Jan Sawyer
Educator
Edmonton,AB
Summary
Experienced educational leader, governance professional, and former school principal with more than 35 years of experience in public education. Proven track record in leadership development, strategic planning, governance, stakeholder engagement, communications, conflict resolution, and organizational improvement. Currently serving as an elected Trustee with Edmonton Public Schools and actively seeking part-time, contract, consulting, mentoring, facilitation, writing, or project-based opportunities where extensive educational leadership experience can support organizations, teams, and individuals. Recognized for building strong relationships, bringing people together around shared goals, and helping organizations navigate complex challenges with professionalism, integrity, and practical solutions.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Trustee
Edmonton Public Schools
10.2021 - Current
- Elected representative for one of Canada's largest school divisions.
- Contribute to governance, strategic planning, budget oversight, and policy development.
- Represent constituent interests while maintaining a division-wide perspective.
- Engage with students, families, staff, community organizations, and government partners.
- Serve in leadership roles including Board Vice Chair and provincial board governance positions.
- Advocate for public education and student success at local and provincial levels.
Director
Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta (PSBAA)
Edmonton, AB
03.2023 - Current
- Represent member boards from across Alberta.
- Contribute to strategic planning and organizational governance.
- Build collaborative relationships with trustees and educational leaders province-wide.
- Support provincial advocacy and governance initiatives.
Principal
Edmonton Public Schools
09.2004 - 12.2021
- Led diverse school communities with responsibility for educational programming, staff leadership, student achievement, operations, and community engagement.
- Opened and led new schools and guided established schools through significant change and growth.
- Developed high-performing teams through mentorship, coaching, and leadership development.
- Managed complex budgets, staffing, and operational responsibilities.
- Worked collaboratively with families, community agencies, and district leadership to support student success.
- Led school improvement initiatives focused on achievement, inclusion, well-being, and engagement.
Teacher
Edmonton Public Schools
09.1989 - 06.2004
- Taught a variety of grade levels and subject areas.
- Mentored new teachers and student teachers.
- Contributed to school and district initiatives focused on instructional excellence and student achievement.
Education
Master of Education - Educational Leadership
University of Alberta
Edmonton 09.2005 - 06.2011
Bachelor of Education - Elementary Education
University of Alberta
Edmonton 09.1983 - 05.1988
Skills
- Educational Leadership
- Governance and Board Relations
- Strategic Planning
- Leadership Coaching and Mentorship
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Public Speaking and Facilitation
- Organizational Development
- Policy Development
- Conflict Resolution
- Change Management
- Program Evaluation
- Communications and Writing
- Community Relations
- Team Development
- Project Leadership
Accomplishments
- Served as Board Vice Chair for Edmonton Public Schools.
- Opened Jan Reimer School as its founding principal.
- Mentored aspiring and newly appointed school leaders.
- Built strong relationships with educational leaders across Alberta.
- Extensive public speaking and facilitation experience.
- Experienced in governance, strategic planning, and board development.
- Recognized for collaborative leadership and relationship-building.
Consulting and Contract Interests
- Open to opportunities involving:
- Educational consulting
- Leadership coaching and mentorship
- Governance training
- Facilitation and workshop delivery
- Writing and editing
- Program reviews and evaluations
- University instruction and practicum supervision
- Strategic planning support
- Community engagement projects
- Part-time administrative or project-based work
Timeline
Director
Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta (PSBAA)
03.2023 - Current
Trustee
Edmonton Public Schools
10.2021 - Current
Master of Education - Educational Leadership
University of Alberta
09.2005 - 06.2011
Principal
Edmonton Public Schools
09.2004 - 12.2021
Teacher
Edmonton Public Schools
09.1989 - 06.2004
Bachelor of Education - Elementary Education
University of Alberta
09.1983 - 05.1988