For Karen Draycott, teaching isn't just a career, it's a calling.
From a young age, Draycott has known she was meant to work in education.
“I have always wanted to teach. I can remember back into elementary school that this was something that I really liked to do,” she expressed. “I looked at the teachers I had growing up, and I realized it was the best job in the world because they got to help kids."
Draycott, who is the current assistant principal of Northern Lights' Outreach Schools, has been named the future principal of Iron River School, an opportunity she said she has waited years for.
“This is something I have been waiting for, for the last three or four years,” she noted.
She started her career path as an educational assistant in Yellowknife, but being in a classroom wasn't enough, she wanted to teach.
Draycott said, "I thought it was nice, but I wanted my own classroom."
That was when she attended school in Lethbridge, where she earned a degree in international political science, before moving on to the University of Alberta for her master's.
After finishing her education, Draycott moved back to Yellowknife, where she taught Grade 5 for two years.
It wasn't until 12 years ago that she and her husband moved to Alberta for work. At the time, he suggested Cold Lake as an option, and after seeing it for herself, she knew it was home.
“I fell in love with it. It was like the north, but only south. There was a lake, big open spaces, so we made the decision to buy a house there,” Draycott described.
Over the years, Draycott has taught students from Grades 1 through 12, giving her well-rounded experience she hopes to apply to her new role at Iron River School.
“I have taught Grades 1 to 12 now. I know the curriculum quite well between those grades. I have the experience of teaching all levels,” said Draycott.
But hands-on experience isn't all that matters when it comes to running a school.
For Draycott, passion is also important.
“I have the love for education, the love for students. It’s something I think that’s important to develop, is that strong culture of learning and caring,” she expressed.
She hopes she can bring her desire to educate and overall knowledge to Iron River, while continuing to build community ties.
“I think going out there, they’re a strong community. They love their school,” Draycott said. “I’m looking forward to connecting with those kids and staff and the parents."
"Karen is focused on building strong relationships with students and ensuring they have the support they need to be successful," said Northern Lights Public Schools superintendent Rick Cusson, in a release. "She has a passion for small schools and fostering connections between the school and the community."
