Shelley Anne Robinson.

PhD
Ph: 12506503127 (cell)
Email: sissusissu@hotmail.ca; shelley.robinson@viu.ca
CV Website: http://shelleyrobinsoncv.weebly.com/

Curriculum Vitae
Shelley Anne Robinson, PhD
I am a lifelong learner and an innovative educator. I am organized and self-motivated
with good relationship skills. I strive to explore and connect people with progressive
ways of leading, researching, teaching and learning so that education is an engaging and
meaningful experience for everyone involved.
**Underlining represents hyperlinking
Resume Website
http://shelleyrobinsoncv.weebly.com/ is an on-line extension of this curriculum vitae, and
provides an extensive academic and professional portfolio along with a more detailed
curriculum vitae chronology (with professional examples to help demonstrate my
professional history outlined below).
Education
PhD Graduate Division of Educational Research in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning
at the University of Calgary. June 2007 4.0 GPA:
PhD Dissertation 2007: An Autobiography of the Creative Writing
Experience: How Metacognition in the Five Meta-learning Domains
Informs Creative Writing under the supervision of Dr. Christine Gordon
(published)
Dissertation Focus: metacognition in the five learning domains; creative
and critical processes; writing theory and practice; best practices in literacy
education; fine arts integration; constructivism; spirituality in education;
learning engagement; lifelong learning dispositions (scholarships and
fellowship)
MA Graduate Division of Educational Research in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning at
the University of Calgary: June 2003 4.0 GPA:
Masters Thesis 2003: Dialogues with Students, Parents and Teachers
About Parent Involvement in Secondary Education supervised by Dr. M.
Hunsberger (published online):
Thesis Focus: parent involvement; community engagement; overcoming
obstacles in secondary learning environments; making parent partners in
education (scholarships)
Dip Ed Graduate Division of Educational Research in Curriculum, Teaching and
Learning at the University of Calgary: June 1997 4.0 GPA from University of Calgary:

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Shelley Robinson, PhD

Research Focus: Secondary education (humanities and the arts); inquirybased learning; curriculum development; blended learning opportunities;
resource review and development; learner engagement
BEd University of Calgary: June 1987:
Focus: Humanities and the arts in education; student-directed
programming; linguistics
ARCT Toronto Conservatory Music Pedagogy: 1983:
Focus: Piano, theory (harmony, counterpoint, analysis, history and
pedagogy) and music composition (awards)
ARCT Toronto Conservatory Music Performance: 1983:
Focus: Piano, theory (harmony, counterpoint, analysis, history and
pedagogy) and music composition (awards)
AMRC Mount Royal College of Calgary Music Pedagogy:
Focus: Piano, theory (harmony, counterpoint, analysis, history and
pedagogy) and music composition (awards)
AMRC Mount Royal College of Calgary Music Performance:
Focus: Piano, theory (harmony, counterpoint, analysis, history and
pedagogy) and music composition (awards)
Certification (Current)
Alberta, Canada
British Columbia, Canada
Other Certification: Level B Testing; Conflict Resolution; etc. listed here at http://
shelleyrobinsoncv.weebly.com/showcase.html
Work History
I have an extensive work history influenced by promotions; provincial secondments;
university affiliations, and other opportunities that have arisen over my career:
Vancouver Island University (VIU):
2014 to Present: Graduate Associate Supervisor
Focus: Overseeing graduate students on the following thesis topics:
ePortfolios; assessment and student empowerment; reporting; literacy;
technology; visual learning; fine arts education; constructivism; inquirybased learning and other
Comox School District 71:
2012 to present: Administration (vice principal and principal)
2012 to present: University administrative liaison (VIU, UVic, U of A)
Focus: Distance and blended learning opportunities (various technology
learning management systems); assessment in education; special
education; aboriginal education; fine arts integration; literacy and

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Shelley Robinson, PhD

learning; professional learning communities; mentorship in leadership;

supporting vulnerable students; international education; drug strategies
The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools (TAAPCS):
2011 to 2012: Administration (principal): Westmount Charter School
2008 to 2011: Administration (assistant principal): Calgary Science School
(Charter School)
2008 to 2012: University administrative liaison (U of C, MRU, U of L and U
of A)
2008 to 2012: AISI Administrative Coordinator
Focus: blended teaching environments; inquiry-based learning; gifted and
special education; charter school opportunities in education; assessment in
education; teacher supervision and evaluation; learner engagement; creative
and critical thinking; differentiated instruction; project-based learning;
outdoor education
Rocky View School Division:
1996 to 1998 and then 2006 to 2008: Teacher (6-12) in the humanities, music,
band, drama
1998 to 2005: Curriculum Facilitator (K-12) in English Language Arts and
the Fine Arts; and Provincial Lead Teacher:
Focus: English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum implementation and
development (fine arts and humanities); practice-based research on
constructivist practice; provincial leadership; teacher mentorship on
innovative pedagogy; resource development; blended learning
opportunities through technology integration and website development;
ESL program development; literacy and learning; fine arts research and
implementation;
2003 to 2005: AISI Curriculum AISI Coordinator and Provincial AISI
Representative:
Focus: Assessment for, of and as learning; authentic engagement;
metacognition
1998 to 2005: University curriculum liaison with provincial universities
Focus: AISI; assessment; ELA innovative practice in the six strands;
blended teaching and learning opportunities; technology integration;
differentiated instruction; creative and critical learning
University of Calgary:
2006: Professional Inquiry Seminar Instructor for the University of Calgary
in Alberta for the second year Masters of Teaching Program
2005 to 2006: Field Instructor for the University of Calgary in Alberta for
first year Masters of Teaching Program (Exemplary satisfaction results from
year-end evaluation)
Foothills School Division:
1988 to 1991 and 1995 to 1996: Teacher (K-12) in the humanities, music,
band, business (teaching awards and recognition)

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Shelley Robinson, PhD

Calgary Board of Education

1991 to 1995: Teacher (K-12) in the humanities, choral music, music, drama,
and art
Mount Royal University Music Conservatory:
1983 to Present: Associate Branch Studio Teacher at Mount Royal
University in Calgary, Alberta teaching piano performance, theory, harmony,
counterpoint, history and analysis, and accompanist (long standing service
award)
Local and International Professional Development
National Professional Development: I have facilitated, presented and been a participant
or researcher in many professional development opportunities in Alberta, BC, Ontario
and Quebec
Focus Areas: Practice-based research; metacognition; assessment in
education; blended learning platforms; technology integration; fine arts theory
and practice; fine arts integration; writing theory, process and practice;
literacy development; visual learning; representation in learning; reporting in
education; learner engagement; spirituality in education; leadership in
education; creative and critical thinking; Distributed Learning/Digital
Learning (DL)
International Professional Development: I have facilitated, presented and been a
participant or researcher in many professional development opportunities in California,
Louisiana, Boston, Washington, Japan and most recently, Vietnam (2016)
Focus Areas: Learner engagement; gifted education; leadership in education;
assessment in learning; professional learning communities; communities of
practice; inquiry-based learning; special education
**Professional Development Participation Details: http://shelleyrobinsoncv.weebly.com/
professional-development.html

Key Publications, Initiatives and Research

I am very interested in research and writing (I write extensively), and currently have
multiple articles completed or underway that require time for me to jury and publish.
However, these are my key publications to date:

Robinson, S. (2013). The elephant in the classroom. The Comox Echo; The
Vancouver Sun; The Montreal Gazette, January and February
Robinson, S. (2011). Finding the experience in learning: Creating space for the ebb
and flow of student engagement. CASS Connection: The Official Magazine for the

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Shelley Robinson, PhD

College of Alberta Superintendents, Spring at http://o.b5z.net/i/u/10063916/f/

New%202012%20Files/Spring_2011.pdf
Robinson, S. (2010). Parent involvement at the Calgary Science School. The
Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools Newsletter (TAAPCS), Fall.
Robinson, S. (2010). The benefits of an arts education: How do we know when
students are benefitting from the arts? Fine FACTA, Fall; and Connect! The
Professional Learning Journal of the Calgary Science School at http://
calgaryscienceschool.blogspot.ca/2011/03/creating-space-for-studentengagement.html
Robinson, S. (2009). An autobiography of the creative writing experience: How
metacognition in the five meta-learning domains informs creative writing.
Saarbrcken, Deutschland: VDM Verlag Dr. Mller (peer reviewed) http://
www.amazon.com/Autobiography-Creative-Writing-Experience-Metacognition/dp/
3639150945/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243365841&sr=1-2
Robinson, S. (2008). Promising Practices and Core Learnings in Arts Education:
Literature Review of K-12 Fine Arts Programs (peer reviewed). Alberta Education at
http://education.alberta.ca/teachers/program/finearts/program-updates.aspx
Robinson, S. (2004). Why are we measuring education? ATA Magazine: Winter at
http://www.teachers.ab.ca/Publications/ATA%20Magazine/Volume%2085/
Number%202/Articles/Pages/
Why%20Are%20We%20Measuring%20Education.aspx
Robinson, S. (2003). The Issues of Self and Peer Assessment: An English Teachers
Perspective. Voices Alberta, 1, (1).
Robinson, S. (2003). Inspired discipline. Fine FACTA, 4 (2), 2627.
Robinson, S. (2003). Guide to implementation: Senior high school English
language arts: Alberta Education at http://education.alberta.ca/media/883870/
app1.pdf, 405.
Robinson, S. (2003). Dialogues with Students, Parents and Educators about Parent
Involvement at the Secondary Level at http://dspace.ucalgary.ca/bitstream/
1880/42743/1/SRobinson_MA_2003.pdf
Robinson, S. (2001). Writing home. Voices, 39, (1).
Recognition

Nominated to do the Fine Arts Promising Practice Research Project for Alberta
Education: 2008
University PhD Fellowship Scholarship for the 2005/2006 school year
Awarded a Full Sabbatical from the Rocky View School Division: 2005
Stanley Norris Scholarship May 2005 for the 2005/2006 school year
Alberta Heritage Scholarship 2002 (MA)
ATA Research Grant 2002 (MA)
GDER Scholarship University of Calgary 2001 (MA)
ELAC Short Story Competition 2001 Winner

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Shelley Robinson, PhD

Nominated by the Rocky View School Division and accepted as one of twenty lead
English Language Arts Teachers for Alberta Education for the development of the new
ELA Literacy Framework: 1998
Nominated and accepted as one of thirty-seven lead English Language Arts Teachers
for Alberta Learning for the implementation of the new ELA curriculum: 1998
Edwin Parr Teaching Award for Alberta Nominee (2nd Place Recipient): 1989
Foothills School Division Top First Year Teacher Award: 1989
Royal Conservatory Gold medal and scholarship for highest piano performance mark
and written pedagogy examinations in the province for both AMRC and ARCT (1983)
Canadian National Composers Contest Winner twice in 1982 and then 1983
Research
Current: In light of the recent autobiographical dissertation of my own writing, writing
process, fine arts integration and the practice of metacognition, I would hope to extend
this research. I am interested in multiple areas of research in education and leadership
(see http://shelleyrobinsoncv.weebly.com/research.html).
References
Written: Existing letters of academic and professional references can be found on my
website (even though they may not directly pertain to this position) at http://
shelleyrobinsoncv.weebly.com/letters-of-reference.html
Phone References: I have listed my referees who know my academic, professional and
field work best in the order of importance, relevance and support of this application: All
have been made aware of this application:
Academic
Dr. Christine Gordon
Professor Emeritus
Post-graduate Academic Supervisor at the University of Calgary, Calgary AB
Phone: 403 239 3805 (home) or 587 893 3805
Email: gordonc@ucalgary.ca
Dr. Harry Janzen
Dean of the Faculty of Education at Vancouver Island University
Phone: 250 740 6220 local 6220
harry.Janzen@viu.ca
Dr. Rachel Moll (currently on maternity, see reference letter)
Faculty of Education Chair at Vancouver Island University

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Shelley Robinson, PhD

Phone: 250 753 3245 local 2161

Email: rachel.moll@viu.ca
Dr. Ian S. Winchester:
Professor of Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary, Calgary AB
Post-graduate Examination Committee
Phone: 403 975 4727 or 403 284 4727
Email: winchest@ucalgary.ca
Dr. Garry McKinnon
Superintendent of the Connect Charter School (formally known as the Calgary Science
School), Calgary AB
Phone: 403 605 4270 (cell)
Email: garry.mckinnon@shaw.ca
Dr. David Jones
Professor of Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary, AB Postgraduate Examination Committee
Phone: 403 220 5675
Email: jonesd@ucalgary.ca
Professional: Educational Leadership
Dr. Garry McKinnon
Superintendent of the Calgary Science School, Calgary AB
Phone: 403 605 4270 (cell)
Email: garry.mckinnon@shaw.ca
Gordon Welch
Superintendent Emeritus of the Calgary Science School, Calgary AB
Phone: 403 601 2563 or 403 616 4639
Email: gwcons@telus.net
Jeff Taylor
Principal of Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School, School District 71
Phone: 250 218 1791 (cell)
Email: jeff.taylor@sd71.bc.ca
Cheryl Rabbitt
District Principal of School District 71: Student Services
Phone: 250 218 3041 (cell)
Email: cheryl.rabbitt@sd71.bc.ca

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Shelley Robinson, PhD

Educational Highlights of Curriculum Vitae

The following are some examples of my educational initiatives and outcomes that I
believe are supportive of this specific application with hyper-links for examples:
I have

the track record of having strong relationships with educators, parents and
students because I care about people and find ways to have fun with them while
teaching and learning.
- K-12 (predominantly secondary) and post-secondary: I have taught and
worked with teachers and students in multiple contexts and in multiple
subject areas and have supported the province with a major curriculum
implementation in ELA (with support documents) and research for the
new fine arts curriculum.
been recognized for my teaching excellence throughout my career (teaching
nominations and awards in my early career) and continue to receive strong
evaluations as an instructor and professional development presenter/facilitator.
- K-12 (predominantly secondary ELA and Fine Arts 9-12): I have a deep
knowledge of current theories and practices in education in particular in
the areas of student engagement, assessment and evaluation, blended and
online learning and inquiry-based learning.
an extensive background in assessment for, of and as learning in various
educational contexts.
- K-12: working with two schools in grades K-12 and 4-9 contexts on
assessment initiatives with very specific outcomes ranging from common
marking and rubric collaboration and other.
- 4-9 (CSS): Lead an AISI initiative for assessment and reflect on the work
as a staff raising critical questions about assessment.
experience developing and implementing education and program plans and
initiatives: jurisdictional curriculum plans, charter school plans (for two charter
schools, WCS and CSS), education plans, AISI proposals, ICT strategic plans;
IEPT proposal and subsequent implementation plans, and exemplary teaching and
learning models.
- K-12 (AB): I have developed various curriculum projects in response to
provincial initiatives; in particular, I worked with the development of film
and multi-media in the Alberta Guide to Implementation.
- School district (District 71): A recent school district example of this work
has been my help to build the technology ITAC proposal process and
evaluation tools.
- K-12 (RVSD): I helped create a division-wide scope and sequence
document for the English Language Arts Curriculum (three-year project).

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Shelley Robinson, PhD

- 4-9 (CSS): I helped to develop the model and practice of exemplary

teaching that helps to guide and make the school accountable to these
governing school goals.
experience, and an ongoing interest and proficiency in educational research
(practice-based and academic, writing and publishing).
- 4-9 (Calgary Science School now known as the Connect Charter School):
I spent considerable time developing a research model, and contributing to
the Connect Blog sharing our practice research 8-12 to promote our
research capacity as a school
- 9-12: I pursued this research model further in my present role in District
71 on its technology committee.
- actively been teaching, writing and researching topics on the topic of
metacognition and creativity which I believe is integral to our 21st
century educational initiatives.
a proficient fluency with educational technology (Mac and PC environments).
I have confidence working with new educational technology resources and devices
(e.g., Web 2.0, cloud computing, mobile computing, clickers, video streaming,
etc.).
- District (BC 71): I participated in the ITAC (Technology) Committee and
helped develop their strategic plan.
- K-12 (WCS): I led the development of the technology strategic plan for
the Westmount Charter School and all of the subsequent support
documents.
participated and facilitated ongoing professional development opportunities
(nationally and internationally) in topics that support progressive/alternative
pedagogy and leadership for twenty-first century schools inspiring creative and
critical thinking.
- K-12 (RVSD, CSS, WCS, BC71): I have helped develop strong
professional development models in different educational contexts as an
instructional leader.
- Teachers: I have presented with the Alberta Assessment Consortium, and
the Calgary Regional Consortium on various educational topics.
worked within; have researched; and helped to develop professional learning
communities (PLCs or COPs which are communities of practice) in various
educational contexts involving staff, parents, students and other stake-holders.
- K-12 (CSS and WCS): We explored having communities of practice
(COP) that were intentionally inquiry-based, and collaborative with
specific outcomes that could be marked by clear indicators of success
- K-12 (BC 71): Our district is involved in very clear PLC initiatives of
which I have been part of three to date involving developmental assets,
technology and community programs planning.
held past and present educational affiliations with other provinces, school
divisions, educational agencies (CRC, AAC, ILC (BC), AISI), in the areas of

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Shelley Robinson, PhD

curriculum implementation; provincial curriculum support document creation;

AISI; fine arts research and professional development, and other) professional
development settings across Alberta.
- School Division (RVSD, CSS, WCS): I worked on the Alberta Initiative
for School Improvement (AISI) review teams for several years.
- District (BC 71): I have had an ongoing interest in networking beyond the
school site and this is recently demonstrated in my participation at the
Island Leadership Coalition in BC.
a proficient background in the area of special education and inclusive education
(ELL/ESL/EAL and Life Skills).
- K-4 (RVSD): I assisted two schools develop their new English as a
Second Language Program.
- 8-12 (School District 71): I was part of building the Life Skills Planning
Framework from which they could review their program of high needs
students with cognitive skills ranging from K-12.
a strong background in the fine arts with work done provincially to explore
promising practices.
- I have taught for piano, theory, harmony, history, counterpoint, analysis
and pedagogy for 30 years with the MRU Music Conservatory.
- I wrote the promising practices in the arts literature review to support the
development of a new fine arts curriculum
- 4-9 (CSS): As well, I helped to develop a forging connections conference
integrating learning across subject areas and in conjunction with
technology, math/science, humanities, nature and the arts.
- 8-12 (BC 71): Most recently, I was the choral accompanist for the music
program, along with multiple roles of this nature throughout my career.
a keen interest in involving parents and the community in my work in all
educational contexts. My graduate research study focused on how to best involve
parents in the school.
- Comox Community (BC 71): I have been part of the Aboriginal
Education initiatives run through the school and in conjunction with the
Komoks elders around The Village and Giving Voices.
- 8-12 (BC71): I led the Healthy Choices Day for Drug Awareness initiative
for our District 71 secondary schools, and some successful student
leadership follow-up with families involved.
- 4-9 (CSS): I oversaw the development of a parent involvement initiative
that resulted in a parent volunteer committee, handbook and supporting
documents and processes.