Meet Conference Scholar
Joanne Eliuk
Biography
Joanne Eliuk is a teacher, wellness council advisor, and student success leader at Iroquois Ridge High School in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
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In Her Own Words: A Leadership Reflection
What has led to your development as a leader?
Without a doubt, the mentors and colleagues I have worked with through my career have been critical to the development of my leadership skills. I was introduced to the power of mentorship during my first teaching assignment. I was part of a formal mentorship program and paired with a senior member of the faculty. The aspects to the mentorship included a one-on-one meeting every Friday to reflect on my teaching practice as well as to plan the following week's activities. My mentor also worked with me to ensure consistency in assessment and evaluation. Finally, she would observe my class and give me feedback on my teaching techniques. It was this positive first year experience that forged my passion for mentorship.
It has perhaps been the last three years that have been the defining timie in my development as a leader. I have been lucky enough to work with a community-based team on the Healthy Schools pilot project. Working with these mentors, I have recognized how critical it is to position key people within your organization. I have been a part of creating a structured and ongoing peer mentorship program in our school that has been integral in creating a sense of belonging among students. I have also learned how critical it is to develop leaders purposefully. Finally, I have been able to see how important partnerships are among school, community, and parents in order to create an environment where students can become citizens of the world. Therefore, I truly believe the key to my continuing development, as a leader, are the mentors and colleagues with whom I work.
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