Transforming Literacy Instruction – Speakers

Dr. J. Douglas Willms, President & Founder, The Learning Bar

Dr. Willms is the Founder and President of the Learning Bar Inc. He is the Past President of the International Academy of Education, a Member of the US National Academy of Education, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. From 2002-2017, he held the Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Literacy and Human Development at the University of New Brunswick. Dr. Willms has published over 200 research articles and monographs pertaining to youth literacy, children’s health, the accountability of schooling systems, and the assessment of national reforms.  

Dr. Willms developed the model, Educational Prosperity, an assessment framework that jurisdictions can use in their capacity-building efforts and the development of educational policy. The model was adopted by the OECD for PISA for Development, an initiative aimed at building capacity for low- and middle-income countries to monitor progress towards national targets for improvement. Dr. Willms and his colleagues have developed the questionnaires and the analysis plan for this international study.

Karen Power, Leadership Development Consultant, The Learning Bar

Karen is a consultant and former teacher, principal, superintendent, and senior advisor for professional learning and leadership. She has won multiple awards and authored books related to her work which focuses on leadership coaching in schools and districts, building collaborative practices through professional learning community (PLC) implementation, district strategic planning, and developing effective instruction, assessment and evidence-based decisions for long-term sustainability. 

Karen is now working as a consultant with The Learning Bar to support leadership development within schools and districts.

Tyson​ MacGillivray​, Chief Superintendent, Frontier School Division

Tyson MacGillivray is a seasoned educational leader with a deep commitment to advancing student achievement and well-being across diverse learning environments. He has held teaching and administrative responsibilities for the Shamattawa Education Authority and within Frontier School Division. In August 2024 Tyson started as Chief Superintendent within the division, after serving as the Area 3 Superintendent since 2018.   Tyson brings extensive experience in educational administration, curriculum development, and indigenous education.  

He has played a pivotal role in implementing programs that support literacy, numeracy, and student engagement, with a particular focus on bridging educational gaps in remote and Indigenous communities. His leadership is marked by a collaborative approach, working closely with educators, students, and community members to create supportive and effective learning environments. 

Brenda Gabriel, Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Athabasca Denesuline Education Authority

Throughout Brenda’s 30-year career in education she has held several Educational Leadership roles. She has worked as a school-based administrator in elementary, middle and secondary levels and been responsible for curriculum, assessment, innovative program initiatives, technology, and professional development.  During this time she also worked with the Saskatchewan Professional Development Unit providing Leadership Training for school-based administrators in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba. In 2016, she began her work with First Nations Schools in northern Saskatchewan as a Literacy Consultant.  Since starting her current position with the Athabasca Denesuline Education Authority in 2020, she continues to work passionately to support opportunities for learning for all staff to ensure all A.D.E.A. students will be successful and have the skills they require to follow the paths they choose.

Reg Klassen, Interim Superintendent, Seine River School Division

Reg Klassen has dedicated over thirty years to serving students across various communities and educational settings. After nine years of service as the Chief Superintendent of Frontier School Division, Reg retired on August 1, 2024. Not one to sit idle, Reg has embraced a new challenge as Interim Superintendent at Seine River School Division, with his commitment to education and leadership as strong as ever.

Reg is a well-respected educator, leader and visionary, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in providing quality educational programs for diverse students in a variety of settings. He has served as the Chair of Canadian Association of Mennonite Schools and Manitoba Federation of Independent Schools Education Committee. He has also served as the President for the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents, and the Canadian Association of School System Administrators.