Rick Stiebel

Black Press

For Darren Russell, the keys to a teaching career are the connections you make with students that last a lifetime.

B次元官网网址淩unning into former students and hearing their fond memories of school is personally very rewarding,B次元官网网址� said Russell, one of this yearB次元官网网址檚 selections who is in his third year as principal at . B次元官网网址淜nowing you made a difference in someoneB次元官网网址檚 life is why we do this job.B次元官网网址�

The opportunity to coach volleyball with elementary students when he was in Grade 11 started Russell on a career that will span 30 years in September.

B次元官网网址淚 was motivated by my high school volleyball coach,B次元官网网址� he explained. B次元官网网址淭hat started my passion for connecting with young people and seeing them develop.B次元官网网址�

Russell spent the early years of his career teaching physical education before adding social studies. B次元官网网址淭eaching phys ed allowed me to be outdoors and involved in physical activity thatB次元官网网址檚 different from the classroom,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淭eaching social studies let me see both sides. It enabled me to explore ways to foster a lifelong love of learning in my students.B次元官网网址�

Russell credits a year in a teachers exchange program in Perth, Australia for broadening his skills.

B次元官网网址淚t was an amazing experience that gave me insight into another education system,B次元官网网址� he explained. B次元官网网址淚t was interesting to see the differences and similarities.B次元官网网址�

Russell has been involved in administration as a vice-principal and principal for the past 10 years.

B次元官网网址淪tepping from the classroom to the principalB次元官网网址檚 office is more about the greater community of the school as a whole,B次元官网网址� he noted. B次元官网网址淧art of what motivates me is that the biggest part of my job is the opportunity to build relationships with students, parents and the community. ThatB次元官网网址檚 first and foremost. It also allows me to visit classrooms and see first-hand the amazing work teachers do every day.B次元官网网址�

Time with family is also key for Russell, who looks forward to his daily walks on the beach and in the woods with his wife, Kim, and their dog.

B次元官网网址淪he takes photos of anything heart-shaped, whether itB次元官网网址檚 rocks, puddles or clouds,B次元官网网址� he said, adding that some of her photos are on display at the school. B次元官网网址淚t helps me to see the beauty in whatB次元官网网址檚 around us and keeps me balanced, recharged and ready to go.B次元官网网址�

Russell also enjoys watching his kids participate in community sports.

B次元官网网址淏eing part of a team fosters a sense of belonging, instills confidence and teaches the importance of working as a team,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚t also forces you to be organized in order to get school work, practices and everything else done.B次元官网网址�

Russell was humbled to be selected as one of the nominees for the Black Press Great Teachers feature. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檇 like to share this with everyone who has inspired me to do the job I do.B次元官网网址�

The Great Teachers program is presented by Black Press and , in partnership with .