After nearly a 35 year career in education, I retired as the Superintendent of Schools in January 2020. While in the role as superintendent, I sat on two national committees, ERDI and C21 and also was an adjunct professor for Gonzaga University. I now work as a leadership consultant supporting the work of school boards, system and school leaders.
Chris Smeaton
Author's posts
Feb 03
Painting the fence or building a new one!
Alberta Education is involved in a high school flexibility project that is focusing on how learning can be improved outside the Carnegie Unit. The Carnegie Unit was developed from a business point of view and is based on the factory model of education. It was initiated to standardize education. A parallel process in Alberta is …
Feb 01
From the Desk of the Superintendent- February 2013
February marks the mid-point of the school year, the start of the second semester or the third quarter. It also signals the beginning stages of planning; 3-year education, capital and annual budget for 2013-14. There is a certain flow that occurs in the planning cycle in education. The government provides school jurisdictions with their Accountability Pillar …
Jan 27
In search of failure and purpose!
This past week, I had the privilege of presenting at a TEDxYouth event in Lethbridge, Alberta. The youth aspect of the event allowed me to hear some outstanding students and young adults. Some may have been more polished than others, but the messages of all were powerful. Events that allow youth to speak about what is …
Jan 20
Connected Educator equals Informed Professional Judgment
There are times in our careers that we use the term professional judgment as a license to do whatever we believe is right! We’ve earned our degree! We’ve “practiced” our skills! We’ve been inducted into the profession! The very definition of a professional supports our “right” to trump any disagreement of practice. Quite honestly, a rigorous pre-service …
Jan 13
Early Learning: A great way to start!
In June 2011, Alberta Health and Wellness and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health released a document entitled, “Let’s Talk About the Early Years.” This major report highlighted the importance of early childhood development on life-long health, well-being, learning and behaviour. It is a powerful reminder of the need to focus on …
Jan 02
From the Desk of the Superintendent- January 2013
Usually I would begin my January message with a happy new year salutation. Instead, I begin this post reflecting on the sudden passing of one of our staff members. Mrs. Linda Goruk, an Early Learning Program Leader at Ecole St. Mary School passed away suddenly last week. The staff from Ecole St. Mary and the early …
Dec 31
Not another New Year’s resolution
You can probably tell from the title that I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. It really doesn’t make sense to me to wait until the beginning of a new year to change some aspect of your life. Why is January 1st so important? Didn’t we want to have a healthier lifestyle, lose weight, …
Dec 16
A Different Christmas Message
The weeks leading up to the Christmas vacation are always hectic but extremely enjoyable. I’m in schools for Advent celebrations, Christmas concerts and far too many turkey dinners! It is heartwarming to see so many children (and staff) excited about this season. I recognize and can appreciate the tiredness in the adults’ eyes knowing full well …
Dec 09
Learning and Innovation
I need days like today! The busyness of the work week is replaced by the quietness in my office. Days like today are filled with reviewing my Twitter, reading articles and watching video clips…and of course responding to never ending e-mails. But most important, days like today allow me to reflect on what I do as …
Dec 01
From the Desk of the Superintendent- December 2012
November is a busy month for senior administration and the Board of Trustees with a number of local and provincial meetings. Catholic Superintendents get together for two days of meetings to discuss issues directly related to Catholic education. I welcome the opportunity to connect with my colleagues from around the province and engage in some …