Jasper classrooms have opened their doors to new teachers this year, and the Fitzhugh has taken the time to get to know each of them a little in the hopes of helping fellow Jasperites do the same. They have their own unique stories, but one thing they all share is excitement for their new jobs and hitting the books with their students. 

Ashley Morden 

Jr./Sr. High School

Senior French

Hailing from Sarnia, Ont., Ashley Morden first came to Jasper two and a half years ago for a summer job at the art gallery at Jasper Park Lodge.

The mountains cast their spell, and once she graduated from teacher’s college and then spent a year traveling, Morden took a position as a French teacher at the Jasper Jr./Sr. High School.

“It’s a great opportunity, I’m so excited,” she said, adding that the sense of community is what she loves about Jasper.

It’s only been a few years since Morden was in high school herself, and she recalls what a great time she had because she was involved in so many activities. As coach of the junior boys volleyball team, she was pleased to see a number of her students come to try-outs.

“I’m sure we’re going to have a great team this year,” she said.

When it comes to the classroom, Morden remembers what it was like to learn French herself, so she has some insight to offer. She studied immersion French from elementary through high school, took classes in university and also studied in France for one semester.

“One thing I really try to do is speak to them in French as much as I possibly can,” she said. “In general I’m trying to just get them more comfortable with the language.”

There’s a lot to love about Jasper, said Morden, who sees herself here for the long haul.  “Just being outside, all the outdoor activities,” she said. “And the beautiful scenery.”

Jessica Montgomerie 

Gr. 3 French Immersion

Elementary

After an unsuccessful attempt to become employed at Jasper Elementary School in the summer of 2007, Jessica Montgomerie sent her resume for a second time last summer on a whim, trying to keep expectations under control. 

When she received word that the job was hers, Montgomerie was immediately ready to leave behind the crowds, skyscrapers and clutter of her hometown Edmonton for a much quieter life. 

“I’m a city girl, a straight up city girl,” she said. “But I always wanted to live in a small town and it’s great. It’s beautiful here... it’s stone silent.”

Montgomerie worked as a supply teacher around Alberta last year after completing her  education degree at the U of A in 2007. Her current gig as a Grade 3 teacher is her first full-time experience. 

Although she prepared vigorously for the first day, there was still a certain level element of concern before she went before her class for the first time. 

“I was kind of worried I hadn’t planned enough, even though I had planned like four days straight for that one day,” she said. “Everything went really well though. It gets easier once you get in the swing of things and get set up.”

It has been Montgomerie’s dream to be a teacher since the seventh grade. She said work as a camp counsellor during her teenage years solidified her desire to one day lead a classroom.

Josée Ruel 

Jasper Elementary 

Gr. 5 French Immersion, Gr. 2 Math, Gr. 3 French

Josée Ruel may be a long way from her home town of St-Charles-De-Bellchase, QC but she is no stranger to Jasper.  

Ruel completed her practicum for the Université du Quebec a Rimouski at École Desrochers in Jasper during the 2006-2007 school year. 

“For me it’s kind of like I’m home now,” said Ruel. “It’s kind of a dream to be teaching Grade 5 in Jasper.” 

Ruel likes to bring creative activities into her classrooms, mixing art into her math and science classes, to show students the fun and practical sides of education. 

“For everyone school’s not fun, so I try to make it fun and make it useful and let them understand that math can be useful in their lives,” she said. 

The south eastern Quebecker said she will take in the outdoor surroundings whenever the chance arises, but doesn’t expect to make it out to the mountain bike trails or ski hills very much during her first year as a teacher.  

“In first year we have all of our prep to do so we could be spending all our free time here,” said Ruel, adding that the veteran teachers of Jasper Elementary School make the transition for the new teachers easier.

“All the staff is really nice and helpful. They’re really good with us.” 

Kelly Skehill 

Jr./Sr. High School

Gr. 8 Math, 

Gr. 9 Math and Art

Kelly Skehill learned in high school just what it takes to turn a problem student’s academic life around.

The Jasper-raised math and art teacher said she was a troubled student before managing to reverse her educational fortunes with help from some influential teachers. 

Now she’s on the other side of the equation. As a teacher Skehill said she can use her experience to relate to students and have a similar positive effect.

“I went through a serious change in high school from going downhill to a dramatic change in marks and that was a result of numerous people helping me,” said Skehill. “And I think I can also help people with that transition or hopefully avoid that transition as well.”

Skehill has been involved in many community groups and organizations focusing on getting youth involved and active. Putting on events for HIV West Yellowhead and volunteering around town has helped Skehill keep in tune with teenagers in the area. After all she’s not very far removed from being one herself. 

“There’s students here that I went to school with because it’s only been four years,” she said. “It’s funny growing up here and coming back four years later. To have family and friends here is really nice.”

“I guess there’s a peace that you know right away where you feel comfortable and confident and prepared,” she said. “It feels right to be here – to be teaching. I think when kids walk into this classroom it’s comfortable.”

Reg Currie 

Jr./Sr. High School 

Gr. 7, 10, 11, 12 Phys-Ed 

Reg Currie came to Jasper with his family before entering kindergarten and plans to be in the Rocky Mountains for much of the foreseeable future.

Currie worked at Jasper Jr./Sr. High School and Jasper Elementary School as a substitute teacher for the last two years after completing a minor in social studies and an elementary school major at U of A. 

“I just kind of fell into it at school,” said Currie of his career. “The courses I took just kind of led to teaching.”

His past experiences in town and work in the schools makes the transition into full-time teacher a natural progression.

“It’s been pretty easy,” said Currie. “Knowing all the kids and having them see me around school helps. I also know a lot of their parents too.”

Currie is one in a long list of young teachers to come to Jasper over the last couple of years. 

Currie feels this younger generation of teachers can bring with it a positive spin to education. 

“I think it’s getting easier for the kids to relate to a lot of the younger teachers. It does help I think,” he said.

Looking towards the future, Currie sees himself settling down and starting a family with wife Leslie, who teaches Grade 7 art at Jasper Jr./Sr. High.

“I think it’ll be a good place to raise a family. There’s not a lot of trouble for kids here to get into,” he said.