Inside BCSSA

Who We Are - The members of the BCSSA are the superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors of instruction and other senior executives of BC's 60 school districts. Prior to their district-level appointments, our members served for many years as teachers and principals. They each hold a valid BC Teacher's Certificate and bring highly-developed skills and a lifelong passion for teaching and learnng to their district positions. BCSSA members are the province's educational leaders, uniquely qualified to ensure the success of students and school district operations.

There are curently more than 250 BCSSA members, including some members who have been seconded to the Ministry of Education. Additionally, there are more than 200 senior active (retired from school district) members who participate in association activities.

Many of our members serve in an advisory capacity on provincial, national and international committees, playing a vital role in setting new directions in education. The BCSSA also works with universities to pursue training and credentialing for current and future educational leaders.

As education evolves, as technology advances, and as we adapt to variations in the social and economic milieu, the BCSSA remains committed to leadership in providing equity and excellence in student learning, and leadership in developing competent, ethical and visionary leaders.

What We Do - The key work of the BC School Superintendents Association is to enable our members to be visionary leaders of public education by supporting their individual professional development and by representing their collective wisdom and interests.

To support them in fulfilling their leadership roles, we create professional development (ProD) events to address emerging issues, the changing needs of school district administrators and the development and effective use of advanced educational and administrative approaches and technologies. These events not only help our members enhance their leadership skills, but also present opportunities for them to network with colleagues throughout the province who share similar job responsibilities and interests.

BCSSA Organizational Purpose - We believe that a dynamic and successful public education system is fundamental to a democratic society. We believe that our public education system in Canada must provide our children and youth with an inspiring foundation for lifelong learning and citizenship. We believe that leaders in public education should work together, and with others, to ensure that we have the very best public education possible.

We are an association with a passion for creating environments that nurture learning and achievement. We inspire, develop and support leadership in public education in British Columbia.

• We provide a compelling leadership vision and a strategic and principled voice on issues affecting public education.
• We advocate strongly for high quality public education that supports the children and families we serve.
• We work strategically with others to strengthen public education and leadership.
• We create dynamic learning opportunities for leadership development.
  

What Matters Most

Students at the core of everything
Learning for all of our lives
Ethics guiding our decisions and actions
Caring it's all about relationships
Collaboration working with our partners

Code of Ethics
Members of the BCSSA shall:

• Aspire to provide the best possible educational experiences and opportunity for students, recognizing that the needs of the students are their primary consideration.
• Exemplify the highest standards of personal integrity in their relations with students, parents, teachers, colleagues, board members and the public.
• Show respect to colleagues and not knowingly, by work or deed, undermine a colleague or cause him/her to suffer professional disrespect.

• Develop and sustain a professional climate that promotes the effectiveness and the creative capabilities of all personnel.
• Respect the public trust represented by their position and not permit considerations of private gain nor personal interests to effect the discharge of professional obligations.
• Accept the responsibility to be learned and contribute to a growing body of specialized knowledge and skills in educational leadership.
• Conduct oneself in a manner that brings credit and honour to the profession and to the association.

BCSSA Governance - The Executive Committee is made up of 13 persons who are elected or appointed by the active members. The president, vice-president, secretary-treasurer and past president (the most recently retired president), in addition to being members of the executive, are the association's table officers. Active members of each of the six regional chapters appoint one member to occupy the position of director on the executive. The executive committee also includes the chairs of the Professional Development Committee and Membership Services Committee.

BCSSA Membership
There are three classes of membership:

Active Membership applies to persons who are employed in the Province of British Columbia (and Western Arctic) in the following capacities: superintendent of schools, deputy superintendent of schools, assistant superintendent of schools, associate superintendent of schools, and director of instruction (or equivalent);

Associate Membership applies to persons who are appointed to the Ministry of Education or to a college or university in the Province of British Columbia. Leaders of other educational institutions, or persons holding credentials in educational administration who are employed outside the field or are working as consultants may also be granted associate membership;

Member Services - Membership provides various opportunities for professional growth and collegial networking through leadership seminars, annual conferences and workshops focusing on issues of the day and best practices.

A number of publications are available to members, including manuals for superintendents and discussion papers covering timely and important issues in education. Communication with colleagues is also optimized htrough a LEADER email listserv, the Leadergram newsletter and the Members Only link on this site.

In addition, the BCSSA offers its members a range of professional and personal services. This includes members-only access to Pensions and Benefits information, and legal assistance with employment contracts provided by our executive director, Wendy Lee.

Applying for Membership - If you are interested in applying for membership, please contact the BCSSA office to request an application form. You may also download an application form in PDF format.