We are pleased to announce the addition of two new members to the Teacher Education Office team. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Hazel Ryan Sheehan and Jody Billingsley.
Effective October 1, 2024, Hazel Ryan Sheehan will be stepping into the role of Program Manager – Student Services (Elementary & Middle Years). Additionally, beginning October 15, 2024, Jody Billingsley will take on the position of Program Manager – Practicum (Secondary).
We are excited to have them on board and look forward to their valuable contributions!
Hazel Ryan Sheehan
Hazel is an internationally qualified educator with experience in classroom teaching, program management, and student services across various levels of the education system. She holds an MA in education with specialized training in special education, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). She has demonstrated expertise in conflict resolution, mediation, and advising within diverse educational contexts, including the BC school system.
Hazel is excited to share her ability to support educators and students, support the development of inclusive curricula, and build strong networks with all education stakeholders.
Hazel is concurrently pursuing her PhD in Special Education focusing on Disabled students access to, and opportunities in, higher education settings. She is committed to supporting a diverse range of students, including those from marginalized backgrounds through informed, inclusive practices and continuous engagement with current educational issues, policies, and community needs.
Jody Billingsley
Jody Billingsley is an experienced educator and transformative educational leader with over 24 years in the field, including 15 years as an Elementary School Administrator. Most recently, he served as the Principal of Beach Grove Elementary School in the Delta School District, where he dedicated his time to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all learners. For the past two years, he has enjoyed his role as an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia, teaching Introduction to the BC K-12 School System and Professional Standards for Educators.
As a committed member and network leader of the Networks of Inquiry and Indigenous Education (NOIIE), Jody advocates for access to quality education for all, regardless of their background or abilities. As a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, his passion for equity and social justice and his pursuit of Truth and Reconciliation drive his work and inform his leadership. Jody is also a Reading Facilitator for the University of British Columbia’s Transformative Educational Leadership Program (TELP), where he engages with educational leaders to discuss current research and best practices in education. He is pursuing a doctorate in education at UBCO, focusing on decolonization and the ethic of storying identities in education.
Outside of his professional endeavours, Jody is a devoted father, husband, and professional artist. He enjoys exploring the natural beauty of British Columbia and acknowledges his role as a settler on the unceded ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō, Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and shíshálh (Sechelt) Nations. His respect for Indigenous ways of knowing and understanding informs his approach to teaching, learning, leading, and community engagement.