SD 48 local superintendent Lisa McCullough has received a Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education at an award ceremony in Victoria.
McCullough, awarded in the category of District Leadership, is the superintendent of Sea to Sky school district. McCullough was presented with her award Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, at the second annual Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education ceremony held at Government House.
“An energetic and empathetic leader, McCullough led her school district through a carefully planned, collaborative and strategic initiative to change the culture of learning and improve student achievement. The culmination was an education plan that resulted in the significant increase of Indigenous and special education graduation rates, overall graduation rates and grade-to-grade transition rates, as well as a decrease in suspension rates,” according to a statement issued by the province.
“She is passionately committed to diversity, inclusion and personalization as key elements in all learning environments. Through this vision, she empowers district leaders and educators to further enhance the life chances of all their learners, including the most vulnerable.”
McCullough was one among the 10 winners who were chosen from 140 nominations received between January and April 2019 and narrowed down to 30 finalists. The annual awards ceremony is held at the same time as World Teachers’ Day. This year is being marked internationally on Oct. 5.
The awards were launched last year to honour the outstanding achievements of public, independent and First Nations school teachers, principals, vice-principals, administrators and support staff in the K-12 school system.
“All British Columbians benefit from the outstanding efforts of teachers, administrators and support workers,” said Premier John Horgan.
“The education professionals honoured through the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education are exemplary in their commitment to student success, making schools safe and welcoming places for all, innovative learning approaches and strong leadership, and having made lasting impacts on peoples’ lives.”
Simi Sara, host of CKNW’s The Simi Sara Show, served as emcee of the event, which featured musical entertainment by members of the Esquimalt High Senior Jazz Band.
Winners of this year’s Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education received a commemorative work of art by Claire Jorgensen, a 17-year-old Reynolds Secondary student (SD 61, Greater Victoria). They also received a $3,000 personal bursary for professional learning and a $2,000 contribution to their school community for professional learning.
Francine says
Some wonderful people are now helping to change the world one little place at a time. Follow her example and be a good educator let go of the old ways teach our kids well.