Terry Lynn Cook is appointed as Indigenous Curriculum Pedagogical Supervisor

by Curtis Walty

(July 2018) – Northland School Division (NSD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Terry Lynn Cook as Indigenous Curriculum Pedagogical Supervisor, effective August 1, 2018.

Terry Lynn, who worked with NSD as a Pedagogical Supervisor from 2012-2015, spent the last two years as a Walking Together: Education for Reconciliation Professional Learning Project Consultant. As a project consultant, she helped to ensure principals, teachers and school division leaders are ready to meet the foundational knowledge of First Nations, Métis and Inuit as outlined in the Teaching Quality Standard (TQS), Leadership Quality Standard (LQS) and Superintendent Leadership Quality Standard (SLQS). The new standards will come into effect on September 1, 2019.

“I am excited to be back within the NSD family,” said Cook. “I am looking forward to establishing collaborative relationships with everyone and ensuring NSD is a leader for Indigenous education excellence.”

Terry Lynn’s educational experience includes 14 years as Vice-Principal at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Schools (Living Waters Catholic Schools), Vice-Principal at Kinuso School (High Prairie School Division) in 2016-2017, six years as a teacher with Living Waters Catholic Schools and First Nations, Métis and Inuit Facilitator for the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC) in 2011-2012. Since 2012, she’s represented northern Alberta on the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Council.

Terry Lynn has a Bachelor of Education and a Masters of Education in Leadership and School Improvement from the University of Alberta. She is also a certified instructor with the Alberta Teachers’ Association and a certified trainer for Circle of Courage and True Colors International.

Earlier this month NSD announced the appointment of Mark Ladd as Area 1 Pedagogical Supervisor. Mark is no stranger to NSD. He taught junior and senior high students at Calling Lake School during the 1989-1990 school year and served as principal at Dr. Mary Jackson School in 1999-2000. For the past 18 years, Ladd has been educating senior high students at Peace River High School.

“I am excited to return to NSD,” said Ladd. “I value the worldview of Indigenous peoples. As an educator, I incorporate these teachings where ever possible. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and supporting educators in Area 1.”

As Area 1 Pedagogical Supervisor, Mark will support educators with understanding the kindergarten to grade 12 program of studies and how they align with division goals (First Nation, Métis and Inuit knowledge, inclusion, literacy, numeracy, and attendance). He will specifically work with Paddle Prairie (Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement), Bishop Routhier (Peavine Métis Settlement), Gift Lake (Gift Lake Métis Settlement), Hillview (East Prairie Métis Settlement), Grouard Northland and Susa Creek Schools.

Mark’s education background is very diverse. He earned Forestry Technician and Forest Woodworker Diplomas, a Bachelor of Science from Lakehead University and a Graduate Diploma in Education from McGill University.

Ladd’s official start date is August 20, 2018.

About Northland School Division 

NSD is situated in some of the most stunning areas in northern Alberta. Covering 288,347 square kilometres, our schools are located near mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and wetlands on Treaty 6 and 8 territories. We hold high respect for these traditional territories, their history, language, and culture. At NSD, 95% of the student population is of First Nations, Métis and Inuit descent. We have approximately 2600 students in 24 schools. Our schools are located in municipalities, First Nation reserves, and Métis Settlements.

For information visit Northland School Division. 

Curtis Walty is Communications Coordinator at Northland School Division No. 61.