Sofia Frith

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE:

I have deep understanding and respect for student diversity and a strong focus on empowering educators to meet the needs of all students.

I....

• am a District Teacher Leader and facilitate professional development sessions that help educators across the district to improve their descriptive feedback on learning updates.
• lead bi-weekly "lunch & learn" sessions to support staff with MyEd, the new reporting order and anything else they may ask.
• engage in UDL series and Pro-D; implement strategies and ideas with the leadership team and in conversations with teachers.
• Model UDL during staff collaboration days, based on Katie Novak's Coast Metro Series and have initiated conversations to dialogue around student-centered curriculum and instruction.
• lead staff on how to apply differentiation in the classroom, how to tailor assessment and instruction to meet individual needs in the classroom.
• support staff as the Teacher Leader (Department Head) of three departments - facilitate with budgeting, timetable, curriculum and assessment.

INCLUSIVENESS:

I have a strong sense of shared responsibility and a sincere spirit of kindness and inclusion, evident in all facets of my work.

I...

• cultivate trust and rapport with colleagues, parents, and students through effective communication, consistency and organization.
• drive staff collaboration by creating time and space for discussion during collaboration mornings and professional development days.
• support neurodiversity in the classroom and with a larger team as a Teacher Leader.
• can support staff write IEPs, oversee SBRT and IEP meetings thanks to the skills learned from Queen's University Special Ed Part 1.
• plan and facilitate the Grade 8 Retreat, ensuring activities are accessible to all students.
• consistently use an anti-ableist lens in communication and planning.

INNOVATIVE INSTRUCTION:

I am dedicated to supporting meaningful, flexible, and current instructional practices so that students are excited about, and included in, their learning.

I...

• demonstrate life-long learning by participating in an AP Conference in Seattle and find ways to establish AP courses where they are currently not offered. .
• manage school programs such as the French Immersion Department, where an inclusive and forward-thinking approach to helping students remain in the program until graduation is the goal.
• encourage curiosity and a spirit of inquiry, and believe in the power of setting high and flexible expectations for all students.
• support, teach, and mentor UBC/SFU Teacher Candidates as their School Advisor, providing them with encouragement and advice on best practices.
• engage in dialogue with teachers, supporting creative instructional ideas like cross-curricular collaboration and inclusive practices.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS:

My belief and philosophy are grounded in the concept that learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational.

I...

• dedicate time and effort in community engagement and interdisciplinary learning by sponsoring "Project Backpack."
• contribute to the wellbeing of the North Shore community by sponsoring and facilitating the annual "Christmas Bureau" fundraiser.
• welcome input from parent groups and community vendors while organizing the graduation ceremony and banquet for 344 graduates.
• collaborate with school, district, and community staff to assess and plan support for Indigenous students in school settings.

AUTHENTICITY:

As an educator, I provide meaningful and relevant learning experiences.

I...

• introduced and modeled "Open Parachute" to the staff and to HPAC, to help engage with our students about their thoughts and feelings.
• create a sense of community and connectedness through the "staff spotlights," where I interview and feature a staff member every several weeks.
• teach and model best practices on environmental stewardship.

ACCOUNTABILITY

I lead with an approachable, open mindset, and make decisions with the leadership team in an open and transparent way.

I...

• create surveys for teachers to voice their queries and wishes for the Leadership Team's plans for their professional development days.
• improve my practice by attending Roy Group Leadership Conference "Opportunities in Conflict" to learn methods on how to deal with conflict, and applying these skills when necessary.
• completed the BCPVPA Explorations for Aspiring School Leaders Program and understand and apply the four strands of educational leadership as a District Teacher Leader.

HAPPINESS

I believe it is important to value happiness in the way we learn and work.

I....

• nurture a culture of kindness, inclusion, and happiness in the classroom, hallways, and shared spaces.
• led the "Run For It" program which focused on the benefits of exercise on mental health and wellbeing.
• organize volleyball and pickle ball events for staff to encourage positive interactions.
• learned how to minimize conflict and diffuse difficult situations through Trevor Sones' professional development series, "Leading Conflict Through Conversation."

Dedicated Teacher Leader with exceptional organizational and leadership experience. I enjoy working as an integral member of a team in an innovative and inclusive environment that embraces diversity and creates community connections. My goal is to use my outstanding communication skills, knowledge, and experience to work as a Vice-Principal for the West Vancouver School District.

• Queen’s University: Special Education Part 1
• BCPVPA Explorations for Aspiring School Leaders Program
• Roy Group Leadership: Opportunity in Conflict
• Royal Conservatory of Toronto (A.R.CT.) Piano Teacher
• C.S.I.A. Level 2 Ski Instructor

• District Teacher Leader
• Coordinator of the Grad Ceremony & Grad Banquet
• Chair the Scholarship Committee
• Chair of Student Recognition Committee
• OHS Committee Member
• Participated in Katie Novak’s Coast Metro Series
• Participated in Trevor Sones “Leading Conflict Through Conversation” Seminars
• School Associate to UBC/SFU Teacher Candidates
• Grade 8 Retreat Teacher Leader
• Christmas Bureau and Project Backpack Sponsor Teacher
• Track and Field, Cross Country and Ski Club Coach and Sponsor Teacher
• Piano accompanist for the choir

• Cary Hungle, Principal, Chungle@sd44.ca, (604) 903-3608
• Mark Barrett, Principal, Mbarrett@sd44.ca, (778) 772-9355
• Rupi Samra-Gynane, Principal, Rsamra@sd44.ca, (778) 837-5973