Current observations in teaching that are related to my interests as an educator

Part of my school board’s strategic plan is focused on achievement in literacy. Teaching students how to read is one of the most impactful tasks we have as educators yet, many of us know how to effectively teach reading. The Science of Reading, an evidenced-based reading instruction program using structured literacy, is an approach our school board has implemented district-wide to empower and train teachers to be agents of change toward equitable literacy for all learners. I am happy that this is the direction my school board has taken. As a vice principal, I support school-based implementation of this new learning and engage in this work with my staff. This is my passion, and I am keen on developing new strategies and modelling the essential components of literacy instruction for my staff. Setting and achieving goals depends on creating a collaborative learning environment where there is shared dedication to the desired outcome as well as to the effort, perseverance, and professional learning that may be required to get there (Ontario Leadership Strategy, 2013). Since September, the beginning of the school year in Canada, I have seen an increased understanding of our learning goals and how we can achieve them. Teachers have engaged in ongoing learning and invested time and energy using the tools to screen our readers and implement appropriate interventions. I am confident that our efforts will positively impact student achievement in the months and years to come.