Retired, but always a teacher: Why I still believe in public education

With municipal elections approaching across Alberta, I’ve been struck by how many retired teachers in Camrose are once again stepping up to run for the role of school trustee. It’s a familiar and encouraging sight. Teachers don’t easily walk away from education. So many of us continue to take an interest in what is happening in Alberta’s public education and to care about the next generation of students—and their teachers.

As a retired teacher who worked in three public schools in two different divisions, I have many reasons why I still care.

After earning my bachelor of education degree from the University of Alberta, I began teaching in Edmonton before moving to a part-time position in Camrose. When I took time away from the classroom for 14 years to raise my children, I found other ways to stay connected to the profession I loved: creating and coordinating children’s theatre and art programs and volunteering in the church and community. Even outside the classroom, a key tenet of public education—helping all children reach their potential—guided everything I did.

Then I returned to teaching. The class sizes were larger and there were more complexities. The expectations were higher. I also directed extracurricular choral and drama clubs, which I loved doing, but it was a lot of work. I was fortunate to work alongside wonderful, caring and dedicated colleagues. Support from administrators and access to professional learning through the Alberta Teachers’ Association helped us adapt to new technology and growing classroom diversity. But it was still a lot of work, and this was decades ago.

Teachers don’t stop caring when they retire. Like many of my peers, I found new ways to give back—mentoring student teachers, presenting at teachers’ conventions, and developing classroom resources and children’s stories inspired by my teaching experiences. These opportunities allowed me not only to stay connected to the profession but also to help prepare the next generation of teachers who will carry public education forward.

Our community also continues to be strengthened by retired teachers who still seek out ways to have a meaningful impact on the lives of children and youth, whether by stepping forward for school board trustee, volunteering with the local music festival, serving on committees or reading to an elementary class. Their involvement is about stewardship. We are part of a profession that cares. We care about our communities and understand that when public education is well supported, the entire community benefits.

Now, as a grandparent, I still find joy in teaching. Visits with my grandchildren remind me why I loved teaching in the first place—there is nothing better than inspiring and nurturing curiosity in kids. My four children and eight grandchildren all attended (and some still currently attend) public schools, and seeing their growth reaffirms my belief that our public system is worth protecting. 

Public education is about providing every child with access to quality learning and opportunities to be inspired. Strong public schools create engaged citizens who contribute to vibrant communities. But this system cannot be taken for granted. It requires ongoing investment and the collective belief that every child’s education matters.

As voters prepare to choose new school trustees, I hope they recognize what’s at stake. The decisions trustees make affect the strength of our public education system and our communities for years to come. Well-resourced and supported public schools serve all of Alberta.

Teachers may retire, but our belief in public education endures. Supporting our public schools means protecting the values that hold our communities together. When we stand up for public education, we stand up for every child’s right to learn. 

Carolyn Hartman taught elementary school for 20 years. A writer in her retirement, Hartman is passionate about storytelling and fostering of love of literacy and learning in children.