Taking Learning to the Next Level

4 February 2015Bud Patel

Over the last 20 years, the combination of brain research and unlimited access to information via the Internet has catapulted learning to another level. No longer is it sufficient to simply memorize and regurgitate. Educators are looking for ways to facilitate deeper and more meaningful learning. As a result, traditional educational institutions are struggling to keep up with the modern learner. Teaching, therefore, has never been more important. Great teachers build deep and meaningful relationships. They foster a creative and inquisitive mind. They are passionate, even obsessive, about their subject. They personalize their instruction for each student. They help nudge the willing learner to new heights. The end product is a lifelong learner, a global citizen, an open-minded individual, and a person who is fueled by, rather than afraid of, failure. To create the right framework and support for this relational-centered teaching and learning environment, we have reorganized our administrative structure to include two distinct, yet collaborative, roles related to curricula (what we learn) and pedagogy (how we learn). Mr. McCarthy, whose passion for progressive and diverse teaching and learning practices is impressive, will, as of July 2015, take on the role of Director of Learning. He will foster positive teaching and learning, create professional development priorities, support faculty growth plans, develop a variety of assessment strategies, and lead school-wide learning initiatives. With the retirement of Mr. Garvey and a more focused role for Mr. McCarthy, we are presently searching for a Director of Academics. This person will lead all curricular matters including our school calendar, daily schedule, and ministry requirements. While we have already made significant academic strides from Brentwood TEDx to external learning partnerships (University of Victoria, Vancouver Island University, Guelph University, Ocean Networks Canada, EBUS, and Connected North) our new model will enable us to accelerate our strategic priority of being “a leading-edge place of learning”. Should you have any questions about this change, please contact me at the school. De Manu In Manum, Mr. Bud Patel, Head of School

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