Description
School District No. 71 (Comox Valley)
District Vice-Principal - Indigenous Education effective date August 1, 2025
School District 71 (Comox Valley) is a progressive school district whose mission is to inspire engaged, compassionate, resilient lifelong learners and cultivate a collaborative community together. As an inclusive learning community, we embrace diversity, foster relationships, and empower all learners to have a positive impact on the world. We are the largest employer in the Comox Valley with over 1900 employees and provide a comprehensive educational program to approximately 10,900 students from Strong Start to Grade 12 in 14 elementary schools, 2 community schools, 3 secondary schools, 2 alternate schools, and an online learning school.
Summary of the role:
The District Vice-Principal provides inspirational leadership in Indigenous Education and champions Indigenous students. Reporting to the District Principal they perform a variety of duties related to the implementation and recommendations outlined in the TRC, UNDRIP and BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. The position exercises independence of action and judgment within the limits of approved policy and procedures.
The District Vice-Principal of Indigenous Education is primarily responsible for providing direct leadership and administration of Nala'atsi school, supporting students and staff. They assist the District Principal with the District's Indigenous Education program initiatives and projects with support and direction from the Ministry of Education, Indigenous Communities, and the Superintendent of Schools. The position is responsible for creating awareness, facilitating learning, and leading positive change for the Equity of Indigenous learners in Comox Valley Schools.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plan, and/or support professional Indigenous-based learning opportunities for Indigenous Education Department and District staff
- Implement assessments to monitor the quality of programs and services provided to Indigenous learners
- Plan Indigenous-based learning opportunities for Indigenous students
- Plan, lead and/or contribute to the planning of District Indigenous Ceremonies and Events
- Lead and/or co-facilitate initiatives, such as the Equity Scan
- Support in collecting, managing, collating, writing reports and sharing local and Ministry Indigenous student data
- Liaise and engage with the Indigenous Education Council.
- Engage with Indigenous communities, families and rightsholders to develop, implement, and evaluate the district's equity initiatives.
- Collaborate with staff, students and community members to plan and initiate engagement focused on individual experiences with inclusion, racism and discrimination within the District
- Respond to concerns that are identified by Indigenous students, staff, and parents
- Provide guidance on cultural protocols
- An ability to motivate staff and be an advocate for staff development
- Friendliness, good humour, flexibility, enthusiasm, forthrightness, openness and honesty
- Other duties as assigned
- Demonstrate knowledge and expertise in navigating relationships and interactions between and among school staff, colleagues, administrators and unions
- Ability to facilitate the development of strategies that will enhance the personal, social/emotional, cultural and educational development of Indigenous learners
- Understanding and sensitivity of the effects and impacts of historical educational experiences of Indigenous peoples, including intergenerational trauma
- A commitment to Indigenous student success and a fundamental belief that all learners can achieve at a high level
- Ability to incorporate trauma-sensitive practices into work practices
- Ability to cultivate and nurture positive relationships with learners and families of Indigenous ancestry
- Strong knowledge of Indigenous curriculum, culture, challenges, and opportunities within the school system
- Indigenous ancestry, lived experience including knowledge and deep appreciation of Indigenous culture, Land, and local protocols are preferred
- A Masters degree in Educational Administration and Leadership, or in progress
- Valid BC teaching certificate with the BC Teacher Regulation Branch
- Completion of Indigenous Studies, Special Education, Counseling, or related course work is preferred
- Educational Leadership experience in a unionized environment is preferred
- Essential skills in technology
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Current and Valid BC Drivers License and safe driving record
- Experience in the public K - 12 education sector is preferred
Qualified applicants are invited to apply in confidence by submitting a detailed resume with supporting documentation, a statement of their educational philosophy and three professional references (supervisors only please) through by 1 PM on Monday, May 5, 2025. The annual salary range for this position is $138,313-$145,721.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. We sincerely thank all applicants for submitting their candidacy and for their interest in School District 71 (Comox Valley).
An Equal Opportunity Employer
