Guest blogger Kirsten Endicott
How my career began at Ranch Ehrlo
I have been with Ranch Ehrlo in the education department since 1994 and have worked in a variety of roles during that time. My husband, Brad Endicott also works at Ranch Ehrlo and together we have raised three children, who have “grown up with the Ranch”.
I started as an educational associate at the Campbell Collegiate satellite program and that is where I got my feet wet so to speak. Then I applied for a teaching position at Schaller School, at the Pilot Butte Campus. At that time, each classroom had one teacher without an educational associate in the Schaller classrooms. Toward the end of my first school year, I took a maternity leave and returned to work in the following school year.
Teaching my own class in the city
Upon my return from my first maternity leave, Past Principal, Oli Erickson, placed me at in the Ranch Ehrlo classroom at Herchmer Community School. I taught there for approximately 11 years. My first staff partner in the classroom was good old Charlie Klaus. He and I worked together for a few years and once he moved on, I worked with other E.A.s who worked for terms of their own. Herchmer was a wonderful fit for our youth being a community school in North Central Regina. Inclusion was certainly fostered in that community school. Sadly, the decision was made to demolish Herchmer School due to structural issues, which meant our classroom had to find a new home. Our administration negotiated another classroom space with Regina Public Schools and we were moved to Rosemont Community School, where I taught for approximately three years. Rosemont ended up being another great fit for us and we developed strong relationships there with support for our program.
Taking on a new role with the agency
When a position for the RES Education Resource Coordinator for programs south became available, I applied for it. I had been working on complementing my degree in education by obtaining a certificate in special education. I completed this while working full-time and raising three kids. As fate would have it, I was granted the position and have been learning in this new role ever since. This position requires me to wear a few hats – all which support other functions and staff in the education program. Specifically, I help with assessments and follow ups, individualized educational plans (IEPs) – making sure all the checks and balances are in place, contacting the clinical assessment team for referrals, and supporting teachers and educational associates by locating resources and program accommodations. I also enjoy providing support to students at Schaller School. I enjoy being a good listener when they are willing to share their thoughts and experiences about their academic and personal lives.
