Life in Southeast Kootenay: Teaching among mountain ranges, pristine lakes, old-growth forests

'Being able to take my students to play in the forest, go fishing at the river, or even explore our great outdoors by hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and more had a big impact on what drew me to work in Elkford.' – Taylor Wurmlinger  

University of Lethbridge graduate Taylor Wurmlinger was born and raised in Elkford, BC, in the Southeast Kootenays. The region boasts mountain ranges, pristine glacial lakes and lush forests, and is considered one of the sunniest regions in BC. 

The area is also home to Southeast Kootenay School District #5, which, along with Elkford, includes the major centres of Cranbrook, Fernie and Sparwood. The district includes 19 schools – 10 elementary, four secondary and two alternative schools – housing almost 6,000 students and 700 employees. 

Rocky Mountain Elementary School Grade 2 teacher Wurmlinger is one of those passionate educators who loves using the rich natural setting of Southeast Kootenay to help engage her students. 

Where were you born and raised? 

I was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, and raised in Elkford. My parents still live in my childhood home. 

Where did you attend post-secondary?  

I went to the University of Lethbridge after graduating high school in June 2015. I took a combined Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degree. I received a degree in both Kinesiology and Education. I graduated in 2020. 

Why did you take a teaching role in your district? What drew you to work there?  

I took a role in School District #5 because I always dreamed of moving back home to Elkford. I loved growing up in Elkford, and my parents still live here. Many of my childhood friends also loved Elkford, so following their post-secondary schooling, they also moved back. My sister decided to move back alongside me in 2020. 

When I was in my final university course, I was offered a job at Rocky Mountain Elementary School in Elkford and an elementary school in Lethbridge. The decision was easy for me – Elkford! Coming back and teaching at the elementary school I attended was a dream come true. Being able to be back in the beautiful community of Elkford, alongside my family and friends, made it even better.  

I enjoy working in Elkford because the community is so small and close-knit. I have been able to teach many siblings and even children of parents whom my mom taught when they were in school. I love being able to know all the kids in the school, regardless of what class or grade they are in.  

Being able to take my students to play in the forest, go fishing at the river, or even explore our great outdoors by hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and more had a big impact on what drew me to work in Elkford. 

Did you always plan to start your career in that community? 

I never planned on starting my career in Elkford; however, I always wanted and dreamed of returning here. When I was offered the job, it was proof it was meant to be. I am so grateful that I got to start my career, and I plan to work my entire career here in Elkford. 

What do you love about working in the district? 

I enjoy the teacher autonomy we are given. I enjoy that our school holds a high priority in collaboration as well. I like that even though we are 30 minutes from the next closest town, I know many of the great teachers in the other communities that are a part of the school district.  

What are the challenges as a teacher (if any)? 

I find one of the challenges of being a teacher is the lack of understanding of what our job entails. At times, some community members who do not have anyone they know in the education field struggle to understand the vast amount of work we do and the time we put into this profession.  

What's the thing you love the most about teaching in general?  

'I love the interactions with my students. I love being able to see them make mistakes and realize what they need to do to fix them. I love being silly and laughing with my students and colleagues. I also love seeing my past students in the hallways, during sports and eating lunch with them.'

Is there anything specific that you like about teaching the BC curriculum? 

I like how the BC curriculum is set up. I think it is incredibly easy to follow and understand and is quite open, allowing each teacher to decide how they want to teach the concepts to their class. Every class is different, so allowing this teacher autonomy is wonderful to ensure we meet the needs of our specific class and students.  

Do you have a story or an example showing what makes teaching in BC unique? 

My students got to learn about bats and then help make a bat house that we then attached to our school to try to help bats from becoming endangered.  

I love teaching in BC because of all the wildlife and wilderness around us. Being able to teach students survival techniques is amazing. We have spent days hiking or snowshoeing throughout our beautiful wilderness in the winter, followed by making our fires to roast marshmallows. 

I absolutely adore working and living in Elkford, BC. Our school staff and students are wonderful, and I could not imagine starting my career elsewhere.