Red Deer Public launches Aspiring Leaders program

Nearly 70 Red Deer Public staff including administrators, teachers and support staff attended the Division’s first Aspiring Leaders session earlier this month.

Hosted by the Division’s Human Resources department, the session, titled ‘Creating a Learning Culture’ allowed attendees to take part in roundtable discussions of how to be a champion for students, expect excellence, carry the banner for your school and division and be a merchant of hope.

Before diving into table discussions, attendees heard thoughts on these topics from a panel which included Chad Erickson, Superintendent, Della Ruston, Associate Superintendent of Learning Services, Darwin Roscoe, Principal at Hunting Hills, Katharyn Blades, Principal at Westpark Elementary, and Sandre Bevan, Principal at Glendale Sciences and Technology School.

“Each one of us is a part of the fabric of the learning culture of Red Deer Public and each one of us has the opportunity to lead that culture for the benefit of our students, our staff, colleagues and the greater community. When upwards of 70 staff members attend a session like this, it speaks volumes about the way our Division encourages and nurtures leadership throughout our organization. I believe it is an outward reflection of a desire for connection, a commitment to learning and continuous improvement,” said Corrine Thorsteinson, Associate Superintendent of Human Resources.

More Aspiring Leaders sessions will take place throughout the rest of the school year.

“We encourage staff, who haven’t already registered, to consider signing up for our sessions in the New Year,” said Corrine. “These sessions are a perfect opportunity for any Red Deer Public employee who wants to explore whether a formal leadership position is right for them; wants to build or enhance their leadership toolkit; wants to lead where they are at; or wants an opportunity to learn from and engage with other colleagues interested in leadership.”

All sessions take place from 4:15 - 5:30 p.m. Upcoming sessions include:

• Fostering Effective Relationships on January 11

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on March 1

• Managing Operations and Visionary Leadership - Budget and Education Plan on March 29

• Data Driven Decision Making on April 26

• Leadership Symposium on June 7

To register, please contact humanresources@rdpsd.ab.ca.