Education in the Beaufort Delta is getting national recognition as the district superintendent has been named the winner of a national award for excellence.
Having served as superintendent of the Beaufort Delta District Education Council (BDDEC) for five years, Devin Roberts has been working to improve education outcomes in the district. That work is starting to bear some fruit — Roberts noted this year 80 per cent of BDDEC students were posting numeracy marks at or above their grade level and added that the district was awarded silver for organizational excellence in 2023 by Excellence Canada. These two improvements, as well as improvements in Canadian achievement test results, prompted the Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASSA) to name him the 2024 NWT Territorial EXL Award winner.
"I am very honoured to have been selected for this award by my colleagues," said Roberts. "The superintendents association is made up of hard working and inspiring leaders. Therefore, to be honoured by a group of my peers is very special — something I will never forget.
"I share this award with the students and staff. Any recognition our office receives is a reflection of the great work taking place in our schools."
Roberts was nominated for the distinction by his peers with the Northwest Territories Superintendents Association.
He will be presented the award at a ceremony in Montreal in July. Along with the accolades, being named an EXL winner carries with it an honorary lifelong membership in CASSA.
Roberts said he wants to continue implementing a long-term strategic vision for the education council focused on Indigenized education and inquiry.
"I want to support the shift to the British Columbia curriculum as much as possible," he said. "Next year, we are changing in Grade 10. We have a network set up for our high school teachers in Grade 10 to be supported by a consultant from British Columbia. I want to support that network as much as possible. I will be working directly with the principals inquiry network to ensure they are up to date on curriculum changes.
"To make improvements, the vision of the district must be clear and shared. You cannot accomplish great things without everyone working together," Roberts added. "Tapping into people’s 'why' in life and values is another great motivator. For us students, staff and stakeholders all care deeply about education, so uniting with that passion for learning is key."