(EDMONTON) – At its March 12, 2015 Annual General Meeting, the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS) announced the nomination of Pieter Langstraat, Superintendent for Red Deer Public School District, for the EXL Award. The EXL Award recognizes excellence among members of the superintendency in Canada.
Each of the provincial affiliates of the Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASSA) is invited to nominate an outstanding System Education Leader for the EXL Award.
Jointly sponsored by Xerox Canada Ltd and CASSA, this prestigious award is granted to outstanding educators who exhibit exemplary leadership ability and who have enhanced the profession of school administration throughout their career.
Consideration for the national EXL award is given to those administrators nominated by their provincial associations. Nominations are based on the following three premises:
· System leaders who establish the character of a particular school system’s programs through the important work with school boards, school leaders, teachers and caring parents help to determine the scope and quality of children’s educational experiences.
· Children’s attitudes toward learning and their perceptions of themselves as lifelong learners are established in their school years. Effective leadership, mentoring and modeling determine whether the school jurisdiction effectively creates this environment.
· It is important to acknowledge the dedication and enthusiasm of administrators who guide children’s educational experiences. Recognition is a powerful instrument for building pride in accomplishment and continued determination to pursue excellence.
Pieter is completing his 5th year as Superintendent for Red Deer Public Schools and has been a Deputy Superintendent, principal, and teacher with the District. He also served as the Assistant Superintendent for Chinooks Edge School Division from 2002 – 2006. Pieter was the recipient of a Distinguished Service Award from the Alberta Teachers’ Association Council on School Administration in 1996 and an Excellence in Teaching Award from the Government of Alberta in 1999.
Pieter has served CASS as a Zone Chair and Zone Director, and was a member of the Table Officers of the provincial Board of Directors for two years, as Second Vice President and First Vice President. He has presented at CASS conferences and other national and international professional learning events.
Throughout his career Pieter has actively pursued initiatives to support students within the community. Some successes include the initiation of a Spanish Bilingual Program in the District, the opening, in partnership with the City of Red Deer, of the Timberlands Branch of the Red Deer Public Library at École Barrie Wilson School, the formation of the Champions Circle for High School Completion with a number of business / community partners, and the development of the Bright Start Program for pre-kindergarten children.
Pieter’s nomination to CASS was supported by the Board of Trustees and the Leadership Team of Red Deer Public School District. Following are quotes from staff members within the jurisdiction, taken from a Leadership Practices Survey conducted by the Board of Trustees.
“Pieter has incredible vision and the ability to achieve remarkable results by mobilizing resources and empowering those around him. He inspires confidence and mutual trust in everyone.”
“Pieter’s leadership style is to empower the front line and by doing so he gets the most out of his people.”
“Pieter is a very strong leader! He models caring, empathy, a strong work ethic, and a desire to genuinely involve others in meaningful decision making.”
Pieter will be acknowledged as Alberta’s EXL Award nominee at the CASSA Annual Conference, which will be held in Montreal from July 2 – 4, 2015 at the Le Westin Montreal Hotel.