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Victoria Handford

(she/her)

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Professor, Education, Thompson Rivers University

I am a Professor of Education, with a focus on Leadership. I am currently the Chair of the School of Education in the Faculty of Education and social Work.

My research is focussed in three areas: trust and leadership in both K-12 and higher education, school and district leadership, and faculty experiences of tenure and tenure-track. My doctoral dissertation was called Why Teachers Trust their Leaders, and my interest in trust is present in all areas of my research. My most recent publication is a soon to be released co-edited book with Garry Gottfriedson and Victoria Handford called Dangling in the glimmer of hope: Academic action and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (University of Ottawa Press, May 2024).

I was an elementary school principal and teacher in Ontario for 25 years, during which time I was seconded for a year to the Ontario Ministry of Education (leadership development) before moving permanently to a provincial position at the Ontario College of Teachers, where I worked in Standards of Practice and Accreditation. My move to Thompson Rivers University has provided me with extensive research and teaching opportunities, all of which I enjoy.

I have keynoted on emotional intelligence and leadership, and do some coaching with school districts in this area. I also do student recruitment in China, and have keynoted multiple times on topics such as school leadership, change, and conflict management for the Beijing Municipal Education Commission

Experience

  • 2018–present
    Associate Professor in Education, Thompson Rivers University
  • 2013–2018
    Assistant Professor in Education, Thompson Rivers University
  • 2009–2013
    Program Officer in Standards of Practice and Accreditation, Ontario College of Teachers
  • 2008–2012
    Instructor (sessional) Master of Education (Leadership), Niagara University
  • 1997–2009
    Elementary School Principal, Waterloo Region District School Board
  • 2006–2008
    Instructor (sessional), Principal Qualifications Program, Queen's University
  • 2005–2006
    Seconded Education Officer, Leadership Development, Ontario Ministry of Education
  • 1990–1997
    Elementary Vice-Principal, Waterloo Region District School Board
  • 1983–1990
    Elementary Teacher, Waterloo Region District School Board

Education

  • 2011 
    University of Toronto, Doctorate of Education (Leadership)
  • 2005 
    Ontario Ministry of Education, Supervisory Officer's Qualifications
  • 1992 
    University of Toronto, Master of Education (Leadership and Policy)
  • 1989 
    University of Toronto, Principal's Qualification Program
  • 1983 
    University of Western Ontario, Bachelor of Education
  • 1982 
    Florida State University, Master of Music
  • 1979 
    Queen's University, Bachelor of Music

Publications

  • 2019
    Beyond the academic gateway (in development), University of Ottawa Press
  • 2017
    The academic gateway: Understanding the journey to tenure, University of Ottawa Press
  • 2017
    From There to Here: The Experience of First-Year Tenure-Track, chapter, The academic gateway, UOttawaPress
  • 2017
    Mapping principal preparation programs in British Columbia, International Journal of Humanities and Education
  • 2017
    Major hindrances on the road to work/life balance, Canadian Association of Principals
  • 2015
    What is the importance of critical self-reflection for educational leaders, chapter, Key Questions for educational leaders
  • 2015
    Developing leadership literacy: A University/ school district partnership, International Journal for Leadership in Learning
  • 2013
    Why Teachers Trust Their Principals, OPC Register
  • 2013
    Why Teachers Trust School Leaders, Journal of Educational Administration

Grants and Contracts

  • 2017
    Why Faculty Trust their Deans
    Role:
    Principal Investigator
    Funding Source:
    Thompson Rivers University
  • 2016
    How Strong Districts and their Leaders Influence Valued Student Outcomes
    Role:
    Principal Investigator
    Funding Source:
    British Columbia School Superintendents' Association
  • 2016
    The academic gateway: Understanding the journey to tenure
    Role:
    Editor
    Funding Source:
    Thompson Rivers University
  • 2015
    Investigating the link between a university/school district partnership on school leadership: Leadership literacy
    Role:
    Principal Investigator
    Funding Source:
    Thompson Rivers University

Professional Memberships

  • Ontario Principals Council
  • Ontario College of Teachers