BCSTA’s Professional Learning Committee has been hard at work curating a diverse and exciting professional development program as part of the association’s annual general meeting this April. Below we highlight just some of the speakers that will engage with our members.

BCSTA seeks to provide delegates with a diverse selection of presenters with various backgrounds as we believe that an inclusive and respectful environment for discussion is an important component of learning.
Michael Fullan will be our keynote speaker. Fullan, a renowned education researcher and author, is the co-author of The Governance Core. He will be speaking to the central elements of our work as trustees, with a focus on our theme of Strategic Planning Student Success.

Recently B.C. marked the International Day of Women and Girls in Science with a commitment to bridging the gender gap in science and technology.

Ann Makosinski, a B.C. student inventor best known for creating a flashlight that runs solely off the heat of the human hand, will join us at AGM to speak to strategic planning for personalized learning, creative thinking and how to create more diverse opportunities for all students in our schools. Makosinki was asked to tell her story as a young BC university student who has found success both in the sciences and as an entrepreneur. As schools work to encourage more young women to participate in the sciences and business, our Professional Learning Committee felt her story will be valued by our members.

We’re also proud to have aerospace engineer Natalie Panek joining us at our AGM to share her passion for lifelong learning and her insights into women in engineering. Panek is on a mission to inspire the next generation of female game-changers to dive head-on into challenge and pursue careers in engineering and technology.

Jesse Hersh focuses on research and consulting around new media business models, big data, and the strategic use of social media. Because of the impact technology has on our relationship with the world, Hersh believes that it should be used in responsible and creative ways. He encourages audiences to use technology as the catalyst for collaboration, education, and growing thriving organizations.

Additional speakers and content will be announced as we near our AGM. We look forward to the sharing, learning and collaboration that will take place among our members this April as they continue to put student achievement first in their home districts.