Shannon Behan
Powell River,Canada
Summary
Educational leader with significant experience at the British Columbia Principals' & Vice-Principals' Association, specializing in leadership development and equity initiatives. Demonstrated expertise in governance and organizational management, building collaborative partnerships, and advancing global citizenship through innovative programming. Focused on mentoring future leaders and fostering inclusive learning environments.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
President
British Columbia Principals' & Vice-Principals' Association
Vancouver, BC
01.2023 - Current
- Lead implementation of the BCPVPA Strategic and Operational Plans, advancing leadership development, employment equity, and member well-being.
- Chair the Board of Directors, ensuring alignment between governance, advocacy, and system priorities.
- Partner with the Ministry of Education and Child Care and sector associations to enhance leadership succession pathways, supporting implementation of Ministry initiatives.
- Represent BC nationally and internationally through the Canadian Association of Principals (CAP) and International Confederation of Principals (ICP), speaking engagements and podcasts.
Principal
Westview Elementary School
Powell River, BC
01.2018 - 01.2024
- Led a diverse K-7 community school emphasizing inclusion, belonging, and Indigenous partnerships with Tla'amin Nation.
- Directed school growth planning aligned to district FESL priorities and Ministry frameworks.
- Mentored emerging leaders
District Principal
International Education Program
Powell River, BC
01.2014 - 01.2020
- Oversaw international student recruitment from 18 countries, marketing, budgeting, and homestay coordination across multiple sites.
- Fostered intercultural learning opportunities that enhanced global citizenship and district visibility.
- Strengthened partnerships with Tla'amin Nation and community organizations to enrich student experiences.
Principal
BC Offshore School
Beijing, China
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Provided instructional and operational leadership in a BC-certified offshore school serving Grades 10-12.
- Ensured compliance with BC Ministry standards and teacher certification requirements.
- Promoted bilingual, bicultural learning environments and teacher professional growth.
Vice-Principal
Brooks Secondary School
Powell River, BC
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Supported instructional leadership, student services, and inclusive learning teams.
- Led professional learning initiatives focused on literacy, assessment, and graduation transitions.
Counsellor (District)
SD47 qathet
01.2008 - 01.2011
Vice-Principal
Oceanview Middle School
Powell River, BC
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Focused on middle-years pedagogy, restorative practices, and family engagement.
Teacher & Department Head
SD47 qathet
01.1993 - 01.2000
- Classroom teacher (English Language Arts & Social Studies, Physical Education, Theatre and absolutely anything else needed); led curriculum and assessment redesign.
Education
Doctor of Education (EdD) -
University of Kansas
01.2022
Master of Education - Educational Leadership
University of Calgary
01.2000
Post-Degree Professional Program - Education
University of Victoria
01.1994
Bachelor of Arts - English & History
University of Victoria
01.1993
Skills
- Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Governance & Policy Development
- Relational & Collaborative Leadership
- Organizational Management
- Equity, REDI & Indigenous Learning
- Leadership Development & Mentorship
- Global Experience
Affiliations
- President, BCPVPA, 01/01/23, Present
- Member, Canadian Association of Principals Executive Council
- Representative, International Confederation of Principals Council (Delhi 2025)
- Presenter, ULEAD Banff - Equity Theory of Change in Leadership
- Coach & Mentor, BCPVPA Leadership Programs (Compass, Foundations 26, Explorations for Aspiring School Leaders, Connecting Leaders Conference)
Committees And Working Groups
- Teacher Mentorship Steering Committee (MoECC)
- K-12 Career Connections and Dual Credit Advisory Group (MoECC)
- Canadian Association of Principals
- Child Health BC Steering Committee (MoECC)
- International Council of Principals (representative)
- 6 Association Leadership Group (representative)
- British Columbia Teachers Council (representative)
- BCPVPA/MoECC System Engagement
- K-12 Workforce Development (MoECC)
- K-12 Advisory Group (WorkSafe)
- K-12 Communications Working Group (MoECC)
- K-12 Literacy Support Technical table (Early Literacy) (MoECC)
- BCPVPA Member Well Being
- BCPVPA Budget Committee
- BCPVPA Professional development
- BCPVPA Indigenous Leadership Advisory Committee
- BCPVPA Contracts Advisory Committee
References
Dr. Jay Yule
Director of Powell River Education Services Society
Jayyule99@gmail.com
604 414 5665
Magdalena Kassis
Deputy Executive Director BCPVPA
Magdalena@bcpvpa.bc.ca
778 840 4565
Jasmin Marshman
Principal - School District No. 47
jasmin.marshman@sd47.bc.ca
604 223 2583
Timeline
President
British Columbia Principals' & Vice-Principals' Association
01.2023 - Current
Principal
Westview Elementary School
01.2018 - 01.2024
Principal
BC Offshore School
01.2015 - 01.2016
District Principal
International Education Program
01.2014 - 01.2020
Vice-Principal
Brooks Secondary School
01.2010 - 01.2014
Counsellor (District)
SD47 qathet
01.2008 - 01.2011
Vice-Principal
Oceanview Middle School
01.2006 - 01.2008
Teacher & Department Head
SD47 qathet
01.1993 - 01.2000
Doctor of Education (EdD) -
University of Kansas
Master of Education - Educational Leadership
University of Calgary
Post-Degree Professional Program - Education
University of Victoria
Bachelor of Arts - English & History
University of Victoria