Job Description

THE ORGANIZATION MAPLE RIDGE – PITT MEADOWS SCHOOL DISTRICT
School District No. 42 meets the learning needs of over 16,000 students of all ages in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, including 1,500 Indigenous students, and is defined by its determination to keep student learning and growth at the heart of all its decisions. With an annual budget of over $200M and over 2,800 staff, the school district provides K-12 educational services in 22 elementary schools, six secondary schools, and two alternate schools. It also provides a variety of certificate programs and relevant quality life-long learning opportunities through Ridge Meadows College and Continuing Education. For more information about our school district, visit www.sd42.ca.

THE OPPORTUNITY VICE PRINCIPAL, ABORIGINAL EDUCATION AND RACIAL INCLUSIVITY
School District No. 42 is pleased to announce an opportunity for an innovative, skillful, and compassionate educator to join its dedicated and collaborative departmental and district leadership teams in the role of Vice Principal, Aboriginal Education, Equity and Racial Inclusivity.

Our school district is located on the shared, traditional and unceded territories of Katzie First Nation and Kwantlen First Nation and recognizes Metis and Inuit families who reside in these territories. We serve just over 15,000 students at 31 schools in the communities of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, and boast several well-established, innovative, and inclusive programs and schools. As a school district, we are proud of and committed to actualizing our mission, which is to support all individuals in their development
as successful learners, and as respectful, caring, and responsible members of society. Our vision is for every individual to feel valued and for all learners to reach their potential.

The position of Vice Principal of Aboriginal Education, Equity and Racial Inclusivity reports directly to the District Principal of Aboriginal Education and works closely with the District Principal, Safe & Caring Schools. The primary focus of this position will support district leadership with the development and implementation of a plan to address recommendations arising from the Equity in Action report. Additionally, the Vice Principal, Aboriginal Education will play a key leadership role with Indigenous-focused curriculum K-12 and the K-12 Anti Racism Action Plan. This work will include supporting the implementation of course requirement amendments to the provincial graduation program and supporting the implementation of education-related initiatives from the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act: Declaration Action Plan.

NOTE: School District No. 42 has been provided with approval from the Human Rights Tribunal for a Special Program under s. 42(3) of the Human Rights Code. Under this special program, we are able to provide preference to hiring qualified Indigenous applicants. Therefore, each applicant may wish to provide, on a voluntary basis, information whether they self-identify as an Indigenous person.

SPECIFIC KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
• Supporting the District Principal of Aboriginal Education in leading and supervising the Aboriginal Education department.
• Leading the District Anti-Racism Committee.
• Providing leadership in Indigenous education and championing Indigenous student success.
• Supporting the incorporation of Indigenous curriculum, culture, knowledge, and history for all learners.
• Planning and implementing racial inclusivity and equity initiatives in collaboration with the Helping Teacher of Racial Inclusivity including promoting and supporting implementation of anti-racism and diversity education in classrooms.
• Ensuring district programs and services reflect best practice and comply with all Ministry of Education and Child Care policies and directives.
• Identifying and removing systemic barriers to student success.
• Supporting the Indigenous Learners, Families and Communities in School District No. 42.
• Liaising and maintaining positive working relationships with Katzie First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation, Golden Ears Metis Society, and Fraser River Indigenous Society.
• Supporting the District Principal of Aboriginal Education and district leadership with planning and implementation of
recommendations from the Equity in Action report, Deepening Indigenous Education and Equity: Supporting the Wholistic Success of Indigenous Learners, Families and Communities in the School District No. 42.
• Assuming a leadership role for building and fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, anti-discrimination, restoration, reconciliation, and accessibility.
• Developing and facilitating programs and educational initiatives, forums, presentations, professional development, and workshops to all employees of the school district with the goals of enhancing and honouring the experiences of historically marginalized populations.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the District Principal.

QUALIFICATIONS
The preferred candidate will possess the following education, skills, knowledge and abilities:
• A valid BC Teacher Regulation Branch Certification in good standing.
• A master’s degree in curriculum, social justice or leadership.
• Previous experience as a Vice Principal in K to 12 public education would be an asset.
• Courageous and inclusive leadership that is based on transparency, cultivates teamwork and trust, and values diverse points of view.
• Demonstrated experience in collaborative leadership, leading and managing staff, fostering teamwork, and maintaining positive working relationships with diverse groups and stakeholders within a unionized environment.
• Strong knowledge in and commitment to the education-related Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and the education related items from the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Action Plan).
• Experience working effectively in a K to 12 education system with a focus on Indigenous education, racial inclusivity and
equity with an inquiry-oriented, research-based approach to improving learning. Models a passionate commitment to making a difference in the lives of all learners.
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous curriculum, culture, challenges, and opportunities within the school system including demonstrated experience with supporting Indigenous student success and a fundamental belief that all learners can achieve at a high level.
• A thorough understanding of redesigned curriculum framework and current assessment practices.
• Sound knowledge of and experience with leading initiatives focused on racial inclusivity and equity.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team environment including the demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Outstanding verbal and written communications skills are critical, including the ability to break down complex concepts and present them in a consistent, engaging, and understandable manner to a variety of partners.
• Ability to gain the confidence of and build trust with stakeholders and community members who may not have had positive experiences with educational institutions.
• Excellent conflict resolution, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to cultivate respectful and collaborative working relationships inclusive of Indigenous communities and partners, district leadership, staff and school communities.
• Demonstrates high integrity and a commitment to on-going professional learning.

This position is full-time temporary appointment for a one-year term effective August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025.

Required languages: English

Education level: Masters degree

Required skills: Leadership, Administrative Experience as Principal or Vice Principal, Teaching Experience.

Closest intersection: 20905 Wicklund Avenue, Maple Ridge, BC