Pillar 2: Thriving Workplace

Preserving the Most Valuable Resource

BY DANA KOBERNICK, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

SUPPORTING THE PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH OF FACULTY AND STAFF, WHILE NURTURING THEIR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELL- BEING, COMBINE TO CREATE A THRIVING AND HEALTHY WORK ENVIRONMENT. LCC RECOGNIZES THAT ITS TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, AND STAFF—THE MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE—MUST NOT ONLY BE WELL QUALIFIED FOR THEIR JOBS, THEY MUST ALSO BE PERSONALLY FULFILLED AND CONTENT AT WORK IN ORDER TO FOSTER STUDENT SUCCESS. TO THAT END, THE SCHOOL HAS A RANGE OF PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES FROM WHICH ITS PROFESSIONALS CAN BENEFIT.

SUMMER STIPEND FOR FACULTY GROWTH

At LCC, faculty members are reflective, self-motivated, creative professionals who are responsive to the needs of their students. With that in mind, the school offers stipends to faculty who wish to go above and beyond the basic requirements of the programs offered in the classroom.

“Professional development is an integral part of a teacher’s career,” says Meagan Kearney, professional development coordinator. “The stipend allows them to pursue an area of personal interest over the summer, while responding to a strategic priority of the school and leading to a clear deliverable.”

The types of projects completed by teachers who have profited from a stipend are diverse. For example, summer math packages were developed to help both returning and new students be better prepared for the upcoming school year.

This project, like many others, has widespread application, as teachers are encouraged to share their results with their colleagues across all school divisions.

FACULTY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: A MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL RELATIONSHIP

What began seven years ago with a number of athletics interns who served as both coaches and substitute teachers has evolved into a comprehensive schoolwide program. Subject-based interns not only cover sporadic internal substitutions; they are also crucial resources for long-term maternity and paternity replacements or other leaves of absence.

In March 2020 the pandemic provided an impetus to further develop the program. “We were particularly proactive at that time, bolstering the program and hiring one intern per subject,” says Tara Murphy, human resources director. “Since we anticipated a higher rate of absenteeism, we were well prepared and better able to continue our programming with minimal disruption to the students and, unless mandated by government regulations, avoided having to shift to virtual learning.” LCC’s internship program is a mutually beneficial arrangement for both the school and its interns. Their presence provides the school with a great degree of support and flexibility, while allowing the interns to test the waters and determine if LCC is a good fit for them, should they wish to pursue a permanent position. The result is very telling, with a high rate of interns ultimately becoming part of the faculty.

A CULTURE OF WELLNESS

The school’s focus on physical and emotional wellness extends not only to the students, but to the staff and faculty as well, and it comes in many forms.

A fully-equipped fitness centre and classes, library services, and skating in the arena are just a few of the opportunities available to all staff. Adding to that is the Employee Assistance Program for psychosocial support that is accessible at no cost, medical consultations, and a commitment to professional development through conferences and graduate studies.

“As a leadership team we place importance on the need for a work-life balance and are continuously reviewing our policies and workloads, while ensuring that the needs of the school and students are met,” says Michele Owen, director of student life.

The school’s leadership has also made room for open dialogue, inciting faculty and staff to express what they feel are areas for improvement, while also encouraging them to work on self-care practices and develop strategies to manage challenges and obstacles.

The school is dedicated to maintaining a workplace where its professionals are engaged, find meaning in their work and feel a sense of accomplishment. The initiatives cited above are just a sampling, and the administration and leadership team are committed to improving and exploring best practices in this time of flux and rapid change.