Professional
Educator
Jenny served Calgary's students at the elementary and secondary levels for more than 34 years. Her instruction included:
Teacher, Grades 2-6 - Humanities, Math/Science, PhysEd/Health, French, Art, and EAL
Teacher, Grades 7-12 - Humanities, Math/Science, Leadership, Art, Legal Studies, and EAL
Jenny graduated from Dr. EP Scarlett High School in SW Calgary. She earned her BEd in Elementary: Reading and Language, and MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Calgary.
As an educator, her greatest joy came in those electric flashes of understanding—when a student’s eyes lit up, and a once-elusive concept finally clicked into place.
She saw growing class sizes and the number of students with unsupported learning needs increase to distressing levels. Few things upset teachers more than knowing students are falling through the cracks.
Teaching chose Jenny.
Leader
Jenny served Alberta's teachers at the local and provincial levels for 31 years. Her investment included:
Executive Member, Calgary Public Teachers' Local 38 - bargaining chair, Vice President, President
District Representative - Calgary City, Vice President - Finance, Resolutions
Jenny spearheaded the Diversity, Equity, and Human Rights and Strategic Planning Committees at the local level. She sat at the negotiation table for two rounds of provincial bargaining, and attended numerous member information meetings across the province.
As a leader, her greatest joy came from meaningful connections with colleagues - when a teacher's glance conveyed an genuine respect for, and appreciation of, the difficult work at hand.
She saw government's disconnect and teachers' frustration detracting from objective conversations. Few things upset teachers more than knowing schools are expected to do more with less for students.
Colleagues chose Jenny.
Builder
Jenny served Canada's teachers at the national and international levels for six years. Her involvement included:
Vice President, Canadian Teachers' Federation
International Delegate, Canadian Teachers' Federation
Jenny championed ongoing support for educator mental health at the national level. She advised the research team's investigation of teacher retention issues and recruitment concerns.
As a builder, her greatest joy came from collective strength for critical change - when a group's vision became a reality in the face of daunting challenges.
She saw governments ignoring province-wide indicators of district deterioration to the detriment of students. Few things upset teachers more than knowing school systems are being blamed for problems they can't solve on their own.
Communities chose Jenny.