One could call it a Similkameen version of “Welcome Back, Kotter,” if one is old enough to remember the ‘70s TV series.
Celia Brouwer is excited to return to the school she graduated from - this time as a teacher.
Brouwer, who began instructing grade six students last week, has life long roots in Cawston, part of the Bush and Vesper families.
She recently graduated from the West Kootenay Teacher Education Program in Castlegar, a program focussing on rural education.
“I love it,” she said enthusiastically of her first week at Similkameen Elementary Secondary School.
“I’m really happy to be back in my home town, teaching.”
Brouwer feels she received an interview for a position at the school because she was local.
“I really care about my community. I’m passionate about it,” she said. Brouwer hopes to connect her students to the community more, by introducing them to other aspects of village life.
This is the first teaching appointment for Brouwer, who credits the school for having a great mentorship program.
I’ve been partnered with Nikki Johnson. Her coaching has been amazing,” Brouwer said.
Celia resides in Cawston with husband Ben.