School District #8 Director of Instruction - Indigenous Education and Learning Services

School District #8 (Kootenay Lake) is located in the southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada and serves the Lower Kootenay Band and the communities of Kaslo, Meadow Creek, Crawford Bay, Creston, Wynndel, Yahk, Nelson, Salmo, South Slocan, Winlaw, Slocan, and the surrounding rural areas. Our area is beautiful, vibrant, a fantastic place to raise children, has a world-renowned arts and entertainment community, and easily accesses a variety of amazing outdoor pursuits. Kootenay Lake School District serves the learning needs of approximately 4700 students in several diverse communities and in an array of learning environments throughout the Kootenays. Our visionary, creative team of approximately 900 staff focuses on providing the best opportunities for students and their families. Our mission is to inspire and support each learner to thrive in a caring learning environment.The School Board Office is located in Nelson, B.C. Our schools are dispersed geographically and range in size and composition:- 13 elementary schools- 1 middle school- 1 K-10 school- 4 secondary schools- 2 K-12 schools- online learning and blended programs- an extensive array of program options, including Aboriginal Education, Late French Immersion, Outdoor Programs, and a strong International Program.Job Description & Requirements School District # 8 (Kootenay Lake) is seeking applications from innovative and experienced educational leaders who are committed to equity for the position of Director of Instruction - Indigenous Education and Learning Services.The start date of this position is to be negotiated, and may be between April 27, 2024 and August 1, 2024. The first review of applications will be on April 8, 2024 and will remain open until filled. This position is based in Creston, British Columbia. The annual pay range for this position is $163,115 to $177,299, along with a comprehensive pension and benefits package. The successful candidate for this role is committed to and ensures that Aboriginal education in the School District aligns with commitments to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and the Draft Principles that Guide the Province of British Columbia’s Relationship with Indigenous People and acknowledges the legal obligations of the Province of BC in the Distinctions-Based Approach Primer - Draft Principles. The Director of Instruction - Indigenous Education and Learning Services supports the keys to success outlined in the British Columbia Tripartite Education Agreement.This role will act as a senior leader and will be a passionate educator and advocate committed to advancing Indigenous education. The candidate will seek to improve success and supports for Indigenous students, and increase the presence of Indigenous culture, languages and history for all students. This position also aims to help teachers bring Indigenous knowledge into their teaching practice.The Director of Instruction - Indigenous Education and Learning Services will demonstrate a history and a commitment to Aboriginal education over time. Possessing a profound knowledge of innovative, evidence-based educational programs, this individual will present ideas, and motivate staff through a passionate and clear vision for Aboriginal education.Vital to this role is the ability to build trusting partnerships with all Indigenous rights holders, Indigenous partners and Indigenous communities, external organizations and educational partners. Collaborative, courageous and culturally humble, the selected candidate will lead by positive example and have the ethical courage to work through challenges in a productive and respectful manner.The selected candidate will possess a master’s degree in Curriculum, Leadership and/or Indigenous Studies, and will present a minimum of five years' experience as a school-based principal, preferably at the K-12 level. The individual will demonstrate proven ability to work successfully in a unionized environment.Creative, innovative and committed to equity, this individual is a leader who empowers others to maximize their areas of strength in the service of children and youth.The Director of Instruction - Indigenous Education and Learning Services will possess: - the ability to articulate a forward-thinking vision of student learning in line with District, provincial and global directions;- excellent organizational and communication skills;- high levels of educational creativity and innovation;- an in-depth understanding of current trends in instructional and assessment practices, curriculum implementation and improving student learning;- significant demonstrated recent experience in supporting staff in deepening learning in the above areas;- a commitment to developing programs to systematize improvement in practice related to student learning; - excellent skills in the area of leveraging digital tools and online learning to enhance student learning opportunities.We are looking for strong applications, complete with three (3) professional supervisory references, from people who can clearly demonstrate the following: - Possession of a valid B.C. Professional Teaching Certificate, through the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care- Completion of a master’s degree in Curriculum, Leadership and/or Indigenous Education.- Focused on developing strong relationships with all Indigenous rights holders and partners. - A history of excellent school-based leadership and meeting the needs of a variety of learners.- Demonstrated knowledge of current learning theory as related to instruction and assessment.- A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to equity, inclusion and honouring diversity, and upholding the principles of anti-racism. - Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills , incorporating compassionate systems leadership and trauma-informed practices.- A demonstrated consultative style of leadership, exhibiting strong decision- making skills - A valid BC driver’s license.Applicants are asked to submit: - A brief letter of application explaining interest in the position for which they are applying; A detailed Curriculum Vitae, including: - Formal Academic Credentials - Career Profile, including previous experience in related to experience in leading Indigenous Education and school leadership in public schools - Professional Certification - Selected Institutional Affiliations and Professional Leadership Roles- Specialist Leadership Training and Professional Development Certifications - Communications Experience; Presentations and Publications- Current supervisory references (please be advised that only the references listed on the C.V will be contacted relative to this specific application)- Evidence of completion of a Graduate Degree (copies of transcripts will be accepted)For more information, please contact Superintendent, Trish Smillie by email at trish.smillie@sd8.bc.ca. Applicants must be certified in British Columbia with a Professional Teaching Certificate, or be eligible for certification by the start date of the assignment. Only applications submitted on Make a Future will be considered. While the District encourages all applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. School District 8 supports equity hiring for Indigenous applicants. *If you are experiencing any technical issues with your application process to contact Make A Future's customer service line as HR cannot upload or assist with these types of issues. We also cannot accept documents via email such as cover letters/resumes/transcripts/teaching reports via email as they do need to be part of the employee's Make a Future profile.