StettlerLocal.com December 14, 2021 @ 2:00pm
Where are you from? Where did you grow up?
Born in St. Paul, Alberta, and lived in many different locations throughout Alberta and the NWT. Grew up mainly in far Northern Alberta, such as Fort Vermilion, South Tallcree, La Crete, and area.
Why do you (did you) choose Stettler as home?
Great education system, safe and close knit communities, great people, nice location.
What do you do? What is your full title?
Deputy Superintendent of Clearview Public Schools; I oversee learning services in our district and this includes many different interesting and wonderful aspects of our top notch education system.
Education?
Graduated from La Crete Public School, achieved my Bachelor of Education from U of L; and my Master of Education (Leadership) from U of A. Growing up in various and diverse communities in Alberta and NWT has been significant in my informal education; parent influence as well. Most of my younger childhood years were spent in South Tallcree, where we had a 1-room school house; a horse drawn wagon/sleigh for a school bus; little contact with the 'outside world' and I greatly enjoyed time outdoors whenever I was not in class.
Family?
Wife Carla Van Oers (teacher at Gus Wetter School in Castor) and 3 daughters - all of who graduated from Gus Wetter School in Castor. My eldest daughter is pursuing a Doctorate in Chemistry at the U of A; my second is pursuing an Engineering degree at the U of A; and my youngest is currently attending the U of L and has not yet decided on any particular program.
Who inspired you in your youth? My parents
Who inspires you now?
Past and present colleagues at Gadsby and Gus Wetter School; many previous students I taught and got to know; all superintendents I have worked with; many Clearview staff members I have worked with past and present; many parents I have gotten to know over the years and my wife and children!
Do you have any hobbies?
Outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, hunting; reading, genealogical research, fly tying, learning new skills related to home improvements and renovations; learning other new skills (new to me) such as snowboarding, wakeboarding, swimming, other physical activities, etc.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to work for Clearview Public Schools until I retire and then pursue my hobbies and interests, and also travel to new and interesting places in Canada and elsewhere; spend more time with family members; enjoy living every day
Anything else you would like to add about being a resident of Stettler?
My wife and I moved to this area many years ago and while we were not planning to remain here, we have never seriously considered leaving due to the services, support, employment opportunities, people, schools, and all the other positive and great aspects of rural living in Alberta generally and in this area specifically. This has been a wonderful place to raise a family and enjoy life!
Thank you to Daram Van Oers for participating in our Local Spotlights.