Professional development activities should:

• Primarily support the development and understanding of district roles and responsibilities;
• Support the development and maintenance of a learning community at the district, regional and provincial levels;
• Provide opportunities for the sharing of best practices among colleagues;
• Provide opportunities for the association and members to liaise/collaborate with other education partner groups;
• Support the capacity of members and the association to be advocates for and to influence public education in accordance with the BCSSA's Organizational Purpose.

Our mandate is to build a strong and self-sustaining learning community committed to the advancement of quality education through professional leadership.

Fall Conference and Annual General Meeting
The BCSSA Fall Conference has traditionally been held in Victoria every year, usually in mid to late November. It's the largest and most inclusive of our three major events and members are encouraged to bring diverse district teams, including principals, teachers, trustees and PAC representatives. The two-day program features speakers with a national or global understanding of educational issues, and themes focusing on leadership, school effectiveness and improvement. Plenary sessions are either full or half-day in length. The annual general meeting of BCSSA members is held at the same venue immediately following the fall conference.

Spring Forum
The spring event focuses on topics closely related to the BCSSA's Dimensions of Practice and features provocative and inspirational speakers exploring innovative, successful models of leadership. The audience is primarily current members who, in their mentorship capacity, are encouraged to invite individuals considering opportunities in district leadership roles to participate with them. The forum is usually held the day after the annual celebration dinner for retiring members.

Leadership for Learning Academy
The Leadership for Learning Academy is a BCSSA-BCPVPA partnership program to support the work of district and school administrators in improving schools and student learning achievement. District leadership teams can register to participate in two-part regional workshops commencing in the fall.

Summer Leadership Academy
Held in the second week of August, this summer retreat provides BCSSA members with a "warm-up" for the school year ahead. Our Dimensions of Practice informs the development of the program, as do emergent issues within the provincial education context (a significant example is the government's achievement agenda). The format of "by us, for us" encourages the sharing of best practices and focuses on the skills and knowledge needed for the range of roles and responsibilities of district leaders. The program includes a Ministry of Education update on current priorities and projects, and provides ample opportunities to network with colleagues and ministry staff.