Q&A: Praising her parents
Carol Grant-Watt brings her skills to Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School
Educator and lifelong learner Carol Grant-Watt is finding renewed excitement in her life and career as the new head of school at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School. “I’m excited by great people coming together to do amazing things in a natural setting,” says Grant-Watt, who joined Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, a private, fully International Baccalaureate, post-secondary preparatory school, this past August. With 650 students from kindergarten to Grade 12 at its campus in the foothills south of Calgary, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir focuses on teamwork, academic excellence, curiosity and physical well-being. “It’s a place of rich traditions with a progressive spirit.” Grant-Watt involves her family in her work by including them in many of her school activities and events. Her family — husband Dr. William (Sandy) Watt, two children, two grandchildren and two rescue dogs — is very important to her. She considers her parents to be her greatest mentors. “I credit the fact that I even have this career, to them and to their belief in education,” says Grant-Watt, who was born in Innisfail, but grew up in Calgary. A strong believer in lifelong learning, she holds a bachelor of education degree from the University of Calgary and a master of arts in educational leadership from San Diego State University. She’s currently investigating doing a PhD. Grant-Watt worked in banking
before becoming a teacher, administrator and guidance counsellor at various high schools in and around Calgary. She has experience in both the public and private school systems.
Q. How would your best friend describe you?
A. As a passionate educator. My career and my focus on education has blended into all aspects of my life.
Q. What would your students or staff be surprised to learn you like to do in your personal time or on a day off ?
A. I think people would be surprised to learn I’m actually an introvert. I like to spend a lot of time outdoors, whether that’s cross-country skiing, walking or kayaking. I like spending time either with myself or with small groups of people in those pursuits.
Q. What three things could you not live without?
A. My family, my books and my work. I read books on leadership and education, and I love biographies. Right now, I’m reading Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead, The Power of Moments, by Chip and Dan Heath and The Nature Fix, by Florence Williams. I’m passionate about being in education. I think it’s the great hope for the world — education in all its forms. I think the strength in the system comes from the strength of all of us who want to have an impact on education. I’m involved in advocacy — I feel a real responsibility to give back, because I feel blessed in my career.
Q. Who was the most influential teacher you had as a student?
A. My grades 8 and 11 social studies teacher, Graham Doherty, at Queen Elizabeth High School in Calgary. Before personalized learning was a buzzword, that’s what he did. He made you love learning and he made you believe you could do anything. He brought out creativity and valued the individual voice: an amazing man.
Q. What most excites you about being principal at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir?
A. Working with really great people. When you can support teaching and learning at the highest level, it’s very exciting.
Q. What does your school have bragging rights to?
A. Having the courage to be creative, embrace change and remain true to humble roots. Alberta core values are here and evident. This is the only school in this area offering the IB program from kindergarten to Grade 12. The outdoor education program is at a very high level and integrated into the overall program for a health and wellness focus. The staff are amazing. And STS has a Centre for Excellence in Teaching.
Q. What is your top advice for students in terms of what they’ll need to succeed in the future?
A. Creativity, belief in themselves and flexibility.