BCSSA 2023 Spring Forum
Please join us for the BCSSA 2023 Spring Forum
Wayi Wah! Paddling Stronger Together: A Day of Focussed Learning and Reflection
with Jo Chrona
As we continue to respond the TRC Calls to Action, and further understand the impacts of the Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the 9th Professional Standard for BC Teaching Certificate Holders, we delve deeper into what it means to be a formal or informal leader in K-12 education BC.
When we engage in our learning with courage, curiosity, humility, respect and commitment, we grow in in our capacities to create and support more responsive and powerful learning environments. The day will include opportunities to listen, talk, reflect, and learn. Through a combination of presentation, and discussions, we explore the following questions:
• What are the connections between our personal and professional learning in Indigenous and anti-racist education?
• How do we lead in these areas by example? How does each of us model the learning, the uncertainty, the struggle?
• What does having high-expectations of learners, and of ourselves, mean?
• How do we support systemic change such as the new Indigenous-focussed course graduation requirement?
• How do our personal and system shifts for Indigenous and anti-racism education reflect the BCSSA Spirit of Leadership?
• How do we continue to live the journey of reconciliation through education? How do we keep taking next steps?
Date: Friday, April 21st
Location: Westin Bayshore Vancouver
Time: 8am - 3pm
Guest rooms at our special rate at the Westin Bayshore are sold out! There ARE still rooms available at the Westin but the rate will be higher. We have managed to secure additional rooms at a reduced conference rate at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel, within walking distance of the Westin. Book your guest room at the Coast Coal Harbour here. As these dates are extremely busy for events in downtown Vancouver we expect that this block may sell out as well. The room block expires on March 24th so please book now!
Jo Chrona
I am an education consultant, speaker, and author, supporting professional learning opportunities in the areas of Indigenous education and anti-racism.
My professional experience includes over 25 years teaching in both K-12 (secondary) and post-secondary education, working as a Faculty Associate in SFU’s Teacher Education Program, an Advisor with the BC Ministry of Education, and a Policy Analyst then Curriculum Manager, for the First Nations Education Steering Committee in British Columbia.
Over the past two decades, I have also been actively involved in the areas of curriculum development and resource writing, professional learning through inquiry networks, literacy development, and Indigenous education. I was also involved in various aspects of transformation in the BC education system, and also managed the development of authentic Indigenous teacher resources.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in English from SFU, a Diploma in Education in Guidance Studies and Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from the UBC, and am passionate about helping create systemic change in education systems to support truly inclusive and responsive, strength-based education experiences for all learners.
I am Ts’msyen through my mother, and belong to Ganhada of Waap K’oom of the Kitsumkalum First Nation in British Columbia, and am also of European heritage through my father.