The principal of Nelson’s Trafalgar Middle School is being honoured as one of the top 40 education leaders in the country.
Carol-Ann Leidloff, who has been teaching in Nelson area schools since 2003, is one of an elite group of 40 educators recognized for innovation, leadership and creativity and named one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals 2018 by The Learning Partnership.
“We are all extremely proud of Carol-Ann and her team at Trafalgar Middle School,” said School District 8 superintendent Christine Perkins. “Carol-Ann’s leadership in teaching and learning was already known across the province and now it is being recognized across the country.”
Perkins described Leidloff as “a transformational leader who has made a significant impact on the culture of Trafalgar.”
“Carol-Ann leads with passion, courage, and vision. She inspires others to push their boundaries, take risks with their own learning, build their capacity, and become better teachers and leaders,” said Perkins.
“She has worked with staff, parents and the community to build an inviting and supportive learning environment that has resulted in significantly improved student achievement through increased engagement in learning. “
Leidloff, well-known throughout the province for her work with the B.C. Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association, began her career in 1990 as a teacher in Golden, B.C., working as both an intermediate classroom teacher and a teacher librarian.
In 2000 she moved to the West Kootenays with her family, and in 2001, began working as a classroom teacher at W.E. Graham Community School in Slocan. In 2003 she became the principal of W.E. Graham Community School, then served as principal at Blewett Elementary School before moving to Trafalgar.
Leidloff will receive her award during a gala dinner in Toronto on Feb. 27.