Supporting Indigenous Learners Through Spirals of Inquiry and Collaboration
Speaker Biographies
Dr. Judy Halbert
Dr. Linda Kaser
Dr. Judy Halbert and Dr. Linda Kaser
Dr. Judy Halbert and Dr. Linda Kaser are the co-directors of the Networks of Inquiry and Indigenous Education (NOIIE) and lead the Transformative Educational Leadership Program at UBC (TELP). They are deeply committed to achieving equity and quality for all learners—and to networking for innovation and improvement across systems. Having served in a range of roles in in British Columbia, from classroom teachers to principals, district leaders, provincial policy advisors and university faculty members, they bring a broad perspective to system change.
Judy and Linda were identified by the Big Change Organization as Pioneers for their work with NOIIE and in 2019, along with Debbie Leighton Stephens, they were awarded the Cmolik Prize for the enhancement of public education in British Columbia. They were each recognized in 2024 by the University of British Columbia with the Alumni Builders’ Award for their leadership in education. They are the co-authors of Leading Through Spirals of Inquiry (2022), The Spiral Playbook (2017), Spirals of Inquiry for Equity and Quality (2013), Leadership Mindsets: Innovation and Learning in the Transformation of Schools (2009) and with Helen Timperley, A Framework for Transforming Learning in Schools: Innovation and the Spiral of Inquiry (2014)
The Networks of Inquiry and Indigenous Education now include inquiry networks in several international jurisdictions including Sweden, Latvia, Wales, England, Barcelona, New Zealand, Australia, and Hawaii. Central to each of these networks are three shared goals:
1. Every learner crossing the stage with dignity, purpose and options
2. Every learner leaving our settings more curious than when they arrive
3. Every learner developing an understanding of, and respect for, Indigenous ways of knowing and that together we will contribute to eliminating racism in schools.
