SUN WEST SCHOOL DIVISION NO. 207
Sun West has New Crop of Leaders Ready to Go

For a number of years, Sun West has offered teachers interested in becoming school-based administrators the opportunity to participate in the Aspiring Leadership Program. Many past participants have gone on to become Principals and Vice-Principals in Sun West and other school divisions. It has been a few years since the program was operational in Sun West and it is exciting to see it's return.

Pictured above: Sun West teachers who recently completed the Aspiring Leadership Program. Back row, left to right: Natasha Cochran, Hayley Kingwell, Jena-Lea Bang, Heather Phillips, Karen McConnell, Mitch Wintonyk, Vanessa Lewis, Tessa Fry and Regan Muir. Middle row. left to right: Sheena Williams, Brantt Wilson, Stephanie Ives, Nadine Melling, Jennifer Loken, Megan Korchinski and Dakota de Caux Front row, left to right: Brent Larwood, Jennelle Minish, Celene Longmire, Kailyn Smith and Ellyse Theede. Missing: Correne McJannet, Shauna George, Tammy German, Laura Holt and Sandra Lutz

"We think it's important to provide our division staff with the opportunity learn about leadership roles and to encourage development of strong leadership within our own division," explained Kim Fick, the Superintendent of Operations responsible for Aspiring Leadership. "This program was created to build capacity in our school division and continue our work of achieving success for all," she added.

Teachers interested in pursuing leadership positions in the future were encouraged apply to be part of the Aspiring Leadership Program in the 2022-23 school year and there ended up being 26 enthusiastic participants.

Participants covered four modules: duties of a Principal/Vice-Principal; curriculum and students services; day to day management responsibilities of the school leader; and transforming school culture. Instruction came from Sun West's Senior Leadership Team and the participants also learned a great deal from each other.

Consensus was that the training was very useful. One participant stated: "Whether or not anyone goes into leadership, I think these are very valuable skills to learn about being a leader in your building and working with people." Another participant added: "I honestly think this would be good for a lot of teachers to go through so that they understand the different roles."

A number of the participants this year have already been selected for Principal or Vice-Principal roles and the Aspiring Leadership Program will be offered again in the 2024-25 school year. Teachers considering administrator roles in future are encouraged to consider the advice of one of this year's participants who said: ". . . I learned a lot about leadership, about teaching and about myself. I recommend it to anyone interested in pursuing any educational leadership position."