Workshop Description
The Adult Education and Department of Higher Learning of the Cree School Board facilitated a discussion on the factors that contribute to student success. Participants learned effective strategies from their department and explored potential solutions to existing challenges.
Speaker Bios
Darlene Cheechoo is a member of the Cree Nation of Waskaganish and has been with the Cree School Board at different times throughout her work career starting in 1989 until 1999. More recently in 2020, Darlene returned to the Cree School board as the former Centre Director at the Sabtuan Adult Learning Centre located in Waskaganish.
In 2022, Darlene began her work as the Director of Higher Learning and began building the department with the engagement of two Program Development Officers.
The Department of Higher Learning is responsible for bringing college, professional and university level programs to the territory.
Higher learning aims to work with the Cree School Board leadership, Cree communities and Cree entities to prioritize new program development that can be offered in the territory.
Diana Roldan is a passionate Vocational Consultant currently working with Adult Education at the Cree School Board, dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their career aspirations.
With extensive experience in educational settings, she has spent several years working closely with Indigenous communities, helping youth navigate their academic journeys and reach their full potential. Her commitment to holistic student well-being drives her to create inclusive and supportive programs that not only focus on academic success but also on personal growth. Diana’s dynamic communication skills foster lasting relationships within school and community environments, making her a trusted advocate for students.
Diana’s professional background includes leadership roles in Special Education, curriculum development, and language instruction across diverse educational settings, from the Cree School Board to International schools in Colombia. She is proficient in English, French, and Spanish. She brings a wealth of knowledge in Special Education programs, IEP development, and Vocational training. Diana holds a BA in teaching from Antioquia University, a graduate diploma in literacy development from Queen’s University, a certificate in school management from Harvard Business School, and she is currently finishing her Master’s in Education. Diana combines her expertise with a deep commitment to student success and parent engagement, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
Sarah Dow taught in the Secondary youth sector in Inukjuak, Waskaganish and Ouje-Bougoumou before becoming interim Youth Development Coordinator and Wellness Coordinator for the Ouje-Bougoumou Cree Nation. She worked with the artists in Eeyou Istchee as Special Projects and Events Coordinator for Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association before moving into her current role as Project Development Officer for the Cree School Board’s newly established, Higher Learning Department.
She is dedicated to student success through collaborative processes and accountability. Sarah has helped to realize the implementation of Iyeskuwiiu, a Springboard to DCS, now in its fourth year, and the newly implemented, Springboard to Nursing; both programs are a partnership with John Abbott College. She holds a BBA, MEd in Adult Education, certificate level II in Educational Leadership and maintains her Project Management Professional certification.
Sarah is a hockey and basketball mom of two boys and wife of a fellow project manager.
Resources
The session was built around the Poles of Student Success, illustrated above with the acronym BIRCH. If you would like more information, please contact Sarah Dow.