Hay River Teacher Named One of Canada’s Outstanding Principals

Carolyn Carroll to attend awards ceremony and leadership training in Toronto

FORT SMITH, NT – Carolyn Carroll, principal of both Harry Camsell School (K-3) and Princess Alexandra School (Gr. 4-7) in Hay River, is one of 40 exceptional educators chosen by The Learning Partnership’s Canada’s Outstanding Principals 2017 nationally recognized award and leadership training program.

Carroll, who was nominated for her innovative practices, entrepreneurial spirit, and creative ideas, will travel to Toronto for the gala dinner and awards ceremony on February 28. She is also invited to attend a weeklong executive leadership training program focused on extending her community impact.

“It was an unexpected honour to be selected as a national award winner for this prestigious program,” said Carroll, who is the only principal in the NWT to win this year. “I must also acknowledge my staff, students, and community for their willingness to collaborate and implement changes that have positively impacted our students.”

Carroll recognizes the importance of making her schools places that reflect the culture of the community, and the importance of providing a secure, safe and welcoming environment for all students to thrive in. She has been a driving force in inviting Elders into schools to teach local culture, language, games, dances, and values; and she was instrumental in implementing Intensive French.

Long before data collection and analysis was ingrained in educational practice, Carroll instituted a system for collecting student data and placing it all in an easy-to-read class record. This system has been invaluable in helping teachers identify students’ academic needs, and this targeted intervention has led to many of her students exceeding Canadian averages in math and literacy achievement tests.

“I am immensely proud of Ms. Carroll, who is highly deserving of this national honour,” said Superintendent Dr. Curtis Brown. “She combines the skills of a manager; knowledgeable, organized, and involved, with that of a leader; visionary, inspiring and one who effectively leads change and improvement.”

In 2016, Ms. Carroll and Harry Camsell School were awarded the South Slave Divisional Education Council’s vignette, which celebrates the region’s most outstanding school.