Education
July 30, 2012

School Principals Participate in Leadership Academy

About 30 school principals are taking advantage of a professional development opportunity this week as the Provincial Government, in partnership with Memorial University, conducts a week-long leadership forum in St. John’s.

Leadership Academy 2012, which is designed specifically for principals with five years experience or less, begins today (Monday, July 30) and concludes on August 3. It is supported through a Provincial Government investment of $75,000.

“Principals deal with a wide range of challenges as leaders in their school communities, but they are also in the unique position of being able to inspire students and staff,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “Leadership Academy 2012 is designed to provide newer principals with information and management techniques to help them further develop their leadership skills, and ultimately create an energetic, supportive, and positive school environment.”

Minister Jackman noted that by volunteering a week of their time to take part in this leadership forum, participating principals are demonstrating their commitment to educational leadership at the school level.

The Leadership Academy is being offered by Memorial University’s Faculty of Education, through its newly-established Educational Leadership Consortium.

“Our faculty welcomes the opportunity to partner with the Provincial Government on this initiative,” said Dr. Kirk Anderson, Dean of Memorial University’s Faculty of Education. “Through creative and active partnerships such as this, the Educational Leadership Consortium will help serve the professional and educational needs of teachers and school leaders. We view this Leadership Academy as the first of many initiatives, to be developed with many partners, which will enhance our collective capacity to better serve the needs of education leaders.”

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity provides $9 million for teacher professional development, which represents a 96 per cent increase since 2004.

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2012 07 30                        10:05 a.m.