About DRL

Hopefully you are enjoying this site. 

For your perusal, this section contains condensed background information about me.  This is the stuff that you can see on paper such as education, consulting and presentations delivered, training, and publishing.  It is worth keeping in mind that too many people look good on paper while the sincerity and authenticity of a person must be felt and understood in person or through their voice. Hopefully, you can hear and feel my voice in my writing more than you see who I am from my picture or through the letters after my name.  Enjoy.

Douglas Leadbetter M. Ed.

A person picks up a little something from each of their experiences in life, and often those are what provide us with rich perspectives and the ability to work with and speak to people with diverse backgrounds and roles.  Some of my unique experiences follow; when you read them you will understand why I am proud of the ability to interact with and show just as much respect to the janitor as to the CEO, and enjoy talking just as much with the line worker as with the supervisor. 

I have worked in carpentry, electrical, and computer controls; I have driven CAT and poured concrete from a helicopter.  I have jumped out of airplanes, repelled rock faces with the ocean crashing below, and skied the steepest powdery slopes of North America’s coastal mountains.  I have felt the deep deep pain of losing a child and the wonder and joy of raising two more.  I have researched and written articles and books, produced papers and managed projects.  I have taught kindergarten through to adult and every grade in between; I’ve consulted groups in learning circles, developed programs, viewed and analyzed many an organization, run a high school, and helped run two more.  For three years, I led a research group that focused on developing proactive systems, and I have presented internationally speaking of supports and systems on several occasions.  I have eaten eel in China, Haggis in Scotland, drank Jameson’s in Ireland, enjoyed the finest cheese in Old Quebec; I have had poi in Hawaii, crisps in England, fish and chips in Wales, and gobbled a shrimp taco from a street stand in Mexico; I have travelled and enjoyed the people and sites in many states and provinces of North America, and once rode my motorcycle to the vast North West Territories alone.  I have studied Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Aikido – and learned that the spirit of the warrior is the strongest element.  From crafting concrete and shoveling rock, banging boards and pulling wire, I came to consulting, presenting, teaching, leading, and writing.  I feel the joy of life, and take pleasure in and communicate well with people from all backgrounds… Life is a gift when you know how to create and enjoy the highs and survive and build strength from the lows. 

Education

2008: B.C. Superintendents Association’s Leadership diploma program, Dimensions of Practice from BCSSA, Royal Roads University, and Simon Fraser University.

1995: Masters of Leadership in education from the University of Victoria.  Project focus: Systems Comparison and Analysis.

1992: Bachelors of Education with Majors in English and P.E. from the University of British Columbia.

1991: Bachelors of Physical Education with English from the University of British Columbia.

Highlights of Consulting and Presentations Delivered

Ø  “Systems of Effective Teams” – Contracted by Dr. Matt Mortenson, Head Coach Wolverines Football, (August 08).

Ø  Learning Circle Facilitation for Capital Regional District of Victoria, SEAPARC.  Contracted by Sara Douglas, Recreation Program Assistant, (August 08).

Ø  YRC 101 program staff training for Capital Regional District of Victoria SEAPARC.  Contracted by Dan Ovington, Recreation Program Coordinator, (June 08).

Ø  Leadership program curriculum development and implementation for Capital Regional District of Victoria SEAPARC.  Contracted by Dan Ovington, Recreation Program Coordinator, (May to July 08).

Ø  Curriculum Writing and Creativity Camp delivery for Capital Regional District of Victoria, SEAPARC.  Contracted to Dan Ovington, Recreation Program Coordinator, (March 08).

Ø  Delivery of a white paper to PVPA & District Staff regarding systemic alignment. (07).

Ø  Guest presenter at BCSSA orientation of Dimensions of Practice cohort at SFU, (07).

Ø  Presentation of Directed Learning Round Tables concept to Chapter Council, (06).

Ø  Presentation of Directed Learning Round Tables concept to SPVPA, (05).

Ø  2 day Proactive Systems Staff Training – Lakes District, (05)

Ø  Proactive Systems Training at Creating Connections International Conference, (05 & 04).

Ø  Proactive Systems Training at National Staff Development Council International Conference, (04).

Ø  Data Driven Decisions – BCSSA, (03).

Ø  Values Training – Yennadon staff, (03).

Ø  Proactive Systems – MRPVPA, (03).

Ø  Data and Decisions – MRPVA, (02).

Ø  Effective Behavior Support Forum, (02) and  3 day Staff Training – Effective Behavior Support, Chilliwack District (02)

Ongoing Training and Development

Ø  Executive Coaching Clinic (Norman Bradley and Maeve Buckley)

Ø  Bridges Transitions (Doug Manning)

Ø  Performance Evaluations (BCPVPA)

Ø  Team Building to Encourage Leadership (Don Paige for MRPVPA)

Ø  Master Schedule Building Workshop – (NCS Pearson).

Ø  Coaches Effective Behavior Support Training – 11 days (BCCASE).

Ø  Dr. William Glasser – Control Theory (Western Counseling and Consulting).

 

Publishing and Writing

Ø  December 2008 – The Synergy in Life System.  Blurb Publishing.

Ø  May 2007 – Allegory: The Village of Best Intentions. Canadian Association of Principals Conference Publication.

Ø  February 2005 – Collaboration: Better Than Best Intentions.  British Columbia Principals and Vice-Principals Association Magazine, Adminfo.

Ø  October 2004 – Achievement: Culture, Climate, and Achievement.  Adminfo.

Ø  June 2004 – Achievement: Motivation and Achievement.  Adminfo.

Ø  October 2003 – Proactive Systems: In Anticipation Of.  Adminfo.

Ø  August 1999 – Operation Manual: Summer Session Operations.  District of Abbotsford.

Ø  May 1995 – Masters Project: TQM in Education. University of Victoria.