Creative colleagues

Teachers have their own extracurricular activities. Some volunteer. Some write books. Others produce podcasts, create art or make music. Here are some ­endeavours undertaken by your colleagues “out there.”

Books

Starvation Cove
As a senior high social studies teacher, Ben Galeski has always been ­fascinated with Canadian history. This fascination prompted him to write his first novel, ­Starvation Cove, which was recently published by Justin Press. The novel fictionalizes the final days of the final survivors of the doomed 19th century Franklin Expedition to the Canadian Arctic. 

Ben Galeski
St. Joseph’s Collegiate, Brooks 
justinpress.ca

Alberta Comics: Home
When not teaching junior high math, science or creative writing, James Davidge is authoring novels and comics. Most recently, his work appeared in Alberta Comics: Home, an anthology of short comics and cartoons on the theme “home.” Davidge’s contribution, “School & Home in a Time of COVID,” captures challenges that emerged in education during the pandemic with humour and heart. Complementing Davidge’s story is artwork by Christopher Peterson. 

James Davidge
Willow Park School for Arts-Centred Learning, Calgary
jamesdavidge.ca
Renegade Arts Entertainment

Business

Apple and Iris Boutique
Grade 1 teacher ­Jennifer Graves owns an online women’s clothing boutique, Apple and Iris, that has teachers in mind. Graves’s boutique has weekly Teacher Tuesday launches with pieces and products that are specially chosen and designed for life in the classroom. The boutique also does book giveaways to help grow the children’s book libraries of teachers (and parents) with books focusing on diversity, ­inclusion, mental health and—of course—learning! 

Jennifer Graves 
Jan Reimer School, Edmonton
www.appleandiris.com 
Facebook and Instagram @ApplendIrisBoutique

Volunteering

Alberta Kodály Association
Music teacher Sarah Schaub has been involved with the Alberta Kodály Association (AKA) for six years and is volunteering as president for the 2022/23 year. Schaub works with members of the AKA board to provide professional learning opportunities for Alberta music teachers and to advocate for quality music education in the province. She has previously volunteered as a singer representative for Pro Coro Canada, Edmonton’s professional choir. 

Sarah Schaub 
St John XXIII Catholic School, Fort Saskatchewan