Heather (Assistant Superintendent)

My journey through the world of education has been an exciting adventure full of learning and teaching.  My teaching career started in Picture Butte, Alberta followed by an itinerant position in PWSD’s northern schools which we referred to as the Spirit River School District at that time.  After amalgamation, and in between raising my four children, I participated in an interesting career which included teaching in upper elementary, junior high and kindergarten.  I enjoyed every age group and grew an interest and passion for working with my colleagues, supporting differentiated and specialized instruction.  After spending time in our district as a Coordinator of Special Education, collaborating with many incredible educators and community partners across our district, I joined PWSD’s executive staff in a leadership role.  Working with the various coaches and supporting our students and staff of Peace Wapiti is a highlight of my career.

Arlene 

I started teaching in La Glace many years ago and my passion has always been supporting students and engaging them to learn. Most of my years in the classroom were in Division 2, although I have taught Grades 2 – 8, plus facilitated a variety of Special Education programs.

I am currently working on my Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Inclusive Education, as I continually strive to enhance my knowledge and skills.  I am thrilled to be starting my third year as an Inclusive Learning Coach; the professional collaboration and our progressive journey has been very enlightening! Let’s continue to address gaps and build bridges together; helping each child to reach their fullest potential.

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”   
​~ William Butler Yates
Responsible for:  Clairmont Community School, Ridgevalley, Teepee Creek, Bezanson

Carmen 

It is my third year in the district but I have close to twenty years experience in the field of education, teaching across the prairie provinces.  I have had the privilege of teaching all of the primary, elementary and junior high grades throughout my career and have enjoyed the unique gifts that each age group brings to the school.  I have also had seven years of administrative experience as the principal of a rural school and have recently attained my Masters of Education as well.  I am passionate about my family, my friends, my work and lifelong learning in general.  I am excited to work alongside school staff in working to meet the academic, physical, social and emotional needs of our learners.
Responsible for:  Harry Balfour, Whispering Ridge

Diedre

My teaching career began on a small reserve in Northern Alberta in 2006 where I taught a grade 1/2 split. Following that, I spent nine years teaching grade 6 to 9 math and social studies, as well as elementary French. My passion and focus has been in mathematics within the areas of leadership and problem solving. This is my second year as an inclusive coach and I feel extremely privileged to be given the opportunity to continue in this role. Here's to another fabulous year of working together to meet the needs of our students and school community.
Responsible for:  Peace Wapiti Academy, Peace Wapiti Enterprise Centre

Erin

My teaching career began ten years ago in a small grade one class in the corner of the library at Robert. W. Zahara Public School in Sexsmith. Over the past ten years I have had the opportunity to work with teachers and students throughout our district and the province who have inspired me to embrace change and broaden my understanding of what it means to be a successful teacher. I believe deeply that social and emotional learning are both integral parts of a well rounded education and have developed a passion for broadening my understanding in this area.It is so exciting to be a part of a profession that is constantly evolving.I feel very privileged to now be working as an inclusive learning coach. It is a position that involves so many rich opportunities to collaborate and learn alongside a diverse group of  passionate educators and students with different backgrounds and perspectives.

“The most valuable resource that all teachers have is each other. Without collaboration our growth is limited to our own perspectives.” - Robert John Meehan
Responsible for: Helen E. Taylor, Robert W. Zahara, Sexsmith Secondary, Penson

Karen

My teaching career began many years ago and has provided me the opportunity to teach elementary and junior high grades in a variety of settings and schools. I have also worked as an Educational Programming Consultant, travelling to many schools in the northern part of the province as part of an Interdisciplinary Team to work with teachers of students with a wide variety of learning needs. I am honored to act in the role of District Principal as it is allows me the opportunity to work alongside many outstanding dedicated educators.

 “Seek opportunities to show you care. The smallest gestures often make the biggest difference.” 
― John Wooden

Responsible for:  Wembley Elementary School, Program Unit Funding (PUF), Mild/Moderate, Family Services for Children with Disabilities (FSCD), Off-Site Preschools, Collaborative Response Model (CRM), Severe Disability, ECS (Kindergarten)

Kathy

I am excited and honored to work with the Peace Wapiti coaching team. My educational experience is primarily in teaching middle school (grades 6-9) but I have taught all grades at various times in my career. One passion I have in education is for math. It is my belief that life is complicated, math is not!  I truly believe we have many talented professionals in all areas of our school district. I look forward to working together and growing my knowledge in many capacities including the CRM. I can’t wait to see what the next day brings!

Responsible for:  Bonanza, Spirit River Regional Academy, Rycroft, Savanna, Eaglesham

Mandy

I am thrilled to be joining the Inclusive Education Coaching team.  After completing my BPE and BEd, I started my teaching career here in Grande Prairie. For the past fifteen years I worked as a classroom teacher; primarily middle school. For the majority of the time my focus was as a Learning Support Teacher.  

I transitioned from GPPSD where I worked in various Inclusive Education roles, supporting staff, students and families.

​I am local to the area and look forward to connecting with those that have positively impacted the lives of my children, my family and extended family. I am excited to build new relationships and connections within our community!
Responsible for: LaGlace, Elmworth, Beaverlodge Elementary, Beaverlodge Regional High School, Hythe

Rowena (Literacy)

I am sometimes referred to as the “Reading Gypsy” because I love a good book and I travel throughout Peace Wapiti sharing my love of books with others.  I have observed firsthand the limitations of illiteracy and have watched as classmates struggled with daily reading assignments.  Since I was a young girl I have wanted to combat that problem.  As a result, I feel privileged to work on the Leveled Literacy Intervention with so many dedicated people who are as equally committed to promoting literacy in our students!

Responsible for:  LLI, Toe by Toe, & Empower Reading in all schools

Teresa

I am excited to join the Peace Wapiti team this year! Over the past 13 years I have worked as an educator in both Alberta and B.C. I am passionate about teaching and learning and always strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree from the University of Victoria with a focus on Literacy and Learning Support. I am currently working on my Master of Education degree in Special Education from the University of Northern British Columbia. I have enjoyed working as a K-9 teacher in various communities on Haida Gwaii, the Nicola Valley, Northern Alberta and Vancouver Island. I recently attained school leadership experience as a Vice Principal. I am looking forward to supporting teachers, students and principals as an Inclusive Education Learning Coach for Peace Wapiti Public School Division. 
Responsible for:  Woking