Jody Billingsley | TELP 2019-2020
Program Manager – Practicum (Secondary), Teacher Education Office
For over 25 years, Jody Billingsley has worked in public education and educational leadership across a variety of settings. His passion for education began in his youth, but it was his work as a Child and Youth Care Worker, where he saw firsthand the power of advocating for children who are often unheard, that shaped his approach to leadership — one rooted in social justice, equity and systems change.
Jody holds a degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Simon Fraser University, where he also completed the Professional Development Program to become a certified teacher in British Columbia. He later earned a Master of Education (MEd) in Administration and Transformative Leadership from UBC.
Throughout his career — as a classroom teacher, learning support teacher, adjunct professor, and school administrator — he has consistently sought to challenge inequities and champion equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization.
His Journey with TELP
Jody first learned about the Transformative Educational Leadership Program (TELP) through his early involvement with the Networks of Inquiry and Indigenous Education (NOIIE) (formerly known as the Networks of Performance-Based Schools (NPBS)). Within these networks, he connected with Drs. Judy Halbert, Linda Kaser, and Lynne Tomlinson — mentors who would later influence his decision to apply for TELP.
He describes the program as “a scholar-practitioner experience I will never forget,” crediting Dr. Kaser and Dr. Halbert for fostering a space where “vulnerability and sharing diverse knowledges is cultivated in an open, caring, and professional manner.”
Even when TELP pivoted to an online format during his cohort’s year, Jody found the experience rich and relevant, particularly in learning from Meso Level Leaders who actively reshape education. His passion for TELP continued beyond his own cohort when he became a TELP Reading Group Facilitator, helping new participants unpack research, engage in critical discussions, and apply insights to their leadership contexts.
“TELP is not just about professional development — it’s about deep personal and systemic transformation,” Jody says. “It is the catalyst that sent me down my personal journey of decolonizing my mind along the path of Truth and Reconciliation. It equipped me with tools to improve the outcomes for children in my own circle of influence.”
Where He Is Today
Today, Jody is pursuing a Doctor of Education at UBC Okanagan.
In his current role at UBC as Program Manager for Secondary Practicum in the Teacher Education Office, Jody continues to shape the next generation of educators. His work remains deeply influenced by the principles he explored through TELP, particularly the Spiral of Inquiry framework.
For Jody, the journey through TELP was not a linear path but a continuous process of inquiry, reflection, and action.
“Trust the process. The knowledges shared with you — and by you — will enhance how you make positive systemic changes within your context for the betterment of students, educators, and communities.”
Learn more about TELP and how it can transform your leadership journey.
