Katherine Vladicka

I have had the privilege to have been teaching with FMPSD for the last 10 years.  I have taught math and science, mostly grade 9, at Ecole McTavish since we opened in 2011.  Before that, I taught high school math at Westwood High School.  I have also tutored high school math to students in grade 10 to 12 since I started teaching.  In addition to teaching at McTavish, I am also the teacher sponsor for our school's Gay- Straight Alliance and I organize our school's Science Fair.  I am also very involved with the Alberta Teacher's Association Local here in Fort McMurray.  I am the Vice-President of our Local, and represent Fort McMurray teachers on various committees here and provincially.

I have a Bachelor Degree in Biological Sciences and Anthropology from the University of Alberta and for several years before becoming a teacher I worked in research labs at the UofA.   I worked on aquatic ecology projects in the mountain parks, studying the effect of mercury on aquatic ecosystems.  I also worked in the Limnology lab on campus and at the Meanook Biological Research station in Athabasca.  I try to bring these experiences into the classroom and I believe they make me a better science teacher.  I went back to school and earned my Bachelor of Education degree, specializing in secondary science and math.  During my teaching career here in Fort McMurray I have been awarded FMPSD's "Doing What's Best for Kids" award as well as APEGA (Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta) award of Excellence in Math and Science Teaching.

Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and friends.  My partner, Cindy, and I have created a family here, as many people who weren't raised here do.  But I travel back to Edmonton as often as I can to visit my family, especially my niece and nephews.  In addition to family, my passions include scuba diving, traveling the world, hiking, camping and canoeing.  I have always loved nature and exploring the world and it's cultures.  Cindy and I are also involved with YMM Pride, volunteering our time to help with Fort McMurray's now annual Pride celebrations. 

I believe all children can learn math, even when they don't think they can, they just need to give themselves and me a chance.  I believe every kid in unique with their own passions, skills and strengths.  What I love about teaching is seeing students grow and start to discover those things.  I love their enthusiasm for the world, for discovering new things and contributing in some way to their future.  My students make me smile and laugh every day and I truly feel honoured to be able to teach them and share in their journey.