Shows
Circle ForumWhen Leading Breaks the Leaders: A Call to Action for PrincipalsPrincipals are the pillars of our schools, but who supports them when the weight becomes too much? School leadership is rewarding but relentless. Dr. Shannon Behan ,the President of the British Columbia Principal Vice-Principal Association (BCPVPA) addresses the silent crisis facing principals—stress, burnout, and mental health struggles. Learn how mentorship programs, structured professional development, and peer support networks can turn the tide. This is more than a conversation—it’s a call to action for educational systems to prioritize their leaders’ well-being. Principals, this one’s for you: your work is vital, but so is your health.
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2025-01-0617 minCircle ForumWhen Principalling Means Teaching, Mentoring, and Bus DutyWhat do principals do when there aren’t enough teachers, support staff, or resources? They step up, but at what cost? This episode with Dr. Shannon Behan ,the President of the British Columbia Principal Vice-Principal Association (BCPVPA) dives into the realities of running schools with dwindling resources, from filling classroom gaps to supporting high-needs students. Dr. Behan talks about the pressing issues of staff shortages in BC schools and the ripple effects on student outcomes and leadership teams. From mentorship programs to structural classroom innovations, schools still can find hope amid challenges. Principals, this one’s for you—your work ma...
2024-12-2319 minCircle ForumSchools as the New Social Hubs Puts Growing Demands on PrincipalsSchools are the heartbeat of our communities, but is the role of the principal sustainable? This podcast takes a look at how schools have become the new social hubs and the overwhelming responsibilities placed on principals as a result. Dr. Shannon Behan is back as a guest on our podcast this week. Dr. Behan is the President of the British Columbia Principal Vice-Principal Association also known as the BCPVPA. Principals are no longer just educational leaders—they're running food programs, managing emotional crises, and tackling systemic challenges.Listen in for ways in which restorative leadership and distributed responsibilities can tran...
2024-12-0915 minCircle ForumSpirit Work and Connection: Rethinking Principalling as a VerbIn a world where educational pressures are mounting, how do principals ensure that students—and staff—feel seen and supported? This week’s podcast guest is Dr. Shannon Behan, Dr. Behan is the President of the British Columbia Principal Vice-Principal Association also known as the BCPVPA. The podcast looks at the principal’s evolving role in creating a culture of connection and care. Drawing on the concept of contextual literacy and Fullan’s “spirit work,” we discuss how focusing on human relationships can lay the foundation for both academic and emotional success. Listen now to learn how you can lead with heart...
2024-10-2215 minCircle ForumDisappearing Autonomy: How Principals Navigate Leadership ChallengesAs a principal, you are more than a manager—you're a leader driving change in the face of challenges like dwindling autonomy and rising pressures. Dr. Shannon Behan is back as a guest on our podcast this week. Dr. Behan is the President of the British Columbia Principal Vice-Principal Association also known as the BCPVPA.The role of principals is evolving as leaders "from the middle." Navigating between district expectations and the unique needs of their school communities, principals are at the heart of systemic change. Dr. Behan also explores the "Equity Theory of Change" and how understanding our his...
2024-10-2219 minCircle ForumStill Having to Break Barriers for Women in Education LeadershipHow can we create more inclusive leadership pathways in education? In this episode, Dr. Shannon Behan, President of the BCPVPA, discusses her research on the challenges women face in rising to leadership roles and the critical role that mentorship and networking play in overcoming these hurdles. School principals and educational leaders will find this conversation both inspiring and informative, offering key insights into fostering diversity and breaking down barriers in educational leadership.
#womenleaders#SchoolLeadership,#Principal,#TeacherRecruitment,#leadership,#restorative practice, #listening,#relationshipbuilding,#equity, #diversity, #inclusion
2024-09-0326 minCircle ForumFrom Teacher to Vice Principal: Navigating the Transition:“The vice principal role is in some ways the most …underutilized position” according to our guest this episode, Dr. Shannon Behan , President of the BCPVPA (British Columbia Principal Vic-Principal Association). Drawing from her personal experiences, Shannon discusses how talented teacher leaders transition into vice principal roles, only to find themselves bogged down by administrative duties. She highlights the importance of intentional leadership development and shares practical strategies for principals to cultivate and prepare their vice principals for future principalship, ensuring their skills and passion are fully harnessed for the benefit of the entire school community.
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2024-08-1923 minCircle ForumMastering the First Staff Meeting: Tips for New PrincipalsThe first staff meeting of the school year sets the stage for your leadership and the school's culture. It's a chance to establish norms, communicate expectations, and foster a sense of community. Join us as Dr. Shannon Behan, President of the BCPVPA, shares her insights on planning effective and engaging staff meetings that prioritize collaboration, open communication, and a clear focus on student outcomes. Shannon discusses the art of handling resistance and negative voices on staff.Find out more about our work from stan@restorative.ca or check out our website resources on restorative practices and leadership in schools a...
2024-08-1226 min
The Principl(ed) PodcastEllen RobertsEllen Roberts is a BC educator who has most recently worked as a BCPVPA Director of Member Support Services. On the eve of her retirement, Ellen talks about what she has learned, from being a listening leader and honouring all voices, to building strong teams, to walking with members through challenging situations and seeing them thrive.
2023-03-2737 min
The Principl(ed) PodcastBrian LeonardIn this episode, host Chris Horton asks Brian Leonard, the 2022-2024 President of the BC Principals’ & Vice-Principals’ Association, about his journey to leadership, the most rewarding moments in his career, and what he hopes to achieve during his presidency. Connect with Brian by emailing bleonard@bcpvpa.bc.ca or call the BCPVPA office: (604) 689-3399.
2022-09-1336 min
The Principl(ed) PodcastJacqueline BorosaIn episode 17, host Chris Horton talks to Vice-Principal from School District 92 (Nisga’a) and BCPVPA Board Director Jacqueline Borosa about her pathway to school leadership and how she finds joy, connection, and fulfillment as an educational leader. The pathway to school leadership is not always linear as we learn from Jackie’s fascinating journey.
2022-03-0338 min
The Principl(ed) PodcastKatie Marren & Holly ZurakHost Chris Horton shares his live conversation with BC Vice-Principals Katie Marren and Holly Zurak, recorded at BCPVPA’s 2021 Essentials for Aspiring School Leaders. As a Principal or Vice- Principal, how do you represent your core values in your school leadership?
2021-09-0518 min
The Principl(ed) PodcastJessica AntoszIn Episode 12 of the Principl(ed) Podcast, host Chris Horton sits down with Jessica Antosz, BCPVPA Professional Learning & Development Director and former school leader. As Jessica approaches retirement this year, together they look back on her highlights, pivot moments, growth opportunities and successes from her many years in school leadership and supporting leaders across BC. Get in touch with Jessica Email | Twitter
2021-05-3136 min
The Principl(ed) PodcastDarren DanylukIn Episode 4 of the Principl(ed) Podcast, host Chris Horton speaks with Darren Danyluk – BCPVPA’s 2020-2022 President – about his 25 years in school leadership, and what has made him the leader he is today. Darren shares his thoughts on the characteristics of great leadership: saying ‘yes’, enabling others to be leaders, and demonstrating empathy and integrity, especially in complex situations. ddanyluk@bcpvpa.bc.ca | @bcpvpapresident
2020-08-3037 min