After over a decade of teaching at École Parc Élémentaire, Carol Burton has announced her retirement.
Burton grew up in Chilliwack, and being part of a military family, moved around a bit during her youth, even spending four years in Germany.
"When you're in Germany in military schools you have Canadian teachers," said Burton. "They got really good teachers to come over and teach you."
After graduating from the University of British Columbia, Burton found her love for teaching.
"My mom's a teacher, my brother, my grandmother and my grandfather [are as well]. Initially, I didn't think I wanted to teach, but I did some tutoring. I really enjoyed it and figured I would follow in my mother's footsteps."
After teaching for a while, Burton took a ten-year break as she raised her two sons.
"Coming back to teaching was like returning to work, and it was most definitely something that I wanted to do."
After coming to Fort Saskatchewan she began teaching at Rudolph Hennig when it was an elementary school. After Rudolph Hennig changed spots with Fort Saskatchewan Junior High, the former junior high school became École Parc.
Since she was young Burton has always had a knack for French, and she utilized her skills in language for the school's French Immersion classes.
"It's a really good program. It's an added challenge. A lot of the students are very bright, so it's a real pleasure to teach in this program."
Burton said that out of teaching as a whole, her favourite part is teaching reading.
"I love teaching math and science as well, but the reading is kind of life-changing. You're in Grade 2, you're learning to read, but it's a skill that you'll have your whole life."
With her retirement at the end of the school year, Burton said she's looking forward to the extra time she'll have for yoga, travelling, and quality time with her husband.
"When you're teaching you can do a little bit. I'm looking forward to having time to work on my physical health and have a few more options, not being tied down to the school calendar."
Burton added that she'll cherish the time she spent teaching for Elk Island Public Schools.
"I love this community. I love this school. It's a really great place to be, and I couldn't have been more proud to have my teaching career in Fort Saskatchewan."