Going back to school to switch careers has been a rewarding experience for an Okotokian in more ways than one.
On top of graduating with a teacher’s degree Okotoks resident Jon Wong now has a prestigious award with his name on it as he pursues a teaching career after earning the 2020 Lieutenant Governor’s Social Studies Education Student Award presented by Lois Mitchell at a formal ceremony on Aug. 21.
“She used to be a high school teacher herself and that’s why she started this award,” said Wong. “It was a great time her husband Doug Mitchell was there as well and I had my wife (Stacey Lutes) and my (daughter) and one of my professors and the co-ordinator of the awards.
“It was a great experience, very humbling and a great way to start off my teaching career.”
Wong completed his two-year after degree education degree at Ambrose University this year.
He took what he called a very unconventional path to teaching after previously graduating from university in 2002 and building a career in fund development, sponsorship and public relations. He’s also worked extensively in coaching athletics and strength and conditioning for soccer teams in the Calgary area.
“When we had a family I left a successful career and said ‘you know what I need something a little more stable and a chance where I actually get to spend time with my family,’” he said. “My wife and some friends suggested teaching and the rest is history.”
History and a passion for social studies is a big part of the equation.
“I love math, science and social studies – I’m a fountain of useless knowledge, I’m a sponge,” said Wong, who did his practicum in Calgary and at High River’s Spitzee School. “If you had to phone a friend for trivia most likely people would probably phone me.
“I’ve always liked the history, the significance and the lessons learned. Social studies leads us to where if we don’t learn from history we’re just bound to repeat it and those are lessons no matter what grade you’re at, for any student that’s a good life lesson.”
Wong made a presentation over Zoom in July as one of the Ambrose candidates for the award. The format has the students pick one of 150 Albertans to choose to profile over a seven-minute presentation in front of a panel of judges.
He made the presentation on the famous runner Deerfoot, from Siksika Nation, which combined Wong’s passion for sports and history, and was structured as a presentation to a Grade 6 social studies class.
“It was a unanimous decision,” Wong said. “It was nerve-racking, but according to the co-ordinator who was also there, he said it was one of the best presentations they’ve had in the history of the award.”
While graduating amid the pandemic and during a challenging time for teachers preparing for students to return to the classroom, Wong sees it as an opportunity for growth.
“The profession is very resilient, when faced with adversity they’re up for the challenge,” he said. “I look at this as the same thing for all new graduates, just another test for us as teachers to be resourceful and still understand at the end of the day it’s for the students.
“I’m still holding my head up high and hopeful.”
Wong shares the award with his family, friends and the community he’s called home for three years.
“My family moved here and we absolutely love it, love the community feeling,” he said. “I was born and raised in Calgary, but when I was up for this award I said to my wife I not only want to make the school division where I did my practicum (Foothills School Division) proud and my university proud, but I also want to make Okotoks proud as well.
“Because this award is not just a reflection of Ambrose or myself, but also a reflection of the town.”
The ceremony, held at Calgary’s McDougall Centre, was one of the final official duties of Mitchell in her five-year post.
Mitchell is succeeded by Salma Lakhani, the first Muslim lieutenant governor in Canadian history, who was installed into the role on Aug. 26.
