BCSSA Virtual Learning Program: Early Learning

BCSSA Virtual Professional Learning Program:
Early Learning hosted by Anne Cooper and Crystal MacLeod
December 1, 2023, 8 am - 9 am via zoom

Session Information:
This session will be of interest to those with responsibilities in early learning and childcare. The themes explored will include: Building Knowledge, Building Commitment and Building Capacity. Anne and Crystal will highlight the key knowledge areas in both early learning and childcare; share ideas regarding building commitment to early learning, and childcare in particular; and discuss ways to build capacity throughout the district to do this work.This session is no cost to BCSSA members but registration is required (BCSSA members only): https://ca01web.zoom.us/meeting/register/u50vceurrDIsG9PZTjPInPDyGtrgHH-PPCRQ
Anne Cooper
Anne retired from her position as the Superintendent of Schools for School District #19, having served as their Superintendent for fourteen years. She has over 30 years experience in district office, with 20 of those as a superintendent in this province. Still active in her community, Mrs. Cooper serves on the Revelstoke Early Childhood Development Committee and is Treasurer for the Revelstoke Child Care Society. She has been very involved with Ministry of Education projects, opening the first Strong Start center in the province and the first Neighbourhood Learning Center in an elementary school, which serves as an extensive Early Learning hub. Anne has served as Chair for Decoda Literacy for six years and has been a member (six years) on the Provincial Child Care Council, a member of the Human Early Partnership, Middle Years Development Instrument Advisory Committee, and a member of the Columbia Basin Trust Social Advisory Committee. Anne has received the British Columbia School Superintendents Association Distinguished Service Award in 2006, was twice the recipient of the Premier’s Award for Excellence (Early Learning – 2008, Partnerships – 2012) and received the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy Champion award in 2013. Just prior to her retirement she was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal, for her contribution to public education. Mrs. Cooper holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary, and a Master of Education: Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Oregon. Married for 46 years, Anne and her husband are enjoying travel, music and mountain biking.

Crystal MacLeod
Crystal is a mother of five children and is grateful to live, work, learn, and raise her family on the traditional, unceded territory of the Ktunaxa people on what is known as K̓ukamaʔnam. In her 30 years in education, she has been a teacher and administrator at all levels of the K-12 system in BC and has taught in four provinces and three countries. Crystal has been with the Rocky Mountain School District since 2007 and currently holds the Early Learning and Child Care portfolio as a Director of Instruction.