March 12, 2009 - 2:46am
Dr. John Phipps, Assistant Superintendent with Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District #68, will join Vancouver Island University’s Faculty of Education as Field Experience Coordinator and Professor in the new Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership program.
“We’re thrilled that Dr. Phipps is joining the VIU team,” said VIU president Dr. Ralph Nilson. “With 20-plus years of school based and district-based experience, he has developed a reputation as an effective, principled and highly respected educator. VIU continues to enjoy an excellent relationship with School District #68 and this is due in part to the efforts of Dr. Phipps and Superintendent Michael Munro. Dr. Phipps has clearly demonstrated a commitment to his profession and VIU will benefit greatly from his leadership style.”
In his new role at VIU, Dr. Phipps will be responsible for coordinating the placement of VIU student teachers in central Vancouver Island school districts from Cowichan to Campbell River, and to Port Alberni.
“We have 400 students per year who must complete practicum placements,” said Dr. Harry Janzen, Dean of Education at VIU. “Each student completes at least three practicum placements during their educational training.”
In addition to coordinating field experience placements, Dr. Phipps will serve as a Professor in the Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership program launched by VIU last September.
“The program is very popular,” added Janzen. “Our first cohort of 25 students is half way through their training, and we’re recruiting for the next class which begins September 2009. It’s generating great interest from prospective students.”
The two-year Masters program is geared towards working teachers who want to increase their leadership skills. Classes are offered on weekends and during the summers.
Janzen said Dr. Phipps’s excellent reputation as an educator, coupled with his experience and leadership qualities, will add great value to the learning environment at VIU.
An educator for 28 years, Dr. Phipps has served as a teacher, vice-principal and principal. He’s held the position of Assistant Superintendent for School District #68 for the past three years.
His career experience has included the supervision and evaluation of hundreds of educators including student teachers, practicing teachers, Masters degree candidates, vice-principals and principals.
School District Superintendent Michael Munro said although he is disappointed the school district will be losing an outstanding educational leader “this is an excellent opportunity for Dr. Phipps.
“Although he is concluding his career in the K-12 system, his appointment at VIU will provide the school district with opportunities to continue and to grow the quality working relationship with VIU,” Munroe said.
Dr. Phipps assumes his new role at VIU August 1.
Tags: In the Community
