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Christy Wyse is a substitute teacher at Wolf Creek Public Schools. (Supplied)
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Alberta’s substitute teachers get salute this week

Mar 7, 2021 | 9:51 AM

March 8-12 is Substitute Teachers’ Appreciation Week across Alberta.

At Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS), subs are being saluted by the division and ATA Local #3.

“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.”

Adds Rod Phillips, chair of the Professional Replacement Teachers’ Committee with the ATA Local #3, subs are dedicated professionals.

“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 Phillips. “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.”

Christy Wyse, a substitute teacher for WCPS, says watching kids grow up is a treat.

“Meeting them in elementary and continuing those relationships through high school is very special,” she says. “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.”

WCPS notes there is typically an event held within schools to celebrate substitutes, but that has been postponed due to COVID-19.

There are approximately 200 subs working for Wolf Creek Public Schools.

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