WCPS and ATA Local #3 saluting substitute teachers during appreciation week, March 8 to 12
Substitute teachers are the focus as Wolf Creek Public Schools and the Alberta Teachers’ Association Local # 3 recognize Substitute Teachers' Appreciation Week, March 8 to 12.
“Substitute teachers are essential each and every year to our school division, and through the COVID-19 pandemic this is absolutely underscored,” said Corrine Thorsteinson,
assistant superintendent. “The dedication of substitute teachers creates stability in a classroom that allows students to remain focused, feel supported and move forward. That is immeasurable for schools and for student success.”
Throughout Alberta, substitute teachers enter the classroom with the same daily responsibilities of instruction, care for students and dedication to education as regular teachers.
“Substitute teachers are dedicated professionals and they have the added challenge of not being able to work with students on a long-term basis, but with the responsibility to keep students and curriculum moving forward,” said Rod Phillips, chair of the Professional Replacement Teachers’ Committee with the ATA Local #3. “We salute them daily, but a week like this allows for us to put an extra spotlight on those contributions to education, to students, to schools and to families.”
“You can’t imagine how much I love getting to watch kids grow up,” said Christy Wyse, WCPS substitute teacher. “Meeting them in elementary and continuing those relationships through high school is very special.
“As a substitute, it is fun to walk into a different space each day and have the ability to roll with the classroom routines while connecting with the students and making sure things run smoothly. It’s like hitting the ground running to connect and direct in each classroom we’re guests in.”
In past years a celebration honouring substitute teachers would be held at a Wolf Creek school or other venue. Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions in Alberta, the celebration has been postponed until restrictions permit.
WCPS has approximately 200 substitute teachers, serving throughout the district.