Leadership Academy
Build instructional leadership to improve students’ literacy skills
Leading the change
For at least twenty years, there has been continued pressure to change the way we teach reading, one that supports the science of reading. However, transforming schools to a new way of teaching reading is not easy. Teachers are called upon to embrace extensive sets of learning objectives, build new lesson plans, increase their repertoire of effective teaching strategies, assess students in new ways, and support students with special needs in inclusive classrooms.
Transform your school
Leading the change will require superintendents and principals to ensure all stakeholders are aligned and fully committed to improving students’ literacy skills. It requires the concerted effort of school leaders to prioritize student learning, strengthen teachers’ instructional skills, and establish a data-informed culture.
Seize the opportunity – Leadership Academy
The Learning Bar’s Leadership Academy is a unique opportunity for superintendents and principals to engage in a year-long professional development program. They will learn from and be mentored by Canada’s prominent experts in leadership, the science of reading, classroom instruction, and assessment.
DATES
June 2022 to May 2023
Note: First session will be recorded and available for those starting in the new school year.
PARTICIPANTS
Principals and Superintendents
FORMAT
Nine 90-minute live workshops each month, complemented with asynchronous online course material.
COST
$3,000 per participant
Schedule
| Date | Theme | Academy Leader |
| 9 Jun 2022 | Leading with Intention, Guided by Science | Karen Power |
| 15 Sep 2022 | Building Shared Leadership | Karen Power |
| 20 Oct 2022 | Learning to Read to Reading to Learn | Dr. Doug Willms |
| 17 Nov 2022 | Leading Instruction in Literacy | Dr. Norma St. Croix |
| 19 Jan 2023 | Aligning Data for Student Success | Dr. Alma Lopez-Garcia |
| 16 Feb 2023 | Prioritizing the Student as Leader | Neil Debassige |
| 16 Mar 2023 | Supporting Teachers with Classroom Management | Dr. Kevin O’Connor |
| 20 Apr 2023 | The Role of Culture in Student Learning | Neil Debassige |
| 18 May 2023 | Fostering Communication | Karen Power |
The Leadership Academy Team
Click on a team member to find out further information about their experience and expertise.
Karen Power is coaching senior educational leaders in school districts throughout North America to effectively develop strategic planning, build collaborative practices and develop school improvement initiatives.
Dr. Doug Willms is advancing educational reform worldwide through his work with the OECD and UNESCO. His framework, Educational Prosperity, is being used to develop monitoring systems that inform school policy and practice.
Dr. Norma St. Croix is providing guidance to countless schools across Canada on how to embed the core skills of reading instruction into teachers’ classroom practice.
Dr. Alma Lopez-Garcia led the design of a new approach to continuous reading assessment that is being used to assess children’s foundational skills in reading and inform teachers’ daily practice.
Dr. Kevin O‘Connor is training many of the next generation of classroom teachers in Alberta. His students learn how to integrate place-based learning and Indigenous education into their classroom practice.
Neil Debassige is leading school-wide reforms in First Nations communities across Canada. He brings his experience as a principal and educator to build strong learning communities that focus on students’ success in reading.
