The program was first introduced in September 2016, following the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding with Nishnawbe Aski Nation and the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board. As part of the support program, our school board collaborates with eight First Nation schools to, “design and promote strategies to equip First Nation students with the self-confidence and educational opportunities required to be successful in reaching their educational goals”.
The following First Nations participate in the NAN/KPDSB School Support Program: Bearskin Lake First Nation, Fort Severn First Nation, North Spirit Lake First Nation, Marten Falls First Nation, Mattagami First Nation, Mishkeegogamang First Nation, Webequie First Nation and Long Lake #58 First Nation.
The NAN/KPDSB School Support Program provides assistance in the following program areas: Principal Mentoring/Coaching, New Teacher Induction Program, and the Mental Health Champion Program.
The KPDSB Principal Mentor/Coach collaborates with the NAN principals to provide opportunities for them to develop the knowledge and skills needed to:
- Implement high impact leadership practices to ensure that the everyday actions of staff are focused on improving student outcomes.
- Utilize instructional leadership practices that encourage exemplary teacher practice, while setting targets to improve student learning.
- Create and implement effective school improvement plans based on student and staff needs, including culturally-relevant programming.
- Develop a collaborative professional learning environment in which staff work continuously to improve their practice to meet individual student needs.·
- Support teacher learning through ongoing feedback and the effective use of the teacher performance appraisal process.
The KPDSB Principal Mentor/Coach works with the NAN principals to support the implementation of the New Teacher Induction Program. The NAN NTIP teachers participate in a variety of professional learning sessions facilitated by the KPDSB. The teacher mentees are also given the opportunity to work with experienced teacher mentors from the KPDSB. Successful teacher candidates receive NTIP Accreditation on their Ontario Teacher Certificate following completion of the program.
The Mental Health Champion Program focuses on training initiatives and networking opportunities that support capacity building among school staff, including an awareness of mental health and wellness among staff and students.
