About Gwynne Valley Rural Academy
At Gwynne Valley Rural Academy (GVRA), we believe education should prepare students not only for the next grade, but for life beyond the classroom.
As a rural public charter school in the County of Wetaskiwin, GVRA is committed to meaningful learning, strong relationships, and Early Vocational Exposure* — giving students practical, real-world opportunities to discover their interests, develop responsibility, and connect their learning to future possibilities.
We are a growing school community with a clear purpose, a strong charter, and a deep commitment to doing education differently. We have a team of people who are not only skilled in their role, but who are energized by our vision, aligned with our values, and committed to helping students grow into capable, confident, and contributing people. Would you like to be a part of it?
As Principal, you will lead a mission-driven school grounded in Early Vocational Exposure, sustainable living, and conventional life skills. This is an opportunity to lead with purpose, shaping a school where students are known, valued, and prepared for life beyond the classroom.
The Principal will carry a small teaching assignment.
Key Responsibilities (as per Leadership Quality Standard)
1. Fostering Effective Relationships
Build and sustain a school culture where students, staff, families, the Board, Superintendent, and community partners experience trust, dignity, belonging, and shared purpose.
Cultivate strong, authentic relationships with parents, local businesses, community organizations, Indigenous communities, and vocational partners to support meaningful, real-world learning opportunities for students.
Serve as a visible and relational ambassador for GVRA, sharing the school’s story, celebrating student and staff successes, and strengthening community confidence in the charter vision.
Engage families as active partners in learning, recognizing that strong school-family relationships are essential to student growth, belonging, and long-term success.
Model respectful, transparent, and courageous communication, especially through change, growth, conflict, and complexity.
2. Leadership
Provide visionary, values-driven leadership that advances GVRA’s charter commitment to Early Vocational Exposure, sustainable living practices, conventional life skills, and hands-on, meaningful learning.
Lead learning in ways that honour Alberta curriculum while expanding how students connect classroom learning to future possibilities, practical skills, responsibility, and contribution.
Support teachers in designing and delivering engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that integrate EVE, sustainable living, and real-world application with creativity and fidelity.
Provide instructional leadership through classroom presence, coaching, mentorship, professional learning, reflective practice, and data-informed decision making.
Lead the continued implementation and refinement of Collaborative Response, ensuring effective team meetings, clear continuum's of support, and shared responsibility for student success.
Develop leadership capacity within staff by fostering ownership, collaboration, professional confidence, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Nurture a resilient, high-trust staff culture where people feel supported, challenged, appreciated, and aligned around the school’s mission.
3. School Operations
Oversee the daily operations of the school with care, clarity, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
Manage school resources, budget, staffing structures, timetables, and operational systems in ways that support student learning, staff effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.
Work collaboratively with the Superintendent and staff to align operational decisions with GVRA’s charter, strategic priorities, and growth trajectory.
Use data, feedback, policy, and performance indicators to guide decisions, strengthen systems, and support continuous improvement.
Where appropriate, seek grants, partnerships, fundraising opportunities, and community resources that enhance vocational, experiential, and sustainable living learning opportunities.
Ensure school operations reflect GVRA’s values of dignity, innovation, symbiosis, and resilience in both everyday practice and long-term planning.
Qualifications
- Valid Alberta Leadership Quality Standard (LQS) Certification.
- Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, or a related field.
- Demonstrated success in school leadership, preferably in a charter, rural, or innovative learning environment.
- Deep understanding of instructional leadership, curriculum development, assessment, and inclusive education.
- Experience with or strong commitment to Collaborative Response and collaborative structures that support all learners.
- Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills; able to collaborate effectively with the Superintendent, Board, staff, parents, and community partners.
- Passion for vocational learning, hands-on education, and dignity-centered school culture.
Position Details
Job Start Date: August, 2026
Compensation Rate: GVRA’s salary grid is competitive with local regional collective agreements
Benefits: Comprehensive benefit package
Pension: Alberta Teacher’s Retirement Fund (ATRF)
Reports to: Superintendent
Before You Apply
Our charter guides the way we teach, lead, make decisions, and support students.
We strongly encourage applicants to review our charter which can be found on our website to learn more about our school before applying. The strongest candidates will be those who see themselves in our purpose, values, and approach to education and are excited to contribute to it.
*About Early Vocational Exposure (EVE)
Early Vocational Exposure gives students meaningful opportunities to explore different kinds of work, practical skills, and real-world responsibilities throughout their school years. It helps students connect classroom learning to life beyond school while developing confidence, curiosity, work ethic, and a stronger understanding of their own gifts, interests, and future possibilities.
Application Process
Please submit your resume with a cover letter via email to [email protected]
The successful candidate will be required to provide a clear Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: From $87,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Extended health care
Work Location: In person
