BETTY SIEGEL

Betty Siegel has spent her career in education and advocacy. As a teacher, she saw firsthand that a successful school depends not only on educators, but on the many people working behind the scenes to keep our schools functioning and safe.

Throughout her career, Betty was actively involved in teachers’ unions, where she saw first-hand the work that goes into reaching a fair contract. She believes in the importance of fair agreements and the responsibility of both sides to honour the commitments they make.

Being a health and safety representative at both the school and district levels led her to advocate for better working conditions for CUPE staff. This work has been guided by a simple principle: education works best when people look out for one another. Teachers may be at the front of the classroom, but secretaries, custodians, learning assistants, and other administrative staff are just as important to creating a safe and successful school.

Betty also believes in finding creative ways to better engage students in the classroom. She was part of the original district music group that helped introduce ukuleles and Orff instruments into schools. She also made professional development an important part of her own career and wanted her students to see that learning doesn’t stop when you become an adult.

Betty’s experiences outside the classroom have also influenced how she sees education. She’s passionate about supporting seniors and newcomers to Canada, and travel has given her an appreciation for different points of view and perspectives. Her own family has included children by birth, adoption, and fostering, giving her an understanding that every child and family has a unique story to tell.

Betty is running for School Trustee because she believes education works best when people work together. She wants to bring her experience as an educator and advocate to the Board to keep focus on the students and support team behind their success.