For 24-years Gwen Olsen dedicated her passion for education and learning to being the best schoolteacher she could possibly be.
But now she wants to use her passion for education and learning as a school trustee.
Olsen is letting her name stand in Ward 4 along with incumbent Pam Hansen to run for trustee for Wolf Creek School Division.
She is excited to be part of the election process for a school board trustee and believes school boards are a vital voice in education.
“I believe that decisions made closest to the community are most effective. But if we don’t keep a strong interest in what is happening in education, we may risk losing our voice. Elections heighten awareness.”
“I believe that quality education is one of the best things we can do for the coming generations.”
Olsen has a solid background in teaching, having taught in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Denmark. She has taught in Wolf Creek School Division for almost half of her career and received the Outstanding Alberta Colony Educators Award in 2011.
“I have looked at board decisions from the other side of the lens,” she said, noting this experience would be beneficial as a trustee.
“A school trustee should have some knowledge of teaching practices as they make critical decisions about where to best place tax dollars for maximum learning.”
As well as teaching, Olsen has a solid background in governance as she has served on the Blindman Youth Action Society, was the Neighbourhood Place Coordinator in Rimbey and received a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award from Rimbey Lions Club.
Olsen and her husband Steffen operate a cow-calf ranch and a construction business. They have three children and five grandchildren.