Most public school teachers like to fly under the radar. They show up every day, do their job, care for students, volunteer for extra-curricular activities, and earn every penny of their pay.
Over 30,000 people rallied in October 2025 at the Alberta Legislature to protest the government’s inaction on class size and complexity, teacher support, and wages. 
Teachers
Jocelyn and I know teachers. Our eldest son is one. Our youngest son’s sister-in-law is one. Many people we pastored are or were teachers. They have our greatest respect and deepest appreciation.
It’s been a challenging season for teachers in Alberta, especially the last 18 months. Teachers get a bad rap on social media through misinformation. And the government’s use of the Notwithstanding Clause to end labour negotiations.
I reached out to teachers we know and love and invited them to share about their journey in the classroom. Thank you to each one who responded.
Jenny
I met Jenny in 1995 when she and her family started to attend Central Tabernacle. She is like a daughter to us in many ways. Jenny invited me to read with some of her students and to share about the resilience of Terry Fox in a Grades 1-4 assembly at her school.
“I became a teacher because I have always loved working with kids and seeing the world through their eyes. My journey started at summer camps, where I discovered how much joy and energy children bring to every moment. I believe God placed a special calling on my heart. Those experiences showed me how powerful it can be to make a child feel seen, safe, and cared for. I wanted to be that kind of teacher. The one who students know they can trust, who gives out hugs freely, and who helps create a classroom that feels like a second home.
With so many children coming from broken or challenging family situations, I felt called to be a steady, shining light in their lives. A person who believes in them no matter what. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working at three different schools in the Parkland School Division and teaching students from kindergarten through fourth grade. Each experience has strengthened my faith and deepened my understanding of God’s purpose for me as a teacher.
Devoted
Teaching has certainly changed since I first started. It’s become more demanding in so many ways, but my love for it has never faded. Even on the hardest days, my students remind me why I chose this path. Their laughter, curiosity, and hugs make every challenge worth it. Teaching isn’t just a job for me; it’s a calling, and I’m grateful every day that I get to make a difference in the lives of children.”
Cory
I’ve sat in Cory’s high school classes and watched him coach players in multiple sports. He built a solid reputation and appreciation with parents and students alike.
“I enjoy teaching because it gives me the opportunity to connect with students in meaningful ways—both in the classroom and through coaching. Over the past sixteen years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching a variety of subjects, including Law, Psychology, History, English, Physical Education, and Health. Each of these disciplines has allowed me to engage students in different ways, challenging them to think critically, grow personally, and discover their strengths. The classroom provides an environment where I can inspire curiosity and guide students toward realizing their potential, while also learning from their unique perspectives and experiences.
Beyond academics, I find great fulfillment in coaching football, basketball, badminton, and track and field. Coaching allows me to build relationships outside the classroom, where teamwork, discipline, and perseverance become powerful life lessons. Watching students progress from grade nine through to graduation—seeing their academic, athletic, and personal growth—is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Being part of their journey as they mature, form lasting friendships, and pursue their goals makes teaching and coaching deeply meaningful for me.”
Erin
We met Erin at our church in 1990. Her poem about Faithfulness, written as an elementary student was featured in the church’s 75th Anniversary commemorative book. Her faithfulness to her students is noteworthy.
“This is my fifth year as a teacher. I work Lois Hole School as a K-6 drama and English teacher. I am blessed with a dream gig!
On the good days, oh is it ever good! I get to be a safe person to so many kids. They write me messages in their journals about their feelings and deepest struggles. They trust me and know that I will always have their backs. And they give me hugs and high fives in the hallways. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve that besides tell them I believe in them.
They believe me when I tell them they are brave enough to get up in front of a crowd to speak, sing and act. My heart bursts as I watch kids who haven’t found places of belonging come alive on the drama stage. I watch the shyest kids come out of their cocoons and transform into beautiful and confident performers.
So yes. Honestly most days force me to dig very deep. Yet I can’t think of anyone I’d rather spend my working time with than my students.”
Roy and Sue
A husband and wife duo. “We were fortunate enough to embark upon a one-year teacher exchange to Australia in 2009 with our three daughters in tow. It was a challenging, yet awesome adventure!”
“Teaching allows me to see the world through the eyes of young, innocent, uninhibited children! As so many around me have impacted my life, I too strive to positively impact the lives of my students. Teaching is not just a pay cheque, nor summers off (yes, we all love those); it is extremely demanding work that can range from pure satisfaction at helping children achieve, to fits of roaring laughter during humorous times, to times of absolute heartbreak with sleepless nights – and I wouldn’t trade it for the world!” Sue (retired, taught for 35 years, all elementary classes.)
“Every year, teaching allows me to develop a rapport with a new group of students. Teaching math is only a small part of my job; I am also preparing these young adults for life after high school. I have been coaching students in many different sports throughout my 26 years, allowing me to see and interact with them in a setting different from a classroom.” Roy (retired, taught for 36 years, 11 of them Grades 7-9 Math/Phys. Ed. and the last 25 teaching Grade 10-12 math at Jasper Place High School in Edmonton. Coached volleyball, curling, track and Field, cross country running and takes a group of 45 students down to Spokane, Washington each May for the Bloomsday Race.)
Rebekah
Rebekah helped lead our children’s choir at Central almost 30 years ago.
“I’ve always loved seeing the joy of learning something new light up a student’s face and knowing that I’ve helped make that moment possible. Teaching fills me with a deep sense of purpose. I have enjoyed an incredibly rewarding career, watching students grow in confidence, discovering their unique gifts, and learning to believe in themselves. I love the creativity the role brings, the relationships with students and families built over time, and the opportunity to spark curiosity and wonder in young minds. Guiding even the littlest of learners as they explore, question, and make connections reminds me daily of how meaningful the work of teaching truly is.
My teaching career began at Grandview Heights School in 2002, where I spent seven wonderful years teaching K–9 music and art. I transitioned to Edmonton Christian Northeast School in 2009, where I taught Kindergarten for 16 years. Those years were incredibly special to me. I loved being able to teach from a Christian perspective, helping students see God’s hand in their learning and in the world around them.
Recently
More recently, my journey has taken me into school leadership. I spent the last two years as a Curriculum Coordinator at Edmonton Christian Northeast School, and this year marks my first as an Assistant Principal at Balwin School. It’s been a significant change for me, but one that I’m enjoying as I learn and grow in my current role. Alongside my work, I’m also pursuing a master’s degree in School Counselling, as I’m passionate about supporting students’ mental health and well-being. I look forward to the opportunity to serve in this capacity within the school system upon completing my program. Each step of my career has deepened my love for education and also my commitment to helping every student feel valued, supported, and capable of success.
The current climate of education in Alberta is challenging, but I still believe in the importance of this work. I’m grateful to be surrounded by colleagues who care deeply about their students and about each other. Together, we continue to support one another, advocate for what’s right for students, and keep “fighting the good fight” with hope, faith, and a shared commitment to the children and families we serve.”
Jaylene
I met Jaylene when I was interim pastor at Bethel Church in Barrhead in 2019. She impressed me with her willingness to lend a hand, her passion for students and the Sunflowers she grew in her garden.
“In all honesty, I never wanted to be a teacher. When I graduated university I had other goals, but as I set out to reach them I felt completely out of place and utterly bored. So I ended up dropping classes and taking some general classes that year that would transfer into many different programs. I had many important people in my life encourage me to get into teaching because I’d be good at it. My mom is an amazing (now retired) teacher, and I often saw the hard parts of teaching, and it scared me. But I kept feeling called and pulled, so eventually I listened and dove in.
Classroom
My first experience in a classroom was soul-filling and rewarding, and I realized the real reason I didn’t want to be a teacher, like my mom, was that she was teaching kindergarten and I needed to be in the upper grades with older kids. Building those connections and relationships with kids felt so natural and came relatively easily. I realized I wanted to be a PE teacher and have the opportunity to share my love of sports and activity with these kids—and I was not only finding success, but I was having a blast too.
The hard parts, the parts that scared me before, became just a part of the job, but not where my energy was focused. Once I landed my current job (the perfect mix of part time classroom teacher, part time PE teacher) I finally felt perfectly in a position where I could make a difference in the lives of so many children.
I get the opportunity to help them learn and grow and it’s so special to see them light up when they find success. Teaching isn’t easy. I’ve noticed especially in the last 5-7 years our landscape in the classroom is changing—things are getting more complex, needs are becoming greater, kids are coming with bigger and harder-to-carry baggage. But that’s why I’ve been called—because God has given and will continue to give me the tools needed to make a difference for these kids. To be their safe place if they need it. To be their lightbulb on a hard day. Or even to be that fire when they need extra motivation.
Public School
I am a Christian teacher who has been called to teach in a public school. I’ve had people question why, but God has placed me with these kids for a reason. I get to plant seeds in more subtle ways. I may not get to dig into the salvation story or read the Bible in my classroom, but I get to love some pretty tough-to-love kids and show them the heart of Jesus even if we don’t explicitly say it. Kids in my classroom have felt safe and comfortable bringing out their Bibles during reading time—and they even got to share with classmates who’ve never picked up a Bible. I get the opportunity to guide my students and teach them right from wrong.
I get to encourage them as they move toward junior high and try to instil in them good character and help them become good people. I’m often reminded that it’s tough when there’s no follow up at home…but then also often reminded that when we plant those seeds, we never know what’ll happen down the road. You never know when one of your former students, who you least expect, will sit down next to you in a church pew!”
Tanis
Tanis wanted to be a teacher since she was in elementary school. She got involved with kids ministry at Central Tabernacle where I pastored as soon as she could and loved working with kids. She invited me to experience her Grade 3 class in Edmonton.
“I became a teacher because I love kids. I have stayed a teacher because of the relationships: The ah-ha moments; the inside jokes; the excitement of students when reading a really good part of a book together; the celebration when we finally get long-division; the hugs after coming back from a sick day; the tears at the end of the year saying good bye; the bridal shower and baby showers thrown through life’s big moments; the visits from former students that are still in the school; watching former students walk the stage for grade 12 graduation; the running into former students years after they graduate and having meaningful conversations.
Having former students mentor your own children as pastors in your church; watching former students get married; the family that the school, both staff and students, have become; the wearing of the Stuart Skinner jersey proudly because he was one of the ones who drove you nuts for a full year; the notes like the picture from a grade 12 student who you taught in grade 3 – that make you tear up because you really did make a difference (still need to encourage him with his penmanship ).
Relationships
Are there many bad days? Sure. Do I sometimes come home so exhausted I fall asleep right after supper? Yep. Are there some days I try to figure out a different career path? For sure. Does the good outweigh the bad? Every time!
I plan to retire when my 7-year old graduates. (The strike may have changed that, but…) I have 11 years left to build relationships, to pray over and with students, share my faith daily, and be God’s light where He has placed me. I will rely on His strength and go into my classroom every day to live up to that calling!
(BEd with a minor in Elementary Music from the University of Alberta, 2002. Two years of elementary music and added a split class of grade ⅘ the second year, all with the Calgary Board of Education. Bearspaw Christian School (private), teaching grade 3 for three years. Millwoods Christian School (Edmonton Public Schools), teaching grade 3 or 6, sometimes both. There have been additions to that assignment like grade 4 and 5 French, grade 7 Bible Studies, grade 8 Study Skills and even Kindergarten Music. I also coached high school basketball, badminton, and track for many years and had the opportunity to take grade 9-12 students on four different service trips to Belize.)”
Adena
Adena has inspired me by her creativity and compassion. She helped us raise funds for The Village of Hope in Uganda and was a reliable source of writing for REVwords when we worked together in the North Pointe Writers group.
“Teaching, in today’s current climate is quite daunting. With so many diverse needs to address, a teacher can easily become overwhelmed in a class of 35 to 40 students. Further to classroom instruction and management, teachers are required to write up reports, discuss learning outcomes with parents, consult with counsellors, principals, department heads, as well as daily constructing valuable, educative, and entertaining lesson plans. With all this in mind teaching can be likened to treading water while hula hooping and juggling simultaneously.
So why teach?
Light Bulb Moments
These moments are when a student fully and completely clicks in their understanding of a concept that you’ve been trying to convey for days, or even weeks. These moments are quite addictive for a teacher. The moment that you see a student’s eyes light up, where they explain back to you what you’ve been teaching, or they ask à thought provoking question that shows added understanding, these moments, these highs, are what a teacher lives for. I don’t know how many times I’ve celebrated with a student by giving them a fist pump or a high five, even done a little jig at the front of the classroom, or told a student that they are the “smartest person alive” during my teaching career in these moments. It’s exhilarating to experience.
Again and again, teachers are looking, searching, constantly encouraging students to feel this moment in themselves where they have the confidence to know that they can understand, they can complete the task, they can make their dreams come true because of these little successes they experience in the classroom. We hope they become addicted as well to learning because this addiction will cause them to become curious about people, the world, their relationships, and God.
Experience
I have been a teacher for a little over 30 years. In this time, I have primarily taught French as a Second Language, Social Studies, and Christian Studies to junior and senior high school students. Throughout the years, making connections with students to encourage them in their struggles and come alongside them during times of family conflict, relationship issues, self-esteem battles, and decisions of integrity have been a privilege. Helping someone see who God has made them to be, to know their value and their worth, or to be there to lift them up and encourage them, these are things life is made of. These are things that make success possible and the future optimistic. The daily connections, the weekly tutelage, the monthly progress, and the yearly achievements are all worth it in the end.”
Lem and Karen
“I have loved and thoroughly enjoyed my career as a teacher. Like most teachers, I wanted to make a difference in the life of a child. What I did not expect was the impact each student would make on me. I am a better person because of each student I have taught.” Karen (Retired, taught 25 years Bonnie Doon High School; Eastglen High School ( four 1/2 years teaching grades 10-12); Mee-Yah Noh School for 4 years (grade 5 & 6) Lauderdale School 13 years (grade 5 & 6) Lorelei School for 3 years (grades 5 & 6)
“God gave me a special place in my heart for that age group. I taught Special needs teens for the first sixteen years! They really appreciated every bit of help that they could get in order to succeed in that scary place called school. My favourite memory was leading a boy, in my Bible Club, to The Lord while sitting on the lid on the Lost and Found box in the hallway of the school.” Lem (Retired, taught junior high grades 7-9 for 33 years at both Westminster and Killarney in physical education and outdoor education. During his last few years was an assistant principal).
Do you know a teacher? Is a family member a teacher? Post a comment and share their story.
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