ShiftED Podcast #64 with Christine Truesdale • Behind the Network: A Conversation with LEARN's New CEO

What happens when educational vision meets community resilience? Meet Christine Truesdale, the newly appointed CEO of LEARN (Leading English Education Resource Network), who brings decades of experience and a profound connection to Quebec's English education landscape.Christine takes us on a journey through LEARN's fascinating evolution, beginning with its formation in 2005 through the merger of three vital organizations: the Learning Materials Centre, which developed educational resources when major publishers deemed English materials unprofitable; the Quebec English Schools Network-RECIT, supporting technology integration across the province; and the Distance Education Community Network (DECN), formed by three school boards to provide essential courses to students in remote areas. This strategic consolidation created a unified approach to serving Quebec's English educational community that continues to evolve.At its core, LEARN operates as a community-centered organization governed by representatives from across Quebec's English educational ecosystem. As Christine eloquently states, "LEARN is us, LEARN is all of us" – a community organization that truly belongs to the community itself. This deep connection extends beyond formal education structures to include partnerships with organizations across cultural, health and social services, and employability sectors, recognizing education doesn't exist in isolation.Looking forward, Christine shares her vision for LEARN's future amid significant challenges including changing language laws and funding uncertainties. She envisions an organization that helps Quebec's English-speaking youth develop a genuine sense of belonging and opportunity, connecting them with vital services across multiple sectors. Her ultimate goal transcends academic achievement: "We help students succeed academically but also help them feel rooted in their identity, confident in their bilingualism, and connected to their future in Quebec."Subscribe to ShiftED to stay connected with more inspiring conversations about the future of education in Quebec and beyond. Together, we're building educational communities that don't just survive – they thrive.