Teachers in Alberta and across Canada joined more than 30 million of their colleagues around the globe marking World Teachers’ Day on October 5.
This year’s slogan is ‘A Call for Teachers’, which UNESCO is celebrating along with its partners, the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNDP, UNICEF and Education International (EI). “This World Teachers’ Day, we call for teachers to receive stronger training upfront and continual professional development and support…Since teachers are the most powerful force for equity, access and quality education, a call for teachers means calling for quality education for all. Quality education offers hope and the promise of a better standard of living. There is no stronger foundation for lasting peace and sustainable development than a quality education provided by well trained, valued, supported and motivated teachers.
World Teachers’ Day is held annually on October 5 to praise the essential role of teachers in providing quality education at all levels. Celebrated since 1994 across the globe, it is an opportunity to honor the teaching profession and support teachers in their efforts to empower people to build a better world.
This year, to mark World Teachers’ Day, Wolf Creek Public Schools selected Kathleen Galloway to be featured as one of many outstanding teachers in the school division. Galloway was asked to share various aspects of her career in education, her views on the teaching profession and how she believes teaching impacts the citizens of the future.
Galloway has been a teacher for just over 25 years. She started her career with Red Deer Public Schools prior to coming to work for Wolf Creek Public Schools. During that time she took a year’s absence to accompany her husband on a teaching exchange position in Australia for one year. She also took a few breaks to be home with her children. Galloway holds a Bachelor of Education from Red Deer College/University of Calgary and has her Master’s Degree (in French) from the Campus (Faculté) St Jean, University of Alberta. She was an integral part of the Wolf Creek AISI (Alberta Initiative for School Improvement) team acting as lead for her school before taking on the role of Assistant Principal at École Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School in September of 2008.
Galloway is actively involved in the French Immersion program at ESLCHS teaching Social and French; and loves the opportunity to interact with young people and to be able to facilitate their interaction with each other as they learn. So when asked why she decided to become a teacher, she did not hesitate to answer; “I have always been drawn to people, so the social and humanitarian aspect of the profession was really appealing.
Sharing a passion for my chosen subject areas was/is very enjoyable, and the opportunity to influence the learners in my care, both through our studies and through valuing each other as people makes this a great way to spend a career!”
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Larry Jacobs, believes that Wolf Creek Public Schools is fortunate to have Galloway working in our division. “Kathleen epitomizes the teacher as a lifelong learner and works tirelessly with students, other teachers and the school community to ensure they have every opportunity to pursue that same goal of lifelong learning.”
“I love to see students learn with and from each other, and I am always learning from everyone around me,” commented Mrs. Galloway. Although she is passionate about engaging students in their own environment, her hopes for the future are, that all children, world-wide, will have opportunities for a high quality education. One of her favorite quotes is by Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
She believes that as educators, teachers are entrusted by parents, guardians and society to help students understand the world in which they live, and the role(s) they have within that world; and by following this practice teachers can encourage students to be lifelong learners and to fulfill their many roles to the best of their abilities – but to never forget to enjoy a comfortable and positive quality of life.
“I hope that education will assist students in attaining skills and knowledge for success in a positive and peaceful adult life; and that they will be challenged to be creative and critical thinkers,” said Galloway.
“I am married to an outstanding educator,” said Galloway. Her husband Brent is Chairperson of Education Department at Red Deer College. They have three grown children; all graduates of ESLCHS, French Immersion and all are pursuing their interests and passions as young adults. Their love of travel and education has opened many opportunities; most recently was this past summer with a team from ‘A Better World’, offering Teacher Professional Development in Kenya. Galloway is a member of the Flat Iron Jazz Band from Lacombe; and she loves camping, reading, kayaking, skiing, photography and music.