CARSTAIRS – John Goutsis says his long career as an educator and administrator in Carstairs has been rewarding on several levels – including making a difference for students and their parents over the years.
The current principal of Carstairs Elementary School, Goutsis is retiring at the end of the month following a thirty-plus year career in education.
Originally from Calgary, Goutsis started his teaching career in Calgary for a year before taking a teaching position at Reed Ranch School east of Olds.
He holds an education degree from the University of Calgary.
After nine years at Reed Ranch, he took a job at Hugh Sutherland School in Carstairs where he worked as a teacher and administrator, including as vice-principal.
He then moved to Carstairs Elementary School, where he became principal seven years ago. He continued to teach throughout his 25 years in Carstairs.
“I’ve always made sure that I taught,” he said. “Even though I was in administration, I’ve always made sure that I’ve had a teaching role. It is important to stay connected to the kids in the classroom.
“In the 36 years I’ve taught everything from kindergarten to Grade 12. I’ve taught every grade. You name it and I’ve done it. And it’s been a great job.”
Asked if he has a favourite grade level to teach, he said, “Elementary was basically where my preference was. That was my training at university, but you take a job wherever you can. In your career you bounce around all over the place.”
Throughout his time in Carstairs, Goutsis says he has certainly felt appreciated.
“Carstairs has always made me feel welcome and hopefully I’ve given them a good 25 years of education for their students,” he said.
“I guess the reason I’ve been in Carstairs for so many years is that it is just a great community. I’ve made connections with the families, the community, the businesses, the Town of Carstairs.
“The neat thing about being in Carstairs for so long is I’ve seen the kids I’ve taught now bring back their families. It’s been an amazing career for connecting with families.”
Goutsis doesn’t plan to totally leave education behind when he retires at the end of June. In fact, he has taken a community partner position at the University of Calgary starting in the fall.
“I hope to work with young teachers coming into the profession,” he said. “I’ll be their advisor and help mentor them as they get into the career at the beginning.”
Young people considering a career in education should jump right in, he said.
“It’s a very rewarding career and you can really make a difference,” he said. “I’ve had people say over the years ‘the reason I graduated was because of you.' And that makes you feel great and it means a lot.”
