I am so excited and honoured to be running for School Trustee for the SD79 Board of Education election.

For the past 15 years, I have been actively learning about education models around the world to understand how teaching and learning impact human potential. Notable outcomes of this work have included co-creating and producing The SKOOL Project, a global media campaign about reimagining education, producing a feature documentary film called The Search for Freedom, a collaboration with Universal Pictures that tells a story about human potential, as well as the visioning and spearheading of a student-led and designed school-based mental health toolkit, which over the last couple of years has advanced as a project with local, provincial, and national partners.

From the film work that I had done, and speaking with hundreds of students, global and local thought leaders, educators, and parents, I was inspired to better understand the systems of education, adolescent development in relation to voice, and how having a say in education can impact student engagement and well-being, teacher engagement and well-being, and overall school outcomes. As a result, 3+ years ago, I decided to return to school to pursue a PhD in Human Development. With only a few months left, my research focuses on adolescent development, student voice, governance, engagement, and well-being.

In addition to this background, I hold a Master of Arts in Leadership and a Master of Arts in Human Development. Each of these educational experiences has offered tools and models to support strategic systems that uphold the importance of relationships, dialogue, trust, and collaboration.

It is from this and more that I am motivated and inspired to serve as a School Trustee. I would be so honoured to serve and support our local education system so that students here have the best opportunities. As a Trustee, I will work collaboratively on several important issues and strategic priorities. My focus areas involve:

1. 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.
2. Advocate for resources and professional development to help strengthen the district's literacy and numeracy goals and teacher success and well-being.
3. 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.
4. Advocate for community-based collaborations that offer real-world experiences and support strong community relationships.

As School Trustee, I will lead with care, compassion, curiosity, and humility. Please reach out to me to share your story, ideas, and concerns. I have created a website with a bit more information and will endeavour to share updates as this campaign unfolds.

laurazemancampaign.ca

Please reach out with any questions, and I’d absolutely be honoured by your support.