The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Given the extreme cold weather recently (I’m writing this in early March), I have been wondering, why do I get up bright and early every morning and drive to work in the dark on icy roads? The answer is simple. I love my job! I have the privilege of working in a profession that makes a difference in the lives of children of all ages. It is a rare day that I don’t go into work excited about new initiatives we are pursuing or the amazing work that is being done in the field of education.

Although I have been a superintendent for many years now, I still consider myself first and foremost as an educator. When I started teaching, I felt so fortunate to have a job that gave meaning to my life. I was able to connect with students, and they often shared the story of their lives with me. I was able to help them move forward on their life journey. Coaching and driving the bus for school teams also allowed me to see students and their parents/guardians in a different setting from the classroom. It was a lot of extra work, but it was also tremendously rewarding. During my years teaching, I had the opportunity to organize and lead several overseas tours in Europe with students. Travelling in a different country, experiencing life without their parents, taking in the culture and history first hand—all truly expand students’ understanding of the world. On the Europe trip they tend to grow into young adults, and their parents are often impressed with this new-found maturity. How amazing to be a part of that growth journey.

In my current role as superintendent of schools, I strive to facilitate and enable multiple paths for students to succeed. As a district we support diverse programming for students: academics, career and technology studies, a registered apprenticeship program, a green certificate and the performing arts. I’m always impressed by the talent that exists in our schools, with both students and staff. Our “Celebration of the Arts” showcases so many gifted students from all over the division. I also love visiting schools and seeing students excited by what they are learning. Occasionally board members and I are invited to read to students, a pleasure that always leaves me with a smile on my face. A young student once asked me, “What are you actually super at?” and “What is an ‘intendent’?” giving the teacher and board members a good belly laugh. Attending high school graduations is likewise an honour. There are unique cultures in every school, and the graduation ceremony is a reflection of that uniqueness. As we send the graduates off into the next segment of their lives, the work we as educators have accomplished becomes very tangible.

I also enjoy that I am able to support and encourage staff. Whether it is beginning an exciting new program or honing their classroom skills, staff need to be supported and know that their work is appreciated. I feel strongly about encouraging staff to build rapport with students and to build a positive environment. Every September a few teachers and I form a rock band, and we are affectionately nick-named the Black Gold House Band. We play an old rock-n-roll song for all staff at our annual welcome back ceremony, showing it is OK to take a risk and to be vulnerable. Plus it is just a lot of good fun for everyone, and we end with a blast of confetti streamers.

It would seem that I have been involved in education my entire life. My roots lie with my grandfather, William Chorney, a teacher in rural Alberta for much of his career. He started teaching in a one-room school that quickly became the centre of the community. My grandfather shared his love of learning, of music and of his culture with everyone he came in contact with. My mother still remembers vividly the many Christmas concerts and community functions he would organize. On cold winter mornings, he had to wake up early to start the fire in the schoolhouse, so it was warm for his students. As a young boy, I spent many hours listening to his fabulous stories. I admired his dedication and commitment to the teaching profession, which influenced my own decision to become a teacher. He inspired me to follow in his footsteps.

The final reason I love education would be the outstanding people I have met along the journey. I have found teachers to be deeply committed individuals. Educators have an innate passion for what they teach, and they draw students and colleagues into that world. Teachers encourage and inspire their students on a daily basis. They are open to new ideas, willing to take risks and prepare lessons for a rapidly changing world, all the while keeping their students’ best interests at heart. They give unceasingly of their own time and share their successes with their colleagues. I have had the pleasure to call many of you friends during my career, and you have truly enriched my life. Educators make so many valuable contributions to society and can be proud of the essential work they do.

After working 39 years in public education, Dr. Norman Yanitski is set to retire at the end of the 2018/2019 school year.