OVERVIEW
Education systems around the world are under pressure due to the rapidly changing needs of our time. Students growing up in today's world need the skills to innovate, manage, and lead complex challenges and systems we have yet to fully understand. At the same time, rates of engagement, attendance, and well-being are increasingly low. By meaningfully engaging students in dialogue, we can foster collaboration and identify pathways that support student achievement.
As School Trustee, I will lead with care, compassion, curiosity, and humility. My background in collaborating with students, educators, administrators, parents and community organizations equips me for this important role. My experience serving on non-profit and for-profit boards has given me a clear understanding of the importance of good governance and the impacts of critical decisions.
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Champion authentic pathways for student voice, so that youth are active partners rather than passive observers. I will support student representation in governance so that our policies reflect students' experiences, well-being, and aspirations.
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Advocate for resources and professional development to help strengthen the district's literacy and numeracy goals and teacher success and well-being.
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Advocate for equipping students with media literacy and civic engagement tools and opportunities so they can thrive and safely navigate misinformation, develop critical thinking skills and actively participate in society.
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Advocate for community-based collaborations that offer real-world experiences and support strong community relationships.
AS TRUSTEE,
I WILL:
ABOUT
Laura has 15 years of experience studying educational models around the world, with outcomes including The SKOOL Project, a global media campaign to reimagine education, and more recently, a prototyped, student-led, and student-designed school-based mental health toolkit. Laura has also helped produce a feature-length film and media campaign for Universal Pictures called The Search for Freedom, which focuses on human potential. As an entrepreneur, Laura has helped fundraise and manage significant budgets, negotiated contracts, and built community around shared visions. Laura is currently a PhD candidate in Human Development. Laura's research focuses on adolescent development, student voice, governance and the implications for engagement and well-being. Having also worked in the technology sector, serving the education industry through quantitative and qualitative research projects, Laura has supported nearly 200 school district leaders in solving their biggest priorities.
Laura is a nature enthusiast who loves camping, fishing, and pretty much anything outdoors. Originally from the Okanagan, she and her family have been living in Shawnigan Lake for the last four years. As a candidate for School Trustee, Laura brings a vision of innovation, connection and transparent leadership to the Cowichan Valley School District.
Support the Campaign
Contributions
Cash or cheque contributions are gratefully accepted. If you would like to contribute in person, please reach out through the contact form below to arrange a convenient time and location to meet and receive your kind contribution.
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Thank you for your support!
Who Can Donate
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Please reach out
I would love to hear from you. Please reach out with questions, ideas, for a conversation, and to share your support.
Please also reach out if you need a ride to your nearest voting location.
Thank you so much!
Email: engalenz@gmail.com