Dr. Nancy Spencer-Poitras appointed as Superintendent of Schools and Chief Executive Officer
Posted on January 7
The Board of Trustees is delighted to announce that Nancy Spencer-Poitras has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Schools and Chief Executive Officer for the Northland School Division effective February 1, 2020.
Robin Guild, Board Chair, comments, “Our Canada-wide advertising resulted in a significant number of applications. Dr. Spencer-Poitras was selected from a field of truly outstanding candidates because of her demonstrated leadership capabilities, her commitment to excellence in serving our students and their families, and her familiarity with the Division.”
Dr. Spencer-Poitras has maintained an exceptional record of school and division leadership over an extensive career as an educator in Alberta. She has worked as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal with Edmonton Public Schools, as an Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent in Alberta, as well as having worked with both the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS) and Alberta Education. Since September 2017, Dr. Spencer-Poitras has held the position of Assistant Superintendent with Northland. In June 2019, she was named Acting Superintendent. Throughout her career, she has worked fervently to improve educational opportunities for students and children.
Dr. Spencer-Poitras has a solid background of research and practice in educational leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree and a Master of Education degree with a specialization in Administration and Leadership. She has recently completed her Doctor of Education in Educational Research from the University of Calgary. Nancy has also been recognized provincially for her work in education. She received the Distinguished Leadership Award in 2006 and won an Excellence in Teaching Award in 1997. Nancy is committed to moving Northland forward, continuing with its best practices in education and working collaboratively with students, staff, and parents to ensure the effectiveness and success of the Division.
Nancy comments, “In my previous roles with the Division, I have learned the importance of fostering and maintaining effective relationships, cultivating leadership at all levels of the Division, and continuing to be engaged in lifelong learning. I understand first-hand the need to be innovative, strategic, flexible and solution-oriented as we adapt to the expectations of parents and the ever-changing educational landscape in education in Alberta. I am honoured to be chosen to serve as Superintendent of Schools.”
Nancy and her husband, Jack, are residents of Wabasca. They have four children; three boys and one girl. They have three beautiful granddaughters and are currently awaiting the birth of their first grandson.