Learn+first,+lead+second

 As an educator of 20 years and in my current role as the Principal of Ancaster Senior Public School in Hamilton Wentworth District School Board, I am very much a believer in transforming how staff and students learn in our schools and in life. As a learner and leader, I am open, flexible and available and always ready to coach, mentor and be a co-learner. As a mom, step-mom, grandma, wife, daughter, friend and citizen I strive to be the best I can be for my family and my community. I have two dogs, Bill & Ted and my walks with them keep me grounded and reinforce everyday the importance of unconditional love and acceptance.



** How do I define learning and is it different today then when you and I were in school? ** No question, there is a a vast array of informal and formal educational and life experiences that shape how, when and where we learn. In the 21st century more than ever, learning is about building relationships with others from all over the world. It’s about networking and collaborating with each other using the social web. Through different media, learning is more than ever “just in time”. Learning happens anytime, anyplace, anywhere and with anyone. That is very much a shift from who I was as a learner in my K-12 years. There is no demographic nor boundaries or timelines when it comes to learning with and from each other. We learn and create together and through our contributions the world becomes a better place. It really is about improving life chances for all. Ultimately, how I learn is a blend of online, F2F, self-directed, coached, connected, networked, customized and more.  ** How do I define leadership? Is it different or has it shifted in the 21st Century? Why or why not? ** As an educational leader, I am present as a learner alongside my staff, students, parents, colleagues and community. This means that I roll up my sleeves, pay full attention and am a participant in the learning. I ask questions, take risks, plan and reﬂect with others. Collaborative inquiry is the learning process that guides us in creating together a continuous culture of learning. As a leader, I invest time, care and build trust with people.

I am a connected leader who uses many tools and social media to construct learning experiences. How, when, and where I learn is my choice. My learning and leading is visible, transparent and tech-savvy. This goes hand in hand with how the real world works and how people lead their lives. Leading by learning is the key in the digital-age. Being a passionate learner who is self-directed and comfortable not being the expert inspires others to be lead learners with you. It’s okay to not know and in fact, that’s what makes creating a culture of continuous learning become real. Being an open learner who is a problem-solver, critical thinker and ﬁrst and foremost a collaborator brings to life the creative power of all. Leaders must always be learning and understand that learning is the work that brings us together. It's about creating a culture of continuous learning for all.