Meet the graduates of the 9th TELP cohort!
Brianne Aldcroft
Principal | Sea to Sky
Focus involves disciplined thinking. It means choosing one key area to concentrate on. This choice should be based on evidence and should aim to address the most pressing learning needs identified through scanning and hunches. When focus is clear, it provides a lens for deep learning and for moving forward with intention and clarity.
Heather Androsoff
District Vice Principal, Early Learning and Child Care | Sea to Sky
UBC’s Transformative Educational Leadership Program takes participants on an introspective journey while simultaneously linking them to a powerful network committed to transformative change focused on equity. This experience has prepared me to navigate the complexities of our time with humility and compassion and to lead with purpose and integrity.
Joanne Calder
Grade 6 & 7 Teacher | Delta
Through TELP I was able to form deep and meaningful connections with like minded educators. This program helped me to reflect on my practice, consolidate my thinking, and gain clarity on my next steps. I highly recommend this program to educators in all roles. Thank you to everyone involved with TELP 9!
Kristine Canas
French Immersion Teacher | Richmond
TELP has offered me invaluable opportunities to challenge my thinking, collaborate with like-minded people, and reflect deeply on my positionality as an educator. I am grateful for the connections I have cultivated and strengthened with the guidance of Judy and Linda.
Brenton Close
Teacher | Gold Trail
TELP is much more than a theoretical framework; it is about real people doing amazing work around British Columbia and the world. Linda and Judy are expert learning guides and the program reflects both their own work and a deeply thoughtful collection of others’ writing and thinking. I am grateful for the opportunity to complete this program!
Juanita Coltman
Indigenous Principal | Surrey
This experience has been the most powerful and meaningful learning opportunity in my educational career. I have enjoyed the discussions, networking and presenters. The spirals of inquiry will have a lasting impact on my work moving forward.
Kristen Crawford
District Principal of Indigenous Education | North Okanagan-Shuswap
Miigwech, Judy and Linda, for a great year of learning and growing. I am grateful for all of the wisdom shared during our sessions, and your like-minded commitment to bringing joy in all that you do.
“Find joy in everything you choose to do. Every job, relationship, home . . . it’s your responsibility to love it, or change it.”
Constance Easton
Coordinator Mental Health, SEL & Counselling | Richmond
Judy and Linda said “We believe that innovation floats on a sea of inquiry, and that curiosity is a driver for change”, which sums up my experience of the TELP program this year. Exploring learning in a new way, using lenses of equity and diversity while connecting with an amazing network of educators gave me so much nourishment. Thank you!
Craig Elliot
Teacher / Lead Analyst Future of Education and Skills 2030 Project at the Council of Ministers of Education | West Vancouver
TELP was one of the most rewarding professional learning experiences I’ve had. The readings & seminars were thought-provoking and relevant, and I connected with incredible educators. It improved how I manage my classes, and how I approach my role at CMEC. Further, TELP inspired & equipped me to take on more leadership at a school & district level.
Brenna Ewing
Director of Inclusive Education | Campbell River
Being a part of TELP has allowed me to have a deeper understanding of inquiry and the power of personal story. The readings, presenters, and conversations helped me reflect on my own leadership journey and the power of creating space to listen and learn together ~ “how do you encourage peer to peer influence” is a question that will resonate always.
Tara Fisher
Principal | Coquitlam
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from and with this incredible group of professionals from across the province. The shared experiences, guest lecturers, academic readings, and personal stories have made a deep and meaningful impact, both personally and professionally. Excellent!
Kimberley Grimwood
Principal | Central Okanagen
Leadership looks different in different places, with different people, during different times and is so heavily dependent on context. Having the opportunity to hear stories from a variety of education leaders was so powerful.
Naomi Hazon
Principal | Richmond
Thank you for creating a space where we can learn from our collective stories as we work to grow our impact as leaders. “The most effective leaders are those who are in touch with their leadership stories…The story shapes our attitudes, actions and reactions. When we know our stories, we know ourselves” (Tichy 1997, p.77). Truly transformative!
Angela Higgs
Teacher | West Vancouver
Bountiful and inspirational yearlong experience focused on equity, inclusion and belonging, truth and reconciliation, leadership, networking, and truly transformational practice. This course has been invaluable in transforming my life and projecting me into an EdD.
Deena Kotak Buckley
Principal | Vancouver
Participating in TELP offers ongoing opportunities to unlearn, learn and relearn. The presenters encourage reflection, disruption and transformation through the spiral of inquiry. The beauty of spiral is that it is culturally humble and holds space for continuous reflection and reimagining of education for student flourishing.
Sara Lai
Vice Principal | Richmond
The TELP program has given me the confidence, knowledge and ability to effect intentional, positive change in my school setting. I have been inspired and empowered by the educational leaders who had been invited to speak to us, the curated readings that have been assigned to us, and through the encouraging words that Judy and Linda have given us.
Riley McMitchell
Principal | Vancouver
TELP was an opportunity to both learn about leadership systems for transformational change and perhaps more importantly, myself as an educational leader. The power of networks really came into focus during this program. Judy and Linda create an environment where we can lift each other up, nudge thinking, and support our unique growth and strengths.
Shawn Merke
Principal | Gold Trail
The TELP program is transformative as it opens up opportunities to create meaningful networks and promotes catalytic affiliations.
Lys Paredes
Principal | Surrey
TELP provided me an opportunity to build a greater system perspective, while connecting me to the experiences & stories of local and global change agents in education. The professors supported & built upon my professional and personal strengths and stretches. This rich learning & reflecting experience inspired me to begin my EdD, this fall 2024.
April Pikkarainen
Principal | Richmond
TELP has illuminated the importance of networks, connections, and a collaborative learning community. As we consider our roles in reconciliation and systems transformation, it is imperative that we walk alongside one another in this work. TELP has been a gift in helping me see the greater purpose of who we are, together.
Gus Ruiter
Inclusion Specialist Teacher | Gold Trail
My experience with TELP this year has helped me gain substantial personal growth. It was so rewarding to develop new pathways to transformative systems and equitable practices from TELP alumni and other educational leaders from around the province. I strongly recommend this program for educators looking to further enhance their leadership skills.
Leah Scharf
Vice Principal | Richmond
Engaging in professional learning with educators from across the province has been an enriching experience. TELP has provided an invaluable opportunity to learn from others and appreciate different perspectives. The importance of relationships has been highlighted throughout. This collective effort has helped me develop a deeper inquiry mindset.
Misty Terpstra
Principal | Kootenay Lake
Kevin Vines
Principal | Richmond
TELP has been an incredible experience. Judy and Linda’s centre-holding along with the wealth of information shared in the given presentations, the readings and in our collaborative groups has provided nourishment and grounding to my leadership and pedagogical practice. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in a life changing experience.
