The highest leverage strategy of educational improvement efforts is the development of staff capacity. In collaboration with the Cariboo-Chilcotin Teachers Association we are making significant investments in quality professional learning for educators in current, research-based practice to increase knowledge and confidence.
Some examples of the work of are:
- Shifting from one-off workshops to a robust learning series with successive professional development sessions and classroom learning rounds, time to practice and reflect in between, and a community of practice network to support one another
- Learning Series with exceptional BC, Canadian, and global leaders in numeracy, literacy, educational research, inclusion, resilience and trauma-informed practice.
- Common district assessments with support for learning how to administer them, analyze results, and use what is learned to plan for instruction
- District mental health plan
- Full program of support for new teachers in their first three years
Explore the ways we are LEARNING BETTER TOGETHER with support for professional learning in Cariboo-Chilcotin School District:
Pro D - Building Literacy Through Play
Likely Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A staff team from Likely School attended the Pro D session to learn more about play-based literacy activities. Building literacy skills through play supports children’s natural curiosity while strengthening essential reading and language foundations. Through hands-on activities such as dramatic play, storytelling, games, and literacy-rich centers, students develop vocabulary, oral language, comprehension, and early writing skills in meaningful ways. Play-based learning encourages collaboration, creativity, and engagement, allowing students to take risks, express ideas, and build confidence as emerging readers and writers.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/838d2368-30a3-4934-b8b9-c72a4d23f059?fingerprint=ppb20260519211320" alt="Pro D Building Literacy Through Play" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/305e09dc-77b7-416a-9079-6a471bc99e0e?fingerprint=ppb20260519211320" alt="Pro D Building Literacy Through Play 2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Leatherwork
Big Lake Elementary
Likely Elementary
Horsefly Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learning leatherwork during Pro‑D offers a creative, hands‑on way to build patience, perseverance, problem‑solving skills, and attention to detail. This tactile craft supports educator well‑being while providing a clear teaching benefit: it models experiential learning and equips teachers with practical strategies for bringing more project‑based, skill‑building activities into the classroom. Special thanks to Mr. Williams, Principal of Horsefly School, for providing this valuable learning opportunity—we look forward to ordering tools for our school sites to continue this work.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2b996b7d-8cb5-4f0c-b991-48463188883a?fingerprint=ppb20260306035034" alt="Leatherwork 1 Sari Small" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7746522a-c720-4452-b569-9fbdc6dde5ea?fingerprint=ppb20260306035034" alt="Leatherwork2 Sari Small" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Likely and Big Lake Teachers Attend Literacy ProD
Big Lake Elementary
Likely Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Staff from Likely and Big Lake Schools attended the Literacy ProD session hosted by teams at 100 Mile Elem. and Mile 108 Schools. Presented by Speech-Language Pathologist (Charlotte), the session explored evidence-based strategies to support literacy development across grade levels, while examining how assessment can be used not just to measure learning, but to inform instruction and empower students. This collaborative learning opportunity allows us to share best practices, reflect on current approaches, and leave with practical tools that enhance both teaching and learning in our classrooms.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/253910a3-f1ae-4d26-b664-5b5187050787?fingerprint=ppb20251217033808" alt="Likely and Big Lake teachers attend Literacy ProD Sari Small" width="579" height="434" style="width:579px;height:434px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>