The Government of British Columbia is increasing leadership development funding for more than 3,500 education leaders, to meet the rapidly changing needs of students and communities throughout the province.

“Our education system is evolving at a very fast pace,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “Providing students with the skills and knowledge needed in an ever-changing 21st-century world requires leaders who are empowered to drive schools toward the future.”  

Aimed at professionals in leadership roles and those aspiring to leadership, the Ministry of Education will increase professional learning development funding from $200,000 in 2017-18, to $600,000 in 2018-2019, with a further $800,000 investment in 2019-2020. This brings the three year total funding to $1.6 million.

Expanded leadership development will enable new and existing professional learning opportunities across the education system, including:

• training and mentorship for new school and district leaders
• increased financial training for district leaders
• additional training in B.C’s new curriculum and supporting Indigenous education
• managing the training of new leaders who are replacing retirees
• recruitment, training and mentoring supports for new Indigenous education leaders

Students will benefit from leadership development that is focused on improving students’ success and contributes to an innovative, dynamic and high-performing school life.

The ministry has partnered with the B.C. School Trustees Association, BC School Superintendents Association, BC Association of School Business Officials, B.C. Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association and the Federation of Independent School Associations in B.C., to create a leadership development framework.

“We are grateful to the Ministry of Education for recognizing leadership is the key to improving student success,” said Tom Longridge, president of the BC School Superintendents Association. “Investing additional support is critical to this goal. Each partner group plays an integral role, and we look forward to continued collaboration for strengthening our already world-class education system.”

“As co-governors of B.C.'s public education system, we are very supportive of the government’s commitment to leadership development within the K-12 system,” said Gordon Swan, president of the B.C. School Trustees Association. “This action will have a significant, positive impact on students and staff for years to come.”

“Our leaders keep our public education system at the world’s top tier, and they are essential for continuing student achievement,” said Kevin Reimer, president of the B.C. Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association. “We welcome the ministry’s partnership in our endeavours.”

Learn More:

Read the leadership development framework: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/administration/kindergarten-to-grade-12/leadership-development