Olana Thomson

Experienced, visionary educator seeking an Associate Principal position where I can lead innovative, inclusive and data-informed teaching and learning. Committed to fostering student success, supporting teacher growth, and promoting a strong school culture rooted in equity and excellence.

• Instructional Coach & Grade Level Mentor: mentoring new and experienced staff through FFCA’s internal coaching program; leading grade-level curriculum planning, assessment calibration, and data conversations; representing campus in CTF technology curriculum implementation and evaluation
• Maker Movement/Tech Foundations/Competitive Robotics Program Developer: designed and implemented the 'Maker 8' elective—project-based STEAM curriculum emphasizing design thinking, innovation, and cross-curricular literacy; created and implemented grades 7/8 Tech Foundations pilot program – new CTF inspired course exploring problem solving, introductory coding, and robotics/engineering instruction
• FIRST Robotics Competitive Team Mentor: organized, implemented, and mentored two student teams competing in extra-curricular Robotics competitions (First Tech Challenge)

• Advisor: Me to WE Club and Student Representative Council
• Organized campus-wide service campaigns (e.g., WE Walk for Water, anti-racism workshops)
• Assistant coach: NMS wrestling team—promoting school spirit and resilience, two-time winners of league championships
• Assistant coach: NMS Cross Country Team and Track and Field (Javelin)

• Instructional leadership
• Staff development
• Technology integration
• STEAM education
• Parent engagement
• Mentorship

• WE Schools Educator Trip (Ecuador), 2018, One of 20 Canadian/U.S. educators selected
• WE Day Alberta Shout-Out, 2018, Recognized for campus-wide service & citizenship initiatives
• TransformEd 2030 Twitter Takeover, 2019, Selected by Fair Chance Learning
• WE/Alberta Education Anti-Racism Workshop Host, 2019, Co-led student and staff PD

• 20+ years teaching experience across K–12, including core, elective, and tech-enhanced instruction
• Currently enrolled in the MET (Master of Educational Technology) graduate degree program at UBC
• Leadership roles in mentorship, instructional coaching, and campus technology integration
• Deep commitment to inclusion, ELL learners, STEAM education, and global citizenship
• Skilled in team building, collaborative decision-making, and staff capacity development
• Military background with formal leadership training and strategic planning experience