About the ISW Network
The ISW Network is an informally linked international community of educators who use the Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) model and processes to enhance learning worldwide.
The ISW Program is delivered by qualified ISW Facilitators and FDW Trainers, most of whom are active or former members of local ISW teams across Canada and internationally.
Our Vision
We are a vibrant, generous community of colleagues collaboratively enhancing learning through workshops, reflective practice, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Executive Team Mission
We provide support, guidance, and leadership, in collaboration with ISW Facilitators and FDW Trainers, to help members across the global ISW Network to achieve our shared vision.
A Distributed Leadership Model
The ISW Program relies on a distributed leadership approach to balance strategic support with broad, community-driven engagement across our global network.
- Local Representatives (Local Reps): Each ISW Team is invited to designate 1 to 3 Local Reps. These individuals coordinate communication and support for their campus or organizational site while acting as liaisons to the global ISW Network.
- Regional Connections: Facilitators and Trainers gain immense value from collaborating with peers in other settings. Members of local ISW Teams are encouraged to build connections regionally to share resources and organize local activities. An ISW region may be a large metropolitan area, neighbouring cities, a province, or state, or may even cross national borders.
- Executive Team: A small, agile working group of volunteers that focuses on supporting the delivery and growth of the ISW Program worldwide. Key responsibilities include:
- Maintaining the Network website, newsletter, and Facilitator & Trainer Registry.
- Organizing the events calendar, virtual WorkBees, and Zoom PD sessions.
- Managing policy development, FAQs, and email consultative support.
- Procuring software licenses and managing technical infrastructure for network communications.
About the Executive Team
The current Executive Team consists of six volunteer members, including two Co-Chairs and four general members. The team meets monthly to discuss emerging issues, respond to community and partner queries, provide communication updates, plan professional development activities, initiate special projects, and manage ongoing administrative operations. Past Co-Chairs frequently consult, contribute to special projects, and attend meetings to provide historical context and ongoing guidance.
Current Team Members
Andrew Marchand – British Columbia, Canada
Cheri MacLeod – British Columbia, Canada
Deb Chen – British Columbia, Canada
Diane Morrison – British Columbia, Canada
Jan Johnson – British Columbia, Canada
Joseph Topornycky – British Columbia, Canada
Karyn Olsen – Ontario, Canada
Past Team Members
Jill Grose – Ontario, Canada
Kathryn Brillinger – Ontario, Canada
Nancy Sly – British Columbia, Canada
Executive Team Recruitment & Representation
New members are recruited when openings occur. For example, as needs arise for special expertise, with considerations for balance of experience and perspective across the Executive Team.
Potential candidates should…
- Be an FDW Trainer with at least 5 years experience leading both ISWs and FDWs;
- Be committed to the values and goals of the ISW Network as described on the ISW website at iswnetwork.ca;
- Be willing to contribute to the planning, organization and implementation of professional development activities for members of the Network such as Zoom PD sessions, ISW Workbees, and communications with Network members.
- Be available to meet monthly on Zoom for executive meetings as well as at other times for the offering of special projects and PD opportunities;
- Be willing to meet outside of working hours – this may mean meeting at night or early in the morning depending on the time zones involved;
- Be prepared to make a minimum two year commitment to the position, though a longer commitment is appreciated;
- Be willing to work for no financial compensation but lots of collegiality!
Recruitment can be by invitation but is most often a general call for volunteers who fit the above description. Due to the history and origins of the ISW Program, British Columbia currently has high representation on the Executive Team. We intentionally seek to involve members from other vibrant ISW communities worldwide, frequently through leadership roles on special Network-wide projects. Because the ISW Network has such a large global membership, we are unable to accept every volunteer onto the Executive Team. However, we actively encourage members to explore the many other meaningful ways to serve and contribute to our community.
If you are interested in joining the ISW Executive Team or in participating in special Network projects, please watch the ISW Newsletter for a call for volunteers.
Learn about the Local Representatives initiative
Updated August 2026