'This is my life': Beloved Lethbridge teacher celebrates 50 year milestone
When Dr. Delores Dante started teaching at St. Paul elementary in 1970, the Beatles had just released their album ‘Let It Be’ and the mobile phone was still a construct of science fiction.
Fast forward half a century and Dante can’t believe where the time has gone.
"They tell me it’s been 50 years, so I’m going to believe them," she said.
“It’s been a wonderful 50 years because I have enjoyed every day that I have been here.”
THIRD GENERATION OF STUDENTS
Not only is she teacher in Lethbridge’s Catholic School District, she’s also a graduate.
Dante received her bachelor of education degree from the University of Lethbridge before starting her career at St. Paul.
"If anybody would’ve ever asked me 50 years ago if I’d still be here, I probably would’ve looked at you and said, I don’t think so."
Dante is now teaching a third generation of students, some of which are the grandchildren of those she taught in her early years.
She says that teaching was what she always wanted to do and wouldn’t change anything if given a second chance.
"This is my life and this is my love of what I want to do."
TECHNOLOGY
A lot has changed over the course of her career, especially when it comes to technology.
She’s worked through every rendition of the computer and has made the adjustment from chalk board to white board to smart board.
"What’s amazing is the evolution of how the classroom is set up, and now with my smart board," she said.
"I don’t even know how I was teaching all those years, it was like eureka! Yippee, a smart board! And it’s interactive! Oh my goodness, I love it."
However, one thing that hasn’t changed is her outlook when it comes to teaching.
"My philosophy has always been accept the child the way they come through the door and then you individualize and you differentiate so that you are meeting their needs rather than just a group need."
During her tenure with St. Paul, Dante has taught grade three, kindergarten and is now a language learning intervention teacher.
She’s seen her students grow up to become computer programmers, nurses and even doctors.
She also attends the Grade 12 graduation to watch past students make their next big move in life.
"I sit and watch every one of the students go by because I want to see my own students and how many are graduating," Dante told CTV News.
"To see a former student and they still recognize you and love you that is the greatest gift that anyone can receive."
Dr. Delores Dante
EDUCATE YOURSELF
It’s not just the students that continue to learn though, so is Dante who’s always striving to educate herself.
"Learning is a lifelong ability, and it’s a lifelong goal for me."
In addition to her B.Ed., she also has diploma and certificate in early childhood education diploma and Ph.D. in educational curriculum development.
St. Paul’s Principal, Gerry Muldoon, said he had to check her records to make sure he didn’t miss any of her educational accomplishments.
"There are 20 letters after her name between B.Ed. to Ph.D. and that says everything about Delores."
Another highlight of her career was the bestowing of a Blackfoot name back in 2019.
Na’a, meaning ‘Mother’, was the name chosen for Dante because she has been the mother to many students at St. Paul’s.
"It was a great honour and she was so pleased to get," said Muldoon.
He went on to add that over his time at the school, her attitude brings a light into St. Paul’s that could never be replaced.
"When you’ve been in one job for so long and you still have that level of enthusiasm, it is so great to see. I wish I could have it but I’m going to be here for 50 years."
Even after 50 years, Dante says she’s not done yet and is looking forward to what comes next.
Dr. Delores Dante
"I got my 50 year apple, but I want to challenge them, what will they give me for 55?" said Dante.
In addition to thanking all of her students through the years, Dante wanted to thank her friends, family and loved ones who helped her make it to this milestone.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.