Tanya Whiting
Nanaimo,Canada
Summary
An educational leader with extensive experience in school and district leadership within Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools. Deeply aligned with NLPS's 2024–2028 Strategic Plan and the values of Student Success, Student & Employee Wellness, and Truth & Reconciliation. Demonstrated expertise in advancing literacy, assessment, inclusive education, and equitable systems of support across K–12 contexts. Recognized for collaborative leadership, evidence-informed decision-making, and building collective capacity across schools and teams. Leads with empathy, integrity, and courage to improve outcomes for all learners.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Frank J. Ney Elementary School
Nanaimo, BC
08.2024 - Current
- Provided instructional and operational leadership aligned with district priorities for student achievement, wellness, and inclusion.
- Led school-wide literacy, assessment, and inclusive education practices grounded in BC curriculum and evidence-informed approaches.
- Facilitated collaborative inquiry and professional learning to strengthen instructional practice and staff capacity.
- Embedded a culture of belonging, restorative practice, and shared responsibility for vulnerable learners.
- Strengthened and expanded coordinated on-site supports and programming for students with complex needs, prioritizing timely interventions for priority populations.
- Established partnerships with parents and community organizations to support student success initiatives.
Principal
Seaview Elementary School
Lantzville, BC
01.2023 - 06.2024
- Led instructional improvement initiatives with a focus on literacy development, student engagement, and inclusive practices
- Built partnerships with Snaw-Naw-As First Nation and expanded the Syeyutsus framework through school-wide implementation, deepening staff understanding, and embedding Indigenous culture, language, and ways of knowing into daily practice
- Strengthened professional learning by integrating teacher evaluations, coaching, collaborative inquiry, and performance planning to build staff capacity and instructional excellence
- Collaborated with community partners to expand outdoor learning opportunities and plan for the development of an on-site daycare facility
Vice Principal
Georgia Avenue School
Nanaimo, BC
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Supported instructional leadership, student services, and school-wide wellness initiatives
- Coordinated social, emotional, and inclusive supports for priority population students
- Collaborated with administrative team to establish policies promoting a positive school culture and community engagement.
- Led crisis management planning, enhancing school safety protocols and emergency response procedures.
District Vice Principal – Safe Schools
NLPS
Nanaimo, BC
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Reviewed and managed worrisome online behavior reports, coordinating with principals to ensure timely interventions that reduced risk incidents across schools.
- Facilitated threat assessments and collaborated with community stakeholders, resulting in enhanced supports and safety plans for at-risk students.
- Served on the Central Safety Committee, analyzed violent incident reports, and supported principal-led interventions to improve school safety outcomes district-wide.
Vice Principal
Pleasant Valley Elementary School
Nanaimo, BC
09.2020 - 01.2022
- Led instructional leadership with a focus on literacy inquiry, assessment coherence, and inclusive programming through collaborative professional learning and data-informed practice
- Directed school-wide technology expansion to support equitable access to digital learning
- Played a key leadership role in planning and relocating the school community during the seismic upgrade
- Provided leadership for COVID-19 health and safety planning, ensuring continuity of learning and staff/student well-being
Intermediate and Primary Classroom Teacher
NLPS
Nanaimo, BC
01.2013 - 01.2020
- Delivered differentiated instruction across Grades 1–7, fostering academic growth and meeting diverse student learning needs.
- Organized and led student assemblies, enhancing school-wide engagement, communication, and community culture.
- Ran student leadership clubs, cultivating student agency, collaboration, and leadership skills.
- Co-chaired staff committees, contributing to school initiatives and collaborative decision-making to improve programs and culture.
- Mentored students and supported school-wide initiatives, promoting student success and strengthening a positive learning environment.
Education
Master of Educational Technology - Learning Technology
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC01.2020
Bachelor in Education - Education
Vancouver Island University
Nanaimo, BC01.2011
Special Education Assistant Certificate - Special Education
Vancouver Island University
Nanaimo, BC01.2001
Skills
- Restorative, relational, and wellness-focused practices
- Restorative, relational, and wellness-focused practices
- Restorative, relational, and wellness-focused practices
- Restorative, relational, and wellness-focused practices
- Restorative, relational, and wellness-focused practices
- Restorative, relational, and wellness-focused practices
- Restorative, relational, and wellness-focused practices
- Restorative, relational, and wellness-focused practices
Affiliations
- BC Principals' & Vice-Principals' Association
- British Columbia Technology Education Association
ADDITIONAL DISTRICT LEADERSHIP & SYSTEM EXPERIENCE
- Member, Superintendent / Principals' & Vice-Principals' Advisory Team | 2025–Present
- NCI Restructure Working Group | 2025–Present
- Terry Fox 45th Anniversary Event Planning Team | 2025
- Facilitator, Essentials for Aspiring School Leaders, BC PVPA | 2021
- Grade 7 Year-End Committee Chair | 2020–2022