“We are a voice, not an echo.”
Central Okanagan Public Schools’ �Instructional Leadership Team
June 2020
The story we are offering is about transformation across a school district. It was built in three parts, with the intention of it being presented in order; however, feel free to explore any or all of our story.
Part one gives some background to our district, tells about the beginning of our story of change, and sets the context for parts 2 and 3.
Part two is a detailed story of how one of our schools took up the invitation for change and became a catalyst for change in our district.
Part three shows how far the impact of change has reached, and the impact this has had on professional learning.
Overview
Part 1: “I am a Voice, not an Echo.”
Part 2: We Make the Path by Walking
Part 3: As the River Flows
Part 4: Panel Discussion - Considering Play & Democracy
With:
Reflections on our story from Educators Across the Globe
I was impressed with the Okanagan leadership team making it a priority to bring so many of their school system's educators to Opal to experience it first hand and return to their schools to implement what they had learned. Doing something different can be daunting but they were willing and courageous. I loved the comment a student made "They don't spoon feed us. They give us spoons.” - Betsy H.
The quote from the Okanagan Public Schools, "I am a Voice, not an Echo," shows that they see themselves as approaching teaching and learning in more than one way. They knew that each teacher was on their own path in learning this new philosophy of teaching and gave them support in order to get there in their own way. Through this, they can experience what it is like and provide an environment where children can learn in their own way. They each have an individual voice. They are not copies or echoes of one another. -Evette
Reflections on our story from Educators Across the Globe
I really like how Ben Mardell asked school teams to look for times when the indicators of playful learning are there and to describe them on their own. I am feeling like a whole shift in the values of the organization is necessary to even see or value a shift in pedagogy. I am very inspired by the Central Okanagan Public Schools and how they've done just that. What's next? - Levia F.
I enjoyed following the learning journey of the Central Okanagan Public School's Leadership Team and made many connections with my own journey as a school leader. -Stacy P.
Reflections on our story from Educators Across the Globe
In the section phase 1: Preparing the soil, Central Okanagan public school teachers went to visit Norma Rose Point school in Vancouver. The school was based around the OECD Principles of learning they were embracing. What struck me is what the student shared with them “Our teachers care about us, about how we feel and how we learn. They don’t spoon feed us. They give us the spoons!” What the children said was so powerful and meaningful to me. Next week, I start teaching an adult-tot class outdoors. I'm energized to guide both adults and children in sparking their curiosity in our natural environment and giving them the spoons! -Jackie A.
The other quote that struck me was, "No one is an echo, we are all a voice." Something I feel is also important to remember for us as educators and for our children. - Jen J.
Reflections on our story from Educators Across the Globe
It was fascinating to read about the work of Central Okanagan and how they are taking practices, cracking them open, imagining, and exploring what else they could be. I can feel the bravery and recognize it.- Hana H.
I agree with you Hana. It was so lovely to witness and experience how these hopes, dreams and desires (through vulnerability) evolved in practice and became reality. Very powerful indeed. It was quite clear that the learning journeys were not easy ones and still continue to develop and evolve, but how their collective visions, values and practices have shaped their storytelling pedagogy and passion to keep 'walking' alongside their children, colleagues and parents as a community of learners. It is so true what Carlina Rinaldi says, "Listening also means welcoming uncertainty." Daniel Wilson added to this by saying "We cannot necessarily predict our journey or future but we can certainly nudge and curate it." For me, it's about welcoming, accepting and leaning into the unknown and nurturing the tensions and uncertainties that come my way. Thank you so much for such a powerful and honest section :) - Imogen P.
Our journey continues… We are excited to see what’s next!
Connect with us! www.instructionalleadershipteam.com
For more information on Central Okanagan Public Schools: