A graduate of the Christ the Redeemer School Division decided there was no place better to launch his education career than in the hallways he once walked as a student.
Matthew Vant Erve is one of 28 new teachers hired for the 2022-23 school year amidst growing enrolment numbers.
Vant Erve attended St. Mary's Elementary School and St. John Paul II Collegiate before graduating from Holy Trinity Academy. He was awarded a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from the University of Calgary as well as an education degree from St. Mary's University.
When it came time to job search, the educator said there was only one place he thought of first.
"When I first started applying for divisions, my initial thought was Christ the Redeemer, just because I’ve felt nothing but comfort and love for the division," Vant Erve said. "It’s a family-oriented division and everybody has each other's back."
Having experienced other school divisions in the city during his practicum, Vant Erve said CTR felt like the best fit.
"It feels natural to me and it just feels like home," he said.
Vant Erve had a chance to get his feet wet during a short-term position last year and is now covering a maternity leave in which he teaches physical education, outdoor education and religion.
Running into some of his old teachers in the hallways and staff room was a bit unusual at first, but he said he's been welcomed right in.
"It was like a full circle moment, almost, being back here and now I’m on the flip side of things," said Vant Erve.
It seems as though a love for CTR runs in the family.
As it turns out, Vant Erve's father was also a teacher in the division for more than 30 years.
During a recent 'meet the teacher' event, Vant Erve said many parents and siblings recognized his name because they were taught by his dad.
"I’m teaching their kids who were originally taught by my dad," he said. "It’s really cool."
