own school and division as well as throughout Alberta.

If you haven't yet, please watch the 3 minute video on my Philosophy of Leadership page. It explains how I approach instructional leadership.

I've been fortunate enough to share my learning with teachers outside of my division as well, by presenting at various conferences and leading webinars.

Opening my classroom to pre-service teachers and mentoring them through thier practicums has allowed me pass on some of my knowledge and skills.

The first pre-service teacher I hosted was in 2021, while teaching virtually. This was an interesting experience for everyone involved, but it all worked out in the end. Teaching virtually is definitely very different than in-person, the tools and skills required can be shifted to the classroom but common in-person skills such as classroom management and organization are not an issue when teaching in a one-one vitual setting.

Since returning to Rimbey Elementary I have hosted a pair of 2nd year RDP students, a 3rd year U of A student, and currently have a 3rd year RDP student with me. 

Observing these aspiring teachers has given me some experience and practice with giving constructive critisism with the benifit of being able to watch them work through thier challenges and grow.