Wild Rose School Division is excited to announce that Billie-Jo Grant will join our division as the new Director of Indigenous Education. Billie-Jo has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, as well as a Master's Degree in Religious Education. Billie-Jo has over 25 years of diversified K-12 experience with a focus on Inclusive practices, Indigenous education and diverse learning needs, in rural, urban and community organization settings. She is a visionary leader who inspires and models innovative approaches while adhering to new professional standards, including technological integration, experiential learning, functional literacy, functional numeracy, inclusive programming and diversity.
Currently, Billie-Jo is the Director of Indigenous Early Learning with Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO). She has also worked as an Indigenous Consultant with Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, Associate Director of Métis Education with the Rupertsland Institute Métis Centre of Excellence, Professional Development Facilitator with the Alberta Teachers' Association and a term lecturer with the University of Alberta's Faculty of Education Master of Educational Studies. Billie-Jo is a proud Métis Nation of Alberta citizen.
Brad Volkman, Wild Rose School Division Superintendent of Schools, stated, "We are very excited to have Billie-Jo join the WRSD senior leadership team. Her strong educational background and lived Indigenous experiences will be a great benefit to our division."
"Billie-Jo says "In my new role as Director of Indigenous Education with Wild Rose School Division, I am thrilled to support the integration of Indigenous education into daily learning, weaving authentic and meaningful content that celebrates First Nations, Métis, & Inuit culture year-round. With dedication to inclusive dialogue and lifelong learning, I aim to foster reconciliation through nurturing relationships and community connections. Together, let's create safer and braver spaces for tough conversations, advancing reconciliation for all!"
Billie-Jo will transition into her new role with Wild Rose School Division starting May 1, 2024.
