In last week’s column, I talked about the early years of our leadership voyages, and the boon of the annual Foundations for New School Leaders program in understanding relational and contextual leadership, and supporting the development of competencies and networks for new leaders.

This week, I am going to back up the bus just one more stop, and jog your memory. How did you gain the basics – the grounding and fundamental knowledge of the role that were so necessary in the very early months of your own leadership? For many of us, that iconic image of drinking from the firehose slides into view, alongside a feeling of being routinely overwhelmed. We felt so confident as leaders in our teaching roles, and in an instant we no longer had our feet on solid ground.

The BCPVPA recognizes that this is a pivotal career point for new leaders, and last October we launched the Compass Leadership Academy for our newest members and members new to their roles. We are now accepting applications for the 2026-2028 cohort. Compass has served as a valuable reminder to all of us of the importance of those first steps in our roles and the transition to leadership.

It is that time in the school year where change is all around us: the final days of the term loom large, and we are seeing colleagues changing roles, and new leaders confirmed in their first Vice-Principal or Principal post. If you – or a colleague – are a member in a new role since July 1, 2025, or a brand-new member of the BCPVPA about to embark on your leadership journey, consider an application to the Compass program. We are here to help you gain confidence in the role, along with a solid understanding of your position as part of BC's public education system. You will learn about your fiduciary duties and responsibilities to your district, and how to manage your time and effectively prioritize the many tasks before you. You will meet other early-career leaders, and experienced Principals who can help you to navigate your own leadership map.

We also recognize the unique circumstances of leadership roles in rural and remote districts, and Compass has programming that is framed to inform and support new leaders in those school communities.

I truly believe that participating in Compass is a commitment that will enrich the experience of new leaders in the years ahead. Every role in every district has unique characteristics – and you will always “learn on the job”, because that contributes to the joy and discovery of the role – but having a deepened understanding of the fundamentals of your leadership role will support you in leading with impact. Like the navigational instrument, our Compass will help you to find where you are, and where you need to go.

Onwards,

Dr. Shannon Behan
sbehan@bcpvpa.bc.ca